Emerald vs Duration: Which Sherwin Williams Interior Paint Should You Choose?

May 15th, 2023

2 min read

Emerald paint can with green colored wall. Image Credit: Sherwin Williams

Refreshing your home with a new coat of paint is anything but exciting. However, choosing the wrong interior paint for your project can have negative effects.

Duration and Emerald interior paints by Sherwin Williams are two top of the line interior paints on the market. But which one is right for your project?

Brush & Roll Painting has been a trusted interior residential painter near the Omaha area since 1996. Our customer satisfaction process includes high-quality products and a thorough prep work process. We have been through trials and tribulations with paint products on the market, so our knowledge and expertise are a promise.

In this article, we will compare Emerald and Duration by Sherwin Williams to help you determine which one is the best choice for your next interior painting project.

Top Interior Paint Choices by Sherwin Williams

While comparing your paint options, use this information to help you make your decision of what paint product is best for your interior project.

Emerald is the most high-quality paint that Sherwin-Williams sells. The paint has advanced washability to give maximum stain resistance. It provides stunning results in fewer coats. It is also a premium paint and primer in one and comes in a designer edition and a standard edition.

The main benefits of Sherwin Williams’ Duration, the next high-quality paint Sherwin Williams carries, are that it has advanced stain resistance, good coverage, and washability, and is also a paint and primer in one.

Emerald and Duration are water-based acrylic latex. Both kinds of paint are available in over 1,700 colors and in four finishes; flat, matte, satin, and semi-gloss.

Price of Emerald vs Duration by Sherwin Williams

Emerald and duration are very close in price, Emerald is roughly $85-$90, while Duration is about $80-$85. The higher quality of Emerald makes the slight price difference worth it for primary areas in your home.

Emerald vs Duration by Sherwin Williams Difference

Two women comparing paint colors in a paint store next to paint cans.

The main difference between Emerald and Duration is that Emerald offers more coverage with less paint. It holds more solids per volume, which means that there will be more coverage and hide while applying. However, they both still cover 350-400 per sq. ft.

Both paints are mold and mildew-resistant. But, Duration has a special moisture-resistance technology, which makes it great for bathrooms and kitchens. Emerald shows its durability in high-traffic areas like living rooms and bedrooms.

Sherwin Williams also claims that Emerald gives a stunning and smooth finish for years to come. Many believe duration does not apply as smoothly because of the thickness of the paint.

Emerald is also the easiest of the two when it comes to applying darker colors since its hide is stronger.

Conclusion

All in all, upgrading paint will never do you wrong. A high-quality paint like Emerald is best in high-traffic areas. Depending on your situation, it may be more cost-efficient for you to choose Duration for more low-traffic areas.

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we stand out from competitors by always using high-quality products for all of our services. With the help of a color consult, the right paint and a flawless project is just steps away.

Next, check out our Guide to Interior Painting to be fully prepared for your project's cost, maintenance, and color.

To be confident through each step of your next interior painting project, download your checklist and mark off each step as it goes.

Kaylea Kuhlman

Kaylea is the Content Manager at Brush & Roll Painting, where she leads the company’s marketing strategy, content creation, and brand messaging. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Journalism and Media Communications and a minor in Marketing, combining strong writing skills with a clear understanding of how to connect with homeowners. Since joining Brush & Roll Painting at the end of 2022, Kaylea has played a key role in shaping how the company communicates with its customers. She works closely with the team to turn real, on-the-job experience into helpful, easy-to-understand content that answers the questions homeowners are already asking. Her approach focuses on clarity, honesty, and making sure people feel confident before starting a painting project. Kaylea’s work helps bridge the gap between technical painting knowledge and everyday decision-making. Whether it’s explaining the difference between paint finishes, helping homeowners choose the right cabinet color, or breaking down what to expect from a professional painting process, her goal is always the same: to make the process feel simple and stress-free. Topics Kaylea Covers: Kaylea writes and creates content across all areas of residential painting, including: -Interior painting (walls, ceilings, trim, and woodwork) -Exterior painting and maintenance -Cabinet painting and refinishing -Deck staining and wood care -Paint colors, finishes, and design decisions -What to expect when hiring a professional painter -Common homeowner questions, concerns, and mistakes to avoid Her content is designed to give homeowners clear answers, set realistic expectations, and help them make confident decisions about their home.

Topics:

Pro Tips

Interior Painting

Paint & Finishes