Emerald vs Duration for a lakefront home

What is the short answer?

Neither paint rescues a wall that was not prepped. On a sound, well-prepped lake-facing wall, both perform well, and we are comfortable putting either on the house. We lean toward Duration where the wall has a history of peeling or blistering and toward Emerald where the surface is in good shape and the color and finish matter most. The details below explain why.

What is Emerald Exterior?

Sherwin-Williams describes Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex as a premium paint and primer in one that gives durable results in fewer coats. It comes in flat, satin and gloss. We use it on siding and on lake-facing elevations where we want a premium finish and good hide.

What is Duration Exterior?

The maker describes Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex as a thicker film than standard latex paint that resists peeling and blistering and is self-priming. We use it where moisture and freeze-thaw have punished the old paint, and on elevations that see the worst of the weather.

How do they compare on a lake house?

Lake houses stress paint in three ways: humidity, UV and freeze-thaw. Which line to use depends on what the wall is doing now.

• Wall with peeling or blistering history. Duration Exterior. The thicker film suits a surface that has failed before.
• Wall in sound condition, premium finish wanted. Emerald Exterior. It gives strong hide and an even film.
• West- or south-facing wall in strong sun. Either line, with careful prep and a color chosen with UV in mind. Dark colors take more heat.
• Shaded north wall with mildew. Either line, after a full wash. Mildew returns when the wall stays damp, so we advise on tree trimming and gutters.
• Budget limit. SuperPaint Exterior or A-100 on lower-exposure walls, with a premium line on the lake side.

How does color change the choice?

Deep colors absorb heat and fade faster under UV, so a deep color on a west wall puts more stress on any film. Light and mid-tone colors on the lake side give the paint an easier life. We check the light reflectance value printed with each color chip. If you want a deep color anyway, we tell you which wall will show age first.

Does the choice change how we apply?

Both lines go on over clean, dry, primed surfaces. We follow the label for spread rate and recoat window, and we do not thin the paint past what the label allows. On lake-facing walls we plan two coats whichever line you choose.

Can you tell me how many years it will last?

No one can promise that from the paint alone. Prep, exposure, color, application weather and the substrate set the life of a coat. We tell you what we expect at the walkthrough, based on what we see on your house.

What about trim, doors, decks and cedar?

Trim and doors take wear and weather, so they get a harder finish. We use Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel on trim and doors. Decks get SuperDeck. Cedar and log siding get WoodScapes stain. See Deck, siding and specialty finishes.

Does the same choice apply inside?

Inside, the pair is Emerald Interior and Duration Home. Emerald Interior suits formal rooms and feature walls. Duration Home suits kitchens, baths, mudrooms and kids' rooms, where stain resistance counts. For large open walls, we reach for Cashmere. See the full list by room.