Choosing which paint to use for your house can be challenging, especially when it's not just about the color: sometimes, the brand does matter. Sherwin Williams and Dunn Edwards are two of the biggest paint manufacturers in the country, and they both have unique qualities that make them stand out.
It can be overwhelming if you find yourself choosing between the two, so we have gathered the information for you.
Sherwin Williams may have been around longer, but Dunn Edwards is a close competitor because of its high-quality paint. It's also relatively more affordable than Sherwin Williams, so it's a great option if you're only doing small home renovations.
Here are their notable differences:
- Sherwin Williams has a thicker consistency, so you should be mindful of how you coat your surfaces.
- Dunn Edwards is lightweight but provides good coverage.
- Dunn Edwards is specifically formulated to withstand unpredictable weather conditions, including increased humidity and salty air (if you live near the beach).
- Dunn Edwards is designed to withstand heavy traffic, which is ideal if you live with toddlers.
- Sherwin-Williams has better coverage because of its high-quality formula, which contributes to its higher price point.
You can buy Sherwin-Williams paint exclusively at Lowe's or its official website. Dunn Edwards is available at Home Depot and in most hardware stores.
The type of paint you choose can make or break your home: whether the interior or exterior.
That's why it's essential to familiarize yourself with the best brands and choose one that fits your aesthetic, lifestyle, and budget best. Keep reading below to learn more about Sherwin Williams and Dunn Edwards paints!
Why Should You Choose Sherwin Williams Paint?
Sherwin Williams paint has been a reliable brand for ages, so it's fair to say that it's the first brand that pops into your head when you want high-quality, reliable, and long-lasting paint.
But aside from its brand name, Sherwin-Williams has built trust by consistently providing a competitive paint line that covers every person's needs.
Sherwin Williams Interior Paint
The brand's interior paints are a paint-and-primer in one, so you'll have an easier time painting over surfaces. Most of their interior paints, notably Emerald Interior, also have anti-microbial qualities, so you'll have an added layer of protection from bacteria and mold.
Sherwin Williams Exterior Paint
Sherwin Williams exterior paints resist cracking, peeling, and fading.
Since durability is their priority, they have formulated their exterior paint to resist the growth of mold and mildew as well, so you can rest assured that your exterior will remain solid and durable.
Sherwin Williams' exterior paint line has products that offer protection from UV rays and self-cleaning technology so that the paint will remain looking as pristine and good as new.
Its self-cleaning technology can be observed when it's raining, and you notice that the dirt slides off easily with rainwater.
Why Should You Choose Dunn Edwards Paint?
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Given its affordable price point, you'll be getting much more than you paid with Dunn Edwards paints. Their paints are high-quality, and they provide excellent coverage.
Dunn Edwards has been designed to withstand rough weather and high activity patterns. It's an ideal paint if you want something heavy-duty for half the cost of Sherwin-Williams paints.
Dunn Edwards Interior Paint
Like Sherwin Williams, Dunn Edwards Interior Paints has a comprehensive paint line that caters to all needs.
However, Dunn Edwards has a much "broader" spectrum since they have both low-end and high-end options that can cater to every need and budget level.
For instance, the Versaflat paint is the most affordable in their interior line, but it's not washable and will need a lot of maintenance to avoid premature damage.
However, Dunn Edwards also offers Versatanin and Suprema Flat that rivals Sherwin William's Emerald Interior.
Suprema Glo is specifically designed for high-traffic areas inside the house, so you may choose this one instead of the pricier alternatives from Sherwin Williams if you're on a budget.
Dunn Edwards Exterior Paint
The exterior paint line of Dunn Edwards also has a "broad" spectrum in terms of quality in pricing. Regardless of the type, you can rest assured that the highest possible quality is in every paint product.
Dunn Edwards exterior paints are expected to last for up to a decade, but some paints in their line will need more maintenance than others.
Enduracoat is one of its affordable and high-quality paint that is comparable to 100% acrylic paint.
You can water the paint down to save more money, but most professionals recommend that you take advantage of its full consistency.
If you want a Dunn Edwards paint that can be used for luxurious homes, go with Evershield, as they are highly durable. This paint won't age until after many years.
What Should You Look For When Choosing Paint?
Choosing the right type of paint is essential to maintaining your home's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The type can not only make or break your home's look; it can also add value to your home.
The paint's brand and reputation matter when it comes to your home.
However, the brand is not the only thing you should look into: you should also know why the paint has that kind of reputation, then weigh whether it's something you want your home to have.
Here are things you should look for when choosing the right type of paint.
Lifespan And Durability
This is arguably the most crucial thing the paint should have. It doesn't matter how vibrant the paint color is if it would easily peel and crack at the slightest change in the weather.
You would want paint that is highly durable even if it's not regularly maintained (especially if you are often busy) and paint that can withstand temperature and weather fluctuations.
This applies to both interior and exterior paints.
Coverage
The coverage is the number of square feet a gallon of paint can cover.
This is essential since it determines not only the vibrancy of the paint on each square foot painted but also how much money you can save, especially if you choose to water down the paint.
Smoothness
Smoothness, or ease of application, is essential, especially if you want the job done quickly. The smoothness of the application will determine how much energy will be spent painting the room.
Of course, you wouldn't want to get agitated trying to cover an entire area, so you should choose one that has a smooth (and, preferably, thick) consistency.
Cost
The cost is one of the most crucial things to consider before purchasing the paint.
Although Sherwin Williams might be of higher quality, Dunn Edwards has a quality that can rival it for half the price. So, you will need to weigh the cost first versus the quality offered.
If the quality is not compromised, it is best to go with Dunn Edwards if Sherwin Williams is out of your budget.
Specific Application
This one's a no-brainer: you need to choose the paint that is specific to the location you wish to apply the paint. If you intend to paint your exterior, you need to strictly choose exterior paint since interior paints aren't as durable as exterior paints.
Suppose you're planning to paint your interior. In that case, it doesn't make sense to go with exterior paint since it has a stronger concentration of VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds, which may potentially be harmful if it's trapped indoors.
Color Options
Beauty is one of the reasons we want to choose the best paint, so you should choose one that has deep and vibrant colors that won't easily fade, even if it's in a lighter color.
If the color doesn't easily chip or fade, it's a testament to the paint's durability. Both Sherwin Williams and Dunn Edwards offer a wide range of colors that can beautify your home.
Finish
The finish contributes to the paint's look on the surface. It also determines how it will look after heavy activity and normal wear and tear.
This is why many professionals recommend getting a semi-gloss paint finish regardless of the brand.
Sherwin Williams Vs. Dunn Edwards: Which One Has The Edge?
If you ask a typical homeowner, they would prefer Sherwin-Williams because of its brand name. However, many professionals have a more nuanced opinion.
They are both high quality, but Edward Dunn offers more budget, paint type, and quality options. Dunn Edwards paint is also better for home renovations that don't require expensive paint.
Sherwin Williams has more edge in paint formulation, although some Dunn Edwards paints come very close to the quality for half the price.
To Wrap It Up
Sherwin Williams and Dunn Edwards are household names, and their reputation precedes them. It can be challenging to choose which one you should choose, but it depends on your priority and budgetary constraints.
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