Sherwin-Williams Paint Grades: Good, Better, Best Guide
If you’ve ever stood in front of a paint display wondering which option is worth your money, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there, comparing cans and trying to figure out what really makes one better than another.
Paint decisions can feel just as tricky when you’re weighing the differences between Drift of Mist and First Star, since both are popular neutrals with unique undertones.
Sherwin-Williams makes it a little easier by organizing its paints into three levels: Good, Better, and Best. Each one is built for different budgets, traffic levels, and long-term needs.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through what each grade offers so you can pick the right one for your home.
Understanding the Sherwin-Williams Paint Tier System
Sherwin-Williams organizes its paints into three clear categories: Good, Better, and Best. This system helps homeowners and contractors quickly understand the balance between cost, durability, and performance.
The Good tier covers basic needs with budget-friendly products. The Better tier offers stronger durability and coverage for everyday use.
The Best tier delivers top-quality finishes that last the longest and often require fewer coats.
By grouping paints this way, Sherwin-Williams makes it easier to match the right product to both your budget and project demands.
Color choices, however, can still be challenging, especially in the Repose Gray vs Agreeable Gray debate, where both shades work on walls but bring out very different tones.
Good Paint Grade: Budget-Friendly Basics
The Good tier from Sherwin-Williams is the most affordable choice, offering decent coverage but usually needing more than one coat for a smooth finish.
- ProMar 200 Interior Latex: Commonly used in rentals, ceilings, and commercial spaces.
- Captivate Interior Latex: A cost-friendly option for homeowners wanting a simple refresh.
These paints work well in guest rooms, ceilings, and low-traffic spaces where long-term durability isn’t critical. For finishes, flat works best on ceilings, while eggshell is suitable for walls.
Pros include a lower price and wide availability, while cons include reduced washability and shorter lifespan compared to higher tiers.
Better Paint Grade: Balanced Performance
The Better tier strikes the middle ground between price and performance, making it a popular choice for most households. These paints provide reliable coverage, strong durability, and good washability, holding up well to daily life.
- SuperPaint Interior and Exterior Acrylic Latex: Versatile and dependable for walls and trim.
- Resilience Exterior Acrylic Latex: Known for its moisture resistance, making it ideal in humid conditions.
They’re well-suited for living rooms, kitchens, and exteriors in moderate climates. Recommended finishes are satin for living spaces and semi-gloss for kitchens or bathrooms where moisture is common.
Pros include balanced cost and durability, while cons involve more upkeep compared to premium paints.
Best Paint Grade: Premium Quality
The Best tier represents Sherwin-Williams’ top-performing paints, built for maximum protection and long-lasting beauty. These deliver one-coat coverage, superior durability, and advanced stain resistance.
- Emerald Interior and Exterior Acrylic Latex: Offers outstanding washability and fade resistance.
- Duration Home Interior Latex / Duration Exterior: Excellent for high-traffic interiors and exteriors in tough climates.
- Emerald Designer Edition™: A luxury option with advanced finishes and color depth.
- Harmony® Interior Acrylic Latex: Specialty interior paint designed to improve air quality.
Recommended finishes include matte for luxury interiors and semi-gloss for trim or exterior siding. This grade is perfect for forever homes, bathrooms, and high-traffic spaces.
Pros include longevity, fewer repaints, and minimal upkeep, while cons center on a higher upfront cost.
Comparing Good, Better, and Best Side by Side
Sherwin-Williams’ three paint tiers differ in performance, lifespan, and cost, helping you choose the right option for your needs.
| Feature | Good (ProMar 200, Captivate) | Better (SuperPaint, Resilience) | Best (Emerald, Duration, Designer Edition) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Moderate, 2+ coats | Strong, 1–2 coats | Excellent, often 1 coat |
| Durability | Basic | Reliable | Superior, long-lasting |
| Washability | Limited | Good | Excellent, scrubbable |
| Longevity | 3–6 years | 8–12 years | 15–20+ years |
| Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
Cost-per-year value: While Best paints cost more upfront, their longer lifespan often makes them cheaper over time compared to frequent repainting with lower grades.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Picking the right Sherwin-Williams paint depends on your space, lifestyle, and budget, making these factors worth careful thought.
- Traffic Levels: Busy hallways, kids’ rooms, or pet areas need Better or Best, while low-use rooms can manage with Good.
- Durability Needs: If frequent cleaning is required, higher grades resist scuffs and stains better than budget paints.
- Budget vs Longevity: Good is cheaper upfront, but Best may save money long-term by reducing repaint frequency.
- Finish and Sheen Choices: Flat for ceilings, eggshell for walls, satin for living areas, semi-gloss for kitchens and baths.
Choosing Sherwin-Williams Paint for Interiors and Exteriors
Sherwin-Williams offers different paints for inside and outside projects, and choosing correctly ensures better results and longer-lasting finishes.
For interiors, Emerald Designer Edition™ delivers premium style and durability, while Duration and Emerald work well in kitchens, bathrooms, and kids’ rooms where moisture or traffic is high.
For exteriors, Resilience is great in humid climates, while Duration performs well in areas with extreme heat or cold. Homes in harsh conditions benefit most from Emerald Exterior for maximum protection.
Matching the right grade to your project guarantees durability, easier upkeep, and finishes designed to withstand your environment.
DIY vs Professional Painting: Which Grade Works Best?
Some Sherwin-Williams paints are simple for homeowners to apply, while others achieve their best results when handled by professionals.
| Grade | DIY Suitability | Professional Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Good | Easier for DIYers, forgiving with multiple coats | Affordable for quick projects, less critical finish |
| Better | Manageable for DIY with decent coverage | Popular among pros for cost-performance balance |
| Best | Challenging for beginners, requires skill | Pros ensure flawless results with one-coat coverage |
Conclusion
Now you can see how Sherwin-Williams paints fit into three clear groups, each with strengths depending on your space and goals. If you just need a quick refresh, the Good tier may do the job.
For busy family rooms or kitchens, Better often strikes the right balance. And if you want a finish that lasts for years, Best is worth the investment.
I’ve found that matching the paint to the project saves money and frustration in the long run. Take a look at your next project and decide which grade makes the most sense for you.
