Sherwin-Williams is undeniably one of the biggest names in the paint industry. And their Duration paint stands out in terms of quality, durability, and adhesion.
Sherwin-Williams Duration paint has been the benchmark for other brands for a very long time. However, the funny thing about Duration Paint is that there are a lot of mixed reviews.
Some people praise how remarkable this paint is, whereas there are numerous complaints both online and offline about Sherwin-Williams Duration paint problems.
In this post, I’ll be highlighting some of these commonly reported issues and helping you figure out whether Duration Paint is as good as most people say or if it’s the exact opposite.
1. Surfactant Leaching
Sherwin-Williams Duration paint is rich in surfactants. This is a pretty useful feature because these surfactants make it easier to apply. However, the presence of surfactants is a double-edged sword.
When freshly applied Duration paint is exposed to low temperatures, moisture, or humidity, the surfactants start to leach, especially if you’re using a darker shade.
As a result, you’ll notice white streaks as the paint cures. These can be pretty hideous and may require a touchup to conceal them.
The good news is that surfactant leaching in Sherwin-Williams Duration paint can be avoided. Just make sure you don’t apply this paint under the above-mentioned conditions.
2. Too Much Build Up
The other common issue with Duration paint that I have come across is too much build-up.
Some customers have complained that when applying the final coat of Duration paint, you start to notice buildup in some areas. For instance, you may spot where the roller has been creating some sort of shadow.
Initially, I would have blamed this on poor painting skills. But I did come across several similar complaints on various paint forums. So that means it’s more of Duration’s paint characteristics.
The solution here is to try and thin the paint. Touching it up or covering it won’t bear much fruit because the build-up is already there. Also, in future applications, refrain from making thicker or heavy applications.
3. Peeling and Chipping
There are also numerous complaints that Sherwin-Williams Duration paint is vulnerable to peeling and chipping.
From what I could gather from customer reviews is that most of them claim that their walls were thoroughly prepared and primed. Therefore, the peeling can’t be attributed to adhesion issues.
4. It’s Difficult to Touch Up
One of the perks of painting walls is the ability to touch them up time after time. This is an excellent way to renew the looks of both your home’s interior and exterior. Unfortunately, Sherwin-Williams Duration paint isn’t very easy to touch up.
Most people who have tried this approach have found it difficult to blend the new paint with the old, especially if the latter was applied many years back. So, as you consider using Duration Paint, please note that touching it up won’t be easy.
5. It’s Not 100% Stain Resistant
Sherwin-Williams advertises its paint as stain resistant. But that’s not 100% true. With time, stains will develop on Duration paint, especially if it’s used outdoors.
Therefore, do not assume that Duration paint will resist stains because you’ll end up being disappointed.
6. Poor Customer Service
I also realized that Sherwin-Williams doesn’t have the best customer support. Most of these complaints were aired to the company who claims to offer a guarantee on their product. However, rarely do they offer any solutions.
Most people who get in touch with Sherwin-Williams representatives end up fixing the above problems on their own. Or, they are forced to seek professional assistance from independent contractors.
What Causes Sherwin-Williams Duration Paint Problems?
There are two main causes of Sherwin-Williams Duration paint problems; human error and the paint’s properties.
Unfortunately, most issues associated with this paint are a result of human error. If you don’t adequately prepare the surface or should you skip the use of a primer, then the Duration paint will have trouble adhering to the walls.
Apart from human error, the paint itself has some characteristics that may lead to issues. For instance, the presence of surfactants can lead to leaching when the paint is applied under low or very humid temperatures.
If you want this paint to last on your walls, you must try to the best of your ability to avoid human error. Also, you need to understand the weaknesses of the paint’s properties and learn how to navigate them to your advantage.
How to Fix Duration Paint Issues?
Because these problems are different, the best approach to solving them also varies. Minor issues such as the build-up and surfactant leaching, you can conceal these blemishes with an additional coat of Sherwin-Williams Duration paint.
On the other hand, with major issues such as peeling and staining, you may be forced to remove the entire layer of paint and start from scratch.
I understand that sounds like a lot of work. But that is the best solution. Touching up peeling or flaking paint is like putting a band-aid on a bullet hole.
You can always reach out to a professional painter if you’ve reached a dead-end with Duration paint problems. They can offer professional guidance and assistance.
How Long Will Sherwin-Williams Duration Paint Last?
On a rough estimate, Sherwin-Williams Duration paint usually lasts for around seven years. Therefore, you can expect the above problems to start creeping in from year five or year six.
Please note that the lifespan of Duration paint depends on the environment it is exposed to. Also, factors such as how it was installed contribute significantly to the lifespan.
Sherwin-Williams Duration Paint Alternatives
If you don’t want to deal with the above Sherwin-Williams Duration Paint problems, you can explore other alternatives.
Fortunately for you, the market is filled with Duration paint alternatives. Here are some of the brands that give Duration Paint a run for its money;
• SuperPaint – As the name suggests, this is a high-quality paint that is super durable. What I like most about SuperPaint is how great it thrives in extreme conditions.
An advantage it has over Duration paint is that it can be applied even under low temperatures. It may not have a lifetime warranty but SuperPaint will serve you for a very long time. Also, it’s super breathable.
• Behr Ultra Scuff Paint and Primer – This is another impressive Sherwin-Williams Duration paint alternative. Besides being durable, Behr is un-scuffable.
That means you can use it in high-traffic areas without worrying about it peeling or scratching. If you have small kids or pets, this is the perfect paint for your interior walls.
Another interesting feature is that it has a lifetime warranty and it has self-priming capabilities. So, you’re assured of strong adhesion.
• Valspar Signature – The other alternative worth looking into is the Valspar Signature. This is what I’d recommend you use on dark walls.
You’ll need to apply two coats as is the case with Sherwin-Williams Duration paint. The Valspar Signature, however, does a great job at concealing everything beneath.
That means you don’t have to worry about blemishes. As if that’s not enough, it is compatible with a wide range of surfaces such as wood, metal, and even fiberglass. It is also backed by a lifetime warranty.
The general perception towards Sherwin-Williams Duration paint is that it’s a quality product. However, we can’t ignore the negative reviews or complaints.
To avoid these problems, make sure that you have an in-depth understanding of Duration Paint and how it works.
It also pays off to identify potential alternatives and compare key features. After all, who wants to deal with problematic paint?