PPG Ultralast Review

We round out our interior paint review series with PPG Ultralast. Ultralast is PPG’s latest product, and it was first launched in 2020. But how does this relative newcomer stack up against its closest competitors: Sherwin Williams Emerald and Benjamin Moore Aura? We tested the coverage and durability to see if PPG Ultralast is truly worth it. 

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COVERAGE

PPG Ultralast has excellent coverage overall. PPG rates the paint for 350-400 square feet per gallon, and that pans out in our use. Sherwin Williams Emerald claims a similar coverage, but we find it to be a bit closer to 300 square feet/gallon. Ultralst closely competes with Benjamin Moore Aura in this category, and both will get you a long way with a premium product. 

However, even if the coverage is great, you will always want to do two coats to get the most out of the color and sheen. Applying thicker coats also allows the paint to shell up better and create a more durable surface. That leads us to our next point. 

DURABILITY

PPG Ultralast is an incredibly durable paint, only edged out by Sherwin Williams Emerald. We tested all these paints by scuffing them with our feet, burnishing them with our fingers, and even scrubbing them with a magic eraser. The last one is particularly bad because the magic eraser eats away at the paint. 

PPG Ultralast held up to all of these quite well. It was a bit more prone to scuffing than Sherwin Williams Emerald, but the difference between these products was minimal, so you’re mileage may vary. 

At the end of the day, PPG Ultralast proved to be an extremely strong and durable product. PPG also boasts that it is highly washable, and even does a test to show it outperforming the competition. We didn’t get a chance to test this ourselves, but Ultralast is strong enough to be cleaned without removing the paint, as long as you do it right. 

PRICE

PPG Ultralast is the most affordable of all three premium paint options. It retails at $70 per gallon, which puts it just below the $75/gallon for Sherwin Williams Emerald. It’s also well below the $90 for Benjamin Moore Aura.

That makes PPG Ultralast an excellent option if you’re looking for a product that is affordable and extremely durable. 

PPG ULTRALAST IS A SUPERIOR PRODUCT, AND A GREAT OPTION (MOST OF THE TIME)

PPG Ultralast is a durable and affordable premium product that makes it a no-brainer for people who want the best quality at the lowest price. However, if you’re dealing with paint contractors that get special pricing, they may be able to get a product like Sherwin Williams Emerald for a lower price. At that point, it would be well worth upgrading, since Emerald just slightly edges out Ultralast. 

But for every other situation, Ultralast is a durable and effective product that will last for years to come. 

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2023 is just around the corner, so get your home prepared for the new year with a fresh coat of paint for your interior, exterior, and kitchen cabinets. Fill out the form below to receive a free estimate from Heritage Painting. Our experienced team will walk you through everything, and we can even help you select your colors. We want to help you fall in love with your home again for the new year, so fill out the form today. 

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