Sherwin-Williams Emerald vs Cashmere

If you are repainting your home interior, you want to use the best product possible. Two of the most popular products from Sherwin-Williams are Cashmere and Emerald. Cashmere has a unique auto-leveling feature that makes it a great choice for DIYers with little painting experience. Emerald is one of the best products on the market and has excellent durability and color retention, but takes a more skilled hand to apply.

Which one is better for you and your home? Today we will compare the coverage, durability, and price of these products to determine precisely that!

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COVERAGE

Coverage refers to how well the paint covers a surface, and it is usually measured in square feet per gallon (sq. ft/gallon). In this regard, Emerald and Cashmere perform about the same. Sherwin-Williams claims that both products cover 350-400sq. ft/gallon, and that pans out in our testing of the products.

Sheer coverage isn’t the only factor to consider when you are looking at paint, though. You will always want to apply two coats for full coverage, and those two coats allow the product to shell up for improved durability.

Cashmere is unique because it also has self-leveling properties. This allows the painter to easily achieve a smooth surface with minimal running or sags. Emerald does not have these properties, which means it requires a bit more skill to get the right look.

In terms of coverage, though, both of these products perform the same.

Winner: Tie

DURABILITY

Durability is where these products really show their differences. Emerald is significantly more durable than Cashmere. Emerald holds up better to scuffing and burnishing, and it’s quite a bit more washable too.

Emerald stands up to wear and tear exceedingly well, and the product will also hold its color for a very long time. The color will last on Emerald for a decade or longer, and the paint will last on the wall much longer than that. Cashmere, on the other hand, will lose its color after a couple of years.

When it comes to durability and color retention, it isn’t even close between these two.

Winner: Sherwin-Williams Emerald

PRICE

Despite being two very different products with distinct quality differences, the price is actually very close between these two products. Emerald, a top-tier product, retails for $85/gallon. Cashmere retails for a similar $75/gallon.

Cashmere can charge this high fee because of its auto-leveling features, but there are products like PPG Hi-Hide that offer better durability for nearly $20 less. You really are paying for the convenience of the application.

At this price point, Emerald is the better option. That’s especially true if you’re hiring a contractor to do the work, as they usually get discounts on product. Cashmere may be the better option if you’re doing the work yourself, but you will have to be prepared to pay for the product again in a few years.

When you consider the longevity of the product, it’s better to invest in a professional painter that applies high-quality products like Emerald.

Winner: Sherwin-Williams Emerald

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS EMERALD IS KING

We love Sherwin-Williams Emerald. It has excellent coverage, durability, and color retention. A professional painter can get incredible results that will last for over a decade. Cashmere is a great option for DIYers, but its high cost isn’t worth it if you’re hiring a painter. You’re better off doing it yourself thanks to its auto-leveling properties, but you will have to do the work every few years to keep the look up.

We think it’s better to get the job done right the first time, and a professional painter using Sherwin-Williams Emerald will do exactly that.

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If you’re ready to get a quote on your home interior, fill out the form below to get a free estimate from Heritage Painting. Our professional team will provide a detailed and itemized quote, and our full-time color consultant can help you find the right color for your home.

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