Do you have a project that requires a special kind of paint finish? If so, then you must consider the differences between Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane before making a decision.
Both paints contain top-quality products, but there are differences in sheen levels, VOC content, drying time, coverage, application method, self-leveling properties, durability, color selection, chemical resistance, and price. We’ll help you determine which paint is best for your project.
The Differences Between Benjamin Moore Advance vs Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane
Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane are two popular paint brands that offer premium finishes for interior and exterior painting projects.
Both paints provide excellent coverage, durability, and color retention, but there are some differences between the two that should be considered when deciding which paint to use on your project.
Sheen Levels
Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane offer different options regarding sheen levels. Benjamin Moore Advance has four available sheen levels: flat, matte, satin, and high gloss.
By comparison, Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane has three sheen levels: satin, semi-gloss, and high gloss. Benjamin Moore Advance offers a wider range of finish options than Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane. The choice of finish will also depend on the intended use of the paint.
For example, a higher gloss finish is more suitable for kitchen cabinets or doors subject to frequent cleaning as it is more durable and easier to clean. A low gloss or matte finish is better suited for walls as it offers an attractive look with less light reflection than a higher gloss finish.
VOC Content
When comparing the VOC content between Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane paints, the latter has a higher VOC content than the former.
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, chemicals released into the air as gases from certain solids or liquids in products such as paint. Therefore, Benjamin Moore Advance offers a more environmentally friendly option due to its lower VOC content than Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane.
This makes it ideal for people who want to reduce their exposure to these chemicals when painting their homes or offices.
Drying Time
The drying time between Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane paints differ greatly. Benjamin Moore Advance takes 4-6 hours to dry, while Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane dries in just 2 hours after being applied on walls or surfaces.
If you’re carrying out DIY projects where multiple coats need to be applied consecutively, you’ll have much more freedom with Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane due to its faster drying time. It allows you to quickly apply additional coats without waiting too long in between coats.
Coverage
Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane‘s coverage is better than Benjamin Moore Advance’s. With just one coat, Emerald Urethane can cover surfaces that may require two coats of Advance.
This makes Emerald Urethane a more efficient product for completing projects with multiple layers quickly and easily. Also, the thinner formula of Emerald Urethane allows for better penetration into surfaces, which can improve adhesion and durability.
Application Method
When applying either product, Benjamin Moore Advance can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray gun, while Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane should only be used with a spray gun.
The spray gun helps to disperse the product evenly without leaving behind excess paint or globs of urethane in some areas but not others. The precision of the spray gun also ensures that the maximum amount of product is being used to achieve proper coverage.
Self-Leveling Properties
Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane has far superior self-leveling properties when compared to Benjamin Moore Advance. This means that it provides a smoother and even finish without any lumps or bumps due to uneven application.
The self-leveling properties also help to reduce brush marks and other imperfections on the surface, which provide better aesthetic results overall.
Durability
Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane are both highly durable paints. Sherwin Williams is slightly more durable, as it is more resistant to scratches, stains, and other types of damage.
It also has a higher resistance to fading from sunlight exposure than Benjamin Moore Advance. Also, Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane has superior adhesion qualities that help it bond to surfaces better and last longer than Benjamin Moore Advance.
Color Selection
Both brands offer a wide range of colors, but Sherwin-Williams stands out with its larger selection of unique shades and hues. It offers an extensive palette of options that can be tailored to any decor style or aesthetic.
Benjamin Moore Advance offers fewer color choices, which are still suitable for most projects.
Chemical Resistance
Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane is the superior choice when it comes to chemical resistance. This paint formulation is designed to resist harsh chemicals such as solvents and cleaners that can be used in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Benjamin Moore Advance does have some level of chemical resistance, but it does not hold up as well in comparison to the more robust formulation of Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane.
Price
Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane paint is more expensive than Benjamin Moore Advance due to its enhanced durability and superior chemical resistance properties.
While this may make the initial cost seem higher, it will actually save you money in the long run as you won’t need to repaint often or purchase additional products to protect your surfaces from staining or discoloration caused by chemicals or cleaners.
Make Your Project Shine with the Right Paint
Choosing the right paint for your project can be difficult. Still, with knowledge about the differences between Benjamin Moore Advance vs. Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane, you can make an informed decision that will result in beautiful results.
While both paints contain quality products with benefits like sheen levels and strong color selection, it is important to evaluate each factor to determine which paint will work best for your project. With this information, you will be better equipped to choose the perfect paint for any project.
S. Pushon is a paint expert, self-taught artist, and currently working as an adviser in the paint industry as a Quality Improvement and Development Assistant.
An artist by heart, he draws remarkable art pieces and as a professional paint industry individual, he seeks the insight and shares with enthusiasts. Read more…
