Simple painting guide
Emerald or Duration for Michigan exteriors?
Both are professional Sherwin-Williams exterior coating lines. The better fit depends on the surface, exposure, preparation, finish goals, and written project scope.
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What to know
A short checklist.
Product selection comes after the surface and exposure are understood. A premium label does not replace the correct preparation plan.
Start with the substrate
Siding, trim, doors, masonry, wood, and previously coated surfaces do not all need the same product decision.
Record the old finish
Peeling, chalking, glossy coating, bare areas, repairs, and unknown layers affect cleaning, sanding, and primer choices.
Compare exposure
Direct sun, shade, wind-driven rain, moisture paths, and freeze-thaw conditions can vary by elevation.
Choose the finish role
The coating plan should identify where each product, sheen, primer, and application method belongs.
Price the full system
Compare preparation, primer, coat count, access, repairs, and expected upkeep—not the gallon name alone.
Put the decision in writing
Your proposal should state the selected system by surface so the finished scope is easy to review.