Behr Dynasty vs. Sherwin-Williams Emerald: Which Paint Wins?
Choosing the right paint can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Two popular choices often top the list for homeowners and professionals alike: Behr Dynasty and Sherwin-Williams Emerald. These premium paints promise exceptional durability, washability, and a stunning finish, but which one reigns supreme?
This in-depth comparison of Behr Dynasty vs. Sherwin-Williams Emerald will break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore their key features, from stain resistance and color selection to application and cost. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision for your next painting project.
Whether you’re tackling a living room, bedroom, or exterior surface, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each paint is crucial. Get ready to discover the ultimate paint champion and transform your space with confidence. Let’s dive in and compare Behr Dynasty and Sherwin Williams Emerald!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Behr Dynasty | Sherwin Williams Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Type | Acrylic Latex | Acrylic Latex |
| Sheen Options | Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss | Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss |
| Washability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Durability | High | High |
| Scrub Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Stain Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Coverage | Good | Good |
| Application | Brush, Roller, Sprayer | Brush, Roller, Sprayer |
| Dry Time | Fast | Fast |
| VOC Level | Low | Low |
| Color Retention | Excellent | Excellent |
| Mildew Resistance | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Durability & Washability
- Behr Dynasty: Boasts exceptional durability and washability, resisting stains, scuffs, and fading. It’s designed to withstand frequent cleaning, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with children or pets. However, some users find it can be more challenging to touch up.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald: Known for its superior washability and scrubbability, Emerald provides a durable finish that resists marks and stains. It’s also known for its excellent stain resistance. Some users may experience slight sheen differences after cleaning.
- Winner: Emerald
Coverage
- Behr Dynasty: Typically offers excellent coverage, often requiring only one coat. This can save time and money on paint. The coverage is excellent, but proper surface preparation is still critical.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald: Provides outstanding coverage, often eliminating the need for a second coat, even over dark colors. This contributes to efficiency and reduces paint consumption. The coverage is consistently praised.
- Winner: Emerald
Application & Leveling
- Behr Dynasty: Applies smoothly with good leveling characteristics, minimizing brush and roller marks. It offers a user-friendly experience for both DIYers and professionals. Some users have reported minor issues with leveling under certain conditions.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald: Known for its smooth application and excellent leveling properties, resulting in a flawless finish. It’s easy to work with and provides a professional-looking result. The application is consistently reported as easy.
- Winner: Emerald
Color Retention & Fade Resistance
- Behr Dynasty: Offers excellent color retention and fade resistance, ensuring the color remains vibrant over time. This makes it a good choice for areas exposed to sunlight. It’s known for its long-lasting color.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald: Boasts superior color retention and fade resistance, keeping the color looking fresh and new for years. This is a key benefit, especially in areas with significant sunlight. Color retention is a strong point.
- Winner: Emerald
Odor & VOCs
- Behr Dynasty: Low VOC formulation, meaning it has minimal odor and contributes to healthier indoor air quality. This is an important consideration for sensitive individuals. The low VOC content is a significant advantage.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald: Offers a low-VOC formula, minimizing odor and contributing to a healthier environment. This is a key selling point for many customers. The low odor is a notable benefit.
- Winner: Tie
Sheen Options
- Behr Dynasty: Available in a variety of sheens, including matte, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, offering flexibility in terms of appearance and durability. This allows for customization based on the needs of the project.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald: Offers a range of sheens, providing options to suit different applications and aesthetic preferences. This includes matte, satin, and gloss finishes. The sheen options are comprehensive.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Behr Dynasty: Generally more affordable than Sherwin-Williams Emerald. This can be a significant factor for budget-conscious consumers. The price point is a key advantage.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald: Typically more expensive than Behr Dynasty, reflecting its premium quality and performance. The higher price is a trade-off for superior features.
- Winner: Behr Dynasty
Availability
- Behr Dynasty: Readily available at Home Depot stores nationwide, making it convenient for most consumers. The widespread availability is a major advantage.
- Sherwin Williams Emerald: Primarily available at Sherwin-Williams stores, which may be less convenient for some customers. Availability depends on the location.
- Winner: Behr Dynasty
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Stain Resistance | Behr Dynasty |
| Durability | Tie |
| Washability | Tie |
| Self-Priming | Sherwin Williams Emerald |
| Color Selection | Sherwin Williams Emerald |
| Overall Value | Behr Dynasty |
What They Have in Common:
- Paint Type: Both paints are acrylic latex paints, offering flexibility and ease of application. This makes them suitable for various surfaces and projects.
- Durability: Both Behr Dynasty and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are known for their high durability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. This ensures your paint job will last.
- Washability: Both paints are easily washable, allowing for the removal of common household stains. This is a crucial feature for maintaining a clean and fresh look.
- Sheen Options: Both offer a wide variety of sheen options, including Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss. This gives you flexibility in achieving your desired aesthetic.
- Low Voc: Both paints are formulated with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) levels, contributing to better indoor air quality and a more environmentally friendly choice.
Behr Dynasty Vs Sherwin Williams Emerald Buying Guide
Durability and Washability
Both Behr Dynasty and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are known for their exceptional durability, but there are nuanced differences. Behr Dynasty boasts a remarkably stain-resistant and washable formula, ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with children or pets. Its ability to withstand scrubbing without significant wear is a major advantage. Sherwin-Williams Emerald also offers excellent washability and resistance to wear and tear, utilizing a formulation that resists fading and maintains its color integrity. Both paints are designed to endure regular cleaning, but the specific formulation of Behr Dynasty often gives it a slight edge in terms of withstanding repeated scrubbing and cleaning agents, making it the preferred choice for areas subject to frequent messes.
Coverage and Application
Coverage and ease of application are critical factors. Behr Dynasty is praised for its excellent one-coat coverage, minimizing the need for multiple layers, which saves time and effort. Its thicker consistency often aids in hiding imperfections on the wall surface, leading to a smoother finish. Sherwin-Williams Emerald also offers good coverage, but may sometimes require two coats, especially when transitioning between colors or covering dark surfaces. The Emerald paint usually has a slightly thinner consistency which can be easier to apply for some, but may not hide imperfections as well as Behr Dynasty’s thicker formula. Both paints are designed to be user-friendly, but the specific application characteristics may vary based on the user’s technique and the condition of the surface.
Color Selection and Retention
The range of colors and the paint’s ability to retain its color over time are important considerations. Both Behr Dynasty and Sherwin-Williams Emerald offer a wide array of colors. Behr Dynasty is known for its excellent color retention, helping the paint resist fading and maintain its original appearance for years. This is especially important in rooms exposed to sunlight. Sherwin-Williams Emerald is also known for its color stability, providing rich, vibrant colors that resist fading. When comparing the two, Sherwin-Williams Emerald often has a slightly wider range of color options, particularly in certain premium collections, while Behr Dynasty excels in its ability to maintain its color over the long term, offering superior fade resistance.
Environmental Considerations
Environmental responsibility is an increasingly important factor for many homeowners. Both Behr Dynasty and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, meaning they release fewer harmful chemicals into the air, contributing to better indoor air quality. Both brands are committed to reducing their environmental impact. Behr Dynasty is often noted for its zero-VOC formula in some of its products, which is a major advantage for those concerned about indoor air quality and chemical sensitivities. Sherwin-Williams also offers zero-VOC options and emphasizes its sustainability efforts. Both companies adhere to stringent environmental standards, making it a difficult choice solely based on environmental factors.
Price and Value
Price and overall value are significant factors in choosing paint. Sherwin-Williams Emerald typically comes at a higher price point compared to Behr Dynasty. However, the higher cost can sometimes be justified by the paint’s superior durability and color retention, which can extend the time between repainting projects. Behr Dynasty, while often more affordable, still provides excellent performance and quality, making it a great value for the price. The long-term cost-effectiveness of each paint depends on factors such as the area to be painted, the number of coats required, and the desired level of durability. For budget-conscious consumers, Behr Dynasty offers a compelling value proposition without sacrificing quality.
Finish and Appearance
The final finish and overall appearance of the paint are crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic. Both Behr Dynasty and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are available in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, eggshell, and gloss. The choice of finish affects the paint’s sheen, washability, and the way it reflects light. Behr Dynasty is known for its smooth, luxurious finish, which is often preferred for its subtle sheen and ability to hide imperfections. Sherwin-Williams Emerald offers a similarly high-quality finish, with options that are equally durable and aesthetically pleasing. The final choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the room being painted, with each paint offering a range of finishes to suit different design needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Behr Dynasty If…
- You prioritize exceptional stain resistance, particularly for high-traffic areas or homes with children.
- You are looking for a paint with excellent color retention, ensuring your chosen color stays vibrant over time.
- You value a paint that is readily available and often has promotions or sales.
- You prefer a paint that is easy to apply and offers a smooth finish.
Buy Sherwin Williams Emerald If…
- You prioritize a paint with superior self-priming capabilities, simplifying the painting process.
- You desire a paint known for its exceptional hide and coverage, potentially reducing the number of coats needed.
- You want access to a wider range of premium colors and a more extensive color matching system.
- You value the brand reputation and the availability of professional advice and support from Sherwin-Williams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Behr Dynasty better than Sherwin-Williams Emerald?
Both paints are excellent, but “better” depends on your specific needs. Behr Dynasty often excels in stain resistance and one-coat coverage, while Emerald may offer a wider color selection and may be preferred by those who favor a thinner consistency during application. Each paint has its strengths, making the “best” choice based on project priorities.
Which paint is more durable?
Both paints are highly durable, designed to withstand wear and tear. Behr Dynasty is often praised for its exceptional stain resistance and ability to withstand repeated scrubbing. Sherwin-Williams Emerald also offers excellent durability and is designed to resist fading and maintain its color, making both suitable for high-traffic areas.
Which paint offers better coverage?
Behr Dynasty is often noted for its excellent one-coat coverage, which saves time and effort. Its thicker consistency helps hide imperfections on the wall surface. Sherwin-Williams Emerald also provides good coverage, but may sometimes need a second coat, particularly when transitioning between colors or covering dark surfaces.
Is Sherwin-Williams Emerald more expensive than Behr Dynasty?
Yes, Sherwin-Williams Emerald typically comes at a higher price point than Behr Dynasty. The difference in price reflects variations in formulation and brand positioning. While Emerald often costs more upfront, its enhanced durability and color retention can provide long-term value, potentially reducing the need for frequent repainting.
Which paint is easier to apply?
The ease of application can vary based on individual preferences. Behr Dynasty’s thicker consistency can sometimes offer better hiding power, while Sherwin-Williams Emerald’s thinner consistency can be easier for some to apply. Both paints are designed to be user-friendly, and the final experience depends on the applicator’s skill.
Which paint has a better color selection?
Sherwin-Williams Emerald often provides a wider range of color options, especially within its premium collections. Behr Dynasty also offers a broad color palette. The best choice depends on your specific color preferences and the availability of the desired shade within each brand’s offerings.
Which paint is better for the environment?
Both Behr Dynasty and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are low-VOC paints, meaning they release fewer harmful chemicals into the air, contributing to better indoor air quality. Both companies are committed to environmental responsibility, with some options even offering zero-VOC formulas, making them a good option for environmentally conscious consumers.
Final Verdict
Both Behr Dynasty and Sherwin-Williams Emerald are top-tier paints, each with unique strengths. Behr Dynasty excels in stain resistance and one-coat coverage, while Sherwin-Williams Emerald offers a wider color selection. Your choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and desired finish.
Winner: Tie