Sherwin Williams SuperPaint vs Dunn Edwards Evershield
- Brandon Ryan
- Jun 12
- 6 min read
Dunn Edwards Evershield outperforms Sherwin Williams SuperPaint in durability, color retention, and value, especially in hot, dry climates. SuperPaint wins on ease of use, but Evershield is the better long-term investment for exterior projects.
Which Paint Should You Actually Use, and Why It Matters
Both SuperPaint and Evershield are industry go-tos, but they serve different needs.
What you need to know at a glance:
Best for harsh climates? → Evershield
Easiest for DIYers? → SuperPaint
Better color retention? → Evershield
More widely available? → SuperPaint
Stronger value per gallon? → Evershield
Ideal for stucco homes? → Evershield
Both paints are great, but only one really stands up to time, heat, and sun.
At ProSmart Painting, we’ve tested hundreds of coatings under Arizona’s extreme sun and heat, and the differences in performance are anything but subtle.
When it comes to choosing between Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint and Dunn-Edwards Evershield, the right pick can mean the difference between repainting in five years or enjoying a flawless finish for a decade.
Keep reading to see how they stack up head-to-head, and why Evershield is becoming a top choice for professional exterior painters.
What Makes SuperPaint and Evershield So Popular Among Painters and Homeowners?
SuperPaint and Evershield are two of the most trusted names in the industry, each offering distinct strengths that pros and homeowners rely on.
Brand Reputation: Sherwin Williams enjoys nationwide recognition and accessibility, making it a common choice for DIYers and contractors alike. Dunn Edwards, while more regionally focused, is highly regarded in the Southwest for its exceptional performance in extreme heat.
Acrylic Latex Formulas: Both are 100% acrylic latex paints, offering excellent adhesion, flexibility, and durability, ideal for stucco, wood, and other common exterior surfaces.
Low to Zero VOCs: Both paints provide low-VOC or zero-VOC options. Dunn Edwards typically leads in ultra-low emission formulas, which can be a key factor for environmentally conscious buyers.
Primer Systems: SuperPaint includes a built-in primer, which may work well on previously painted surfaces. Evershield requires a separate primer for full effectiveness, particularly on raw stucco or masonry, but this ensures stronger long-term performance.
Warranty Terms: SuperPaint offers a limited lifetime warranty with some restrictions. Evershield provides 7–10 year warranties when applied under the correct conditions, with clear guidelines for eligibility.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Which Paint Wins on What Matters Most?
When you're choosing between two premium exterior paints, the true insight comes from comparing how they perform side by side.
From application to durability, each product has its strengths, and some clear weaknesses.
Here’s a breakdown of how Sherwin Williams SuperPaint and Dunn Edwards Evershield stack up where it really counts.
Quick Comparison Table
While the table offers a quick snapshot, real decisions require more than a glance at bullet points.
Let’s take a closer look at each category to understand why one paint edges out the other, and where the trade-offs truly lie.
1. Durability in Harsh Conditions (Winner: Dunn Edwards Evershield)
Dunn Edwards Evershield:
Evershield was designed with the desert in mind. It’s highly breathable, which helps reduce moisture entrapment on stucco, and its UV resistance is second to none in this price range.
This is the paint professionals reach for in climates like Phoenix, where sun exposure is intense and relentless.
With the proper primer underneath, Evershield consistently lasts 10 years or more on exteriors.
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint:
SuperPaint performs well in mild to moderate climates but starts to show its limits in extreme sun.
While its polymer-enhanced formula offers solid resistance to cracking and peeling, it’s not as breathable and doesn’t handle thermal expansion on stucco as effectively.
It’s a dependable product, but in harsh climates, it’s not the most durable option.
2. Ease of Application and User Forgiveness (Winner: Sherwin Williams SuperPaint)
Dunn Edwards Evershield:
This paint is built for professionals.
It has a heavier body and dries quickly, which can create flashing or roller marks if the painter isn’t experienced or the surface isn’t well-prepped.
It works beautifully under the right conditions, but for a homeowner or DIYer, it can be less forgiving.
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint:
This is where SuperPaint shines.
It glides on smoothly, levels out well, and resists lap marks, making it ideal for weekend warriors and homeowners.
It’s less finicky about temperature or humidity and works well on a range of surfaces, even when conditions aren’t perfect.
3. Coverage and Coat Efficiency (Winner: Dunn Edwards Evershield)
Dunn Edwards Evershield:
Evershield covers exceptionally well.
Painters often report getting more square footage out of each gallon, especially on porous, textured surfaces like stucco.
When paired with the right primer, it can reach full opacity with a single coat in many cases, saving both time and material.
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint:
SuperPaint has decent coverage but can be inconsistent on rough surfaces.
It may take two coats to fully cover previous colors or to create a uniform look on substrates like cinder block or brick.
For smoother surfaces, it performs better, but still doesn’t match Evershield’s efficiency.
4. Fade Resistance and Color Longevity (Winner: Dunn Edwards Evershield)
Dunn Edwards Evershield:
Formulated with UV-blocking pigments and a fade-resistant resin system, Evershield retains its color longer in full sun.
Dunn Edwards also labels certain colors as “exterior safe,” so you know exactly which shades will last and which might chalk or fade faster.
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint:
While Sherwin Williams offers more than 1,700 color options, not all of them are ideal for exteriors, especially in dark or saturated tones.
Fading has been reported in hot regions, and the lack of exterior-specific labeling makes it harder for homeowners to choose colors that last.
5. Price-to-Performance Ratio (Winner: Dunn Edwards Evershield)
Dunn Edwards Evershield:
At $25–$30 per gallon, Evershield punches well above its weight.
When you factor in its one-coat coverage potential and durability, the cost per year of wear is lower than most premium paints.
It’s especially budget-friendly on larger projects or full exterior repaints.
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint:
With a retail price north of $40 per gallon, SuperPaint positions itself as a premium product, but doesn’t always outperform competitors in its class.
If you need multiple coats or find yourself recoating in a few years, the value starts to diminish.
6. Touch-Up and Maintenance Over Time (Winner: Sherwin Williams SuperPaint)
Dunn Edwards Evershield:
Touch-ups can be tricky with Evershield. If the conditions during the recoat don’t match the original job, humidity, sunlight, or even roller type, you may notice flashing or slight sheen variations.
This makes it a better fit for one-and-done professionals than long-term DIY upkeep.
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint:
SuperPaint blends in remarkably well when touched up later. Its finish remains consistent, and minor repairs or updates don’t require full repaints.
This feature is especially helpful for property managers or homeowners who like to keep things looking fresh without starting over.
7. Availability and Buying Convenience (Winner: Sherwin Williams SuperPaint)
Dunn Edwards Evershield:
Availability is regional, focused mainly in the Southwest. If you live in California, Nevada, or Arizona, you’ll likely have a Dunn Edwards nearby.
Outside those areas, you may need to order online, which can delay projects or make matching colors harder.
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint:
You can find SuperPaint almost anywhere.
Sherwin Williams has stores in nearly every major city, with dependable inventory and quick turnaround times for custom tints or large orders.
For ease of access, they’re unmatched.
8. Professional Feedback and Customer Satisfaction (Winner: Dunn Edwards Evershield)
Dunn Edwards Evershield:
Among professional painters, Evershield is often the top pick for exterior durability, especially on stucco homes for its longevity and reliability.
When prepped and applied correctly, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
Sherwin Williams SuperPaint:
Contractors often describe SuperPaint as “safe”, not bad, but not extraordinary. It delivers consistent results in average conditions but doesn’t stand out in the toughest environments.
Customers like it for its name and ease, but long-term pros tend to reserve it for interiors or mild climates.
Helpful Resource → Best Paint Brand for Arizona Homes | Expert Guide 2025
The Right Paint, and the Right Process
At the end of the day, picking the right exterior paint is only half the battle.
Even the best product won’t perform if it’s applied over poorly prepped surfaces or used in the wrong conditions. A solid paint job starts with expert prep, proper primers, and application that respects your home’s unique needs, especially in extreme climates like Arizona.
So whether you lean toward the pro-grade durability of Dunn Edwards Evershield or the user-friendly versatility of Sherwin Williams SuperPaint, make sure it’s applied the right way.
Want it done right the first time?
Let ProSmart Painting handle your next exterior project with precision, quality, and products that match your goals.
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