Sherwin Williams A100 Vs Super Paint: Which Is Superior?

what is better sherwin williams a100 or super paint

Sherwin-Williams A-100 and SuperPaint are both acrylic latex paints, which are water-based and dry quickly. However, there are some key differences between the two. A-100 is a contractor-grade paint formulated for exterior use and is often chosen for new construction due to its cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, SuperPaint is a premium paint with interior and exterior versions. It is favored by homeowners for its quality and durability, but it is more expensive than A-100. SuperPaint also offers better washability and is more resistant to mould and mildew.

Characteristics Values
Interior/Exterior A-100 is exterior-only paint, SuperPaint offers interior and exterior versions
Contractor-Grade Paint A-100 is a contractor-grade paint, SuperPaint is a premium paint
Cost A-100 is more cost-effective, SuperPaint is more expensive
Durability SuperPaint offers better washability and is more resistant to mould and mildew
Appearance SuperPaint maintains its appearance and sheen for longer
VOCs Both have lower VOCs, but SuperPaint has improved VOC levels
Warranty A-100 has a 15-year warranty, SuperPaint has a 25-year warranty
Coverage SuperPaint covers more per gallon
Dry Time A-100 dries to the touch in 2 hours, SuperPaint's interior formula dries in 1 hour

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Interior vs. Exterior

When it comes to interior vs. exterior painting, Sherwin Williams A-100 and SuperPaint have different applications and characteristics. A-100 is formulated exclusively for exterior use, while SuperPaint offers both interior and exterior versions.

A-100 is a contractor-grade paint, making it a popular choice for large-scale projects, including new housing developments and apartment buildings. It is often selected for new construction due to its cost-effectiveness, with Sherwin-Williams offering substantial discounts to contractors.

On the other hand, SuperPaint is a premium paint favoured by homeowners seeking quality and durability. It carries a higher price tag than A-100, but it offers several advantages. SuperPaint maintains its appearance and sheen for a longer duration, providing better washability and enhanced resistance to mould and mildew.

The volume solids percentages differ between the two paints. SuperPaint boasts higher volume solids, ranging from 37-38%, compared to 34-37% for A-100. This thicker composition results in superior coverage, adhesion, washability, and longevity for SuperPaint.

Both A-100 and SuperPaint are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reducing potential health risks associated with overexposure. They also share the trait of drying quickly, with a touch-dry time of approximately two hours and a recoating window of 24-48 hours, even at lower temperatures. However, the interior formula of SuperPaint deviates, requiring about one hour to dry to the touch and four hours before applying an additional coat.

In summary, for exterior projects, the choice between A-100 and SuperPaint depends on factors such as cost, durability, and long-term performance. For interior painting, SuperPaint is the recommended option, offering features like bacteria-fighting technology and quicker drying times.

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Cost

When it comes to cost, there is a difference between Sherwin Williams A100 and SuperPaint. A100 is a contractor-grade paint, often chosen for large-scale projects like new housing developments and apartment buildings due to its cost-effectiveness. Sherwin Williams offers substantial discounts to contractors, making it a popular choice for new construction homes. It is also a good low-cost option for painting rentals, garages, new builds, or properties to be sold soon. A100 is priced at around $40 per gallon for most contractors.

On the other hand, SuperPaint is a premium paint and is more expensive than A100. It is favoured by homeowners seeking quality and durability. The higher cost of SuperPaint brings benefits such as longer-lasting appearance and sheen, improved washability, and enhanced resistance to mould and mildew. For a typical 2,500 square foot exterior paint job, you may need 30 to 40 gallons of paint, and the price difference between SuperPaint and a higher-grade paint like Duration Exterior is around $10 per gallon. This means you could pay $300 to $400 more for an upgrade, which is a small investment for better performance.

While SuperPaint is more expensive than some other paints on the market, it is considered a mid-tier paint that offers an excellent balance between quality and cost, making it ideal for exterior projects. It is priced about mid-range and will typically last about 5 to 7 years.

Some sources suggest that A100 may be slightly more expensive than SuperPaint, and that it is a newer paint that will last longer and provide a better finish. However, the majority of sources indicate that SuperPaint is the more costly option.

In summary, A100 is a cost-effective option often chosen for large-scale projects and new construction, while SuperPaint is a premium paint with a higher price tag that offers benefits in terms of durability and appearance.

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Durability

When it comes to durability, SuperPaint and A100 have some notable differences.

A100 is a contractor-grade paint, often chosen for large-scale projects like new housing developments and apartment buildings due to its cost-effectiveness. It is Sherwin Williams' workhorse level of exterior paint, balancing better quality with a lower price. It is a medium-quality paint with good adhesion, colour retention, and durability. It is also known for its improved hiding and application, as well as lower VOCs.

On the other hand, SuperPaint is a premium paint that is favoured by homeowners looking for quality and durability. It is more expensive than A100, but it offers better long-term durability. SuperPaint maintains its appearance and sheen longer, washes better, and is more resistant to mould and mildew. It also offers improved hiding and application, as well as lower VOCs.

In terms of longevity, SuperPaint has been reported to last around 12 years before needing to be redone, whereas A100 might be more suitable for projects where a quick, cost-effective solution is needed, such as rentals, garages, or properties that will be sold soon.

Some sources suggest that SuperPaint and A100 were once very similar products, with the same paint being put into different cans to create a competing level. However, over time, the two products have diverged, with SuperPaint now offering a higher level of quality and durability.

In conclusion, while both paints offer good durability, SuperPaint is the superior option if long-term durability and a higher level of quality are the primary concerns. A100 is a more cost-effective choice and is better suited to projects where a quick turnaround is needed, or for surfaces that will be repainted frequently.

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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Sherwin-Williams A-100 and SuperPaint are both low in VOCs, with less than 50 grams per liter (g/L). This is well below the federal limit of 250 g/L for flat finishes and 380 g/L for other finishes. Both paints are also acrylic latex paints, which are water-based and emit fewer odors compared to oil-based paints.

SuperPaint offers interior and exterior versions, while A-100 is specifically formulated for exterior use. SuperPaint's interior formula has a different dry time compared to A-100 and dries in about one hour.

SuperPaint Interior Acrylic with Air Purifying Technology is a zero-VOC paint that actively reduces VOC levels from other sources in the home, improving indoor air quality. It also helps eliminate odors and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

Sherwin-Williams has enhanced the A-100 exterior formula for better hiding, application, and lower VOCs. Both SuperPaint and A-100 exterior paints offer Advanced Resin Technology, delivering excellent adhesion and color retention, even in cold conditions.

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Warranty

When it comes to warranties, SuperPaint offers a limited lifetime warranty, whereas A-100 provides a 15-year limited warranty. SuperPaint's warranty covers defects like peeling and blistering for as long as the original owner lives in the home where the paint was applied. If there are issues with the paint during this time, Sherwin-Williams will provide replacement paint or refund the purchase price.

It's important to note that the warranties for both products do not cover labour costs or damage caused by poor surface preparation, structural issues, or incorrect application.

The choice between the two paints depends on your specific needs and priorities. SuperPaint is generally recommended for most homeowners due to its superior performance in coverage, adhesion, durability, and washability. Its higher quality can save money in the long run by extending the time between repainting.

On the other hand, A-100 is a more cost-effective option, making it a popular choice for contractors, new construction, and commercial spaces where cost savings are a priority.

While SuperPaint is Sherwin Williams' "standard" exterior paint, it can also be used for interior painting. It is priced in the mid-range and is suitable for older homes, typically lasting about 5-7 years.

Both SuperPaint and A-100 have their advantages, and the decision depends on factors such as budget, project requirements, and the desired level of quality and durability.

Frequently asked questions

A100 is an exterior-only paint and a contractor-grade paint, often chosen for new construction due to its cost-effectiveness. SuperPaint, on the other hand, comes in both interior and exterior versions. It is a premium paint, favoured by homeowners looking for quality and durability.

A100 is more cost-effective than SuperPaint. A100 is priced at around $40 per gallon, while SuperPaint is priced at around $50 per gallon.

SuperPaint is more durable than A100. SuperPaint maintains its appearance and sheen longer, offers better washability, and is more resistant to mould and mildew.

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