Emerald Urethane Semi-Gloss is Sherwin Williams top of the line paint, but is it a good value? David Klappenberger puts this through a series of rigorous tests to determine it's true value.

1. A Pro’s Review of
Sherwin Williams
Emerald Urethane
Semi-Gloss
David Klappenberger

2. Is Emerald Urethane Semi-
Gloss A Good Value?
Here is some general information about
Emerald Urethane Semi-gloss from Sherwin
Williams Website:
► Zero VOC
► Low Splatter
► Water Clean-up
► Can be matched to any color
► Mildew Resistant
► Primer and paint in one
► Smooth Finish

3. Factors To Determine If
Emerald Urethane Is A
Good Value
► Workability
► Washability
► Coverage
► Durability
► Self-Leveling

4. Emerald Urethane Semi-gloss Workability
Workability can be evaluated in three different ways.
First, how far can does it spread with one dip of a brush. To the best of my ability, I dip
my paintbrush 1″ into the paint can and see how far I can make it go. If I can paint for at
least 24 inches, I grade it a 9. If I can have it spread over 30,” I grade it a 10.
Secondly, how easy does Emerald Urethane Spread? In other words, is it easy to work
with?
Finally, what is the working time for Emerald Urethane Semi-gloss?
Check out this short demonstration video!
Spreadability Grade: 10 out of 10
- 33” which gives Emerald Urethane a ten
Ease of Use Grade: 10 out of 10
- outstanding workability; very easy to work with and does not run
Working Time Grade: 10 out of 10
- Under normal conditions, Emerald has a working time of 2:15 which is excellent.

5. Emerald Urethane Semi-gloss Coverage
Coverage also called hide ability, is so important. In addition to inadequate coverage
adding extra time to the project, it will also require more product. Unfortunately,
Emerald Urethane has moderate coverage. For example, I painted Emerald Urethane
White over a dark blue and it needed a third coat for full coverage.
In addition, Cashmere, and ProClassic had better overall coverage than Emerald Urethane
Semi-gloss.
Check out this video where we test which Sherwin Williams paint has the best
coverage.
Coverage Grade: 8 out of 10

6. Emerald Urethane Semi-gloss Washability
Washability Grade: 10 out of 10
Emerald Urethane Semi-Gloss has a nice smooth hard shell finish. It feels durable and
proved to be able to handle the stains that were applied. All of my tests to date have
tested the same 6 items:
• Coffee
• Red wine
• Mustard
• Catsup
• Pencil
• Crayon
However, in a future test, yet to be published, I found Emerald Urethane Gloss did
not hold up well to oils on kitchen cabinets. In fact, Emerald Urethane Gloss was the
first of 7 different paints to scratch off.
Watch a video of this washability test here!

7. Emerald Urethane Semi-gloss Durability
After cleaning the products listed above off with Krudd Kutter, Spray Nine,
bleach and water, and Simple Green there was no burnishing done to the
paint. The Emerald Urethane was very durable and washable.
Durability Grade: 10 out of 10

8. How Well Does Sherwin Williams Emerald
Semi-Gloss Self Level?
Sherwin Williams Emerald self-levels very much as many cabinet-grade
paints do. This paint has excellent self-leveling but it could still be
improved by adding a latex extender or conditioner.
Self Leveling Grade: 10 out of 10

9. Is Emerald Urethane Semi-Gloss A
Good Value?
My method for determining the value may be different from yours.
But first, I want to know the cost of the paint (retail $92.00).
However, it can be purchased on sale a few times a year for about $54.00.
Secondly, I want to factor in all the tests that I did and see how it stakes up
to other comparable or lesser paints in cost.
As a painting contractor, coverage is important. The possibility of brushing
an extra coat on means I can underestimate a job. Therefore, I would be
more inclined to use it when I can spray.
Also, I would be eager to use it when the color change is not significant. It
is as easy to use as any paint on the market, which improves productivity.

10. Where Would I Suggest Using
Emerald Urethane Semi-Gloss?
► Trim
► Smooth Wood Doors
► Mantles
► Bookcases
► Where washability is very important
For more information about Emerald Urethane Semi-Gloss, check out this
professional review video!

11. For more information
on other paints, visit
our blog!
https://klappenbergerandson.com/blog/