Our expert says “Your choice of applicator is almost as important as your choice of paint.” Here’s how to choose the right one.
Every paint project is unique, but the first step for all of them is finding the right paint for the job. But prepping for the project doesn’t stop there. Getting a flawless finish also means choosing the right applicator to pair with it. After all, your favorite, go-to brush or roller cover may not be the best choice for every coating. For the best results, you need to choose an applicator that complements the paint you’re using.
“If you’re investing in a premium-quality product, you want to make sure you get a premium-quality finish,” says Dennis Fiorilli, Director of Product Excellence at Sherwin-Williams. “Different factors—like whether a roller cover is woven or not woven or what bristle type a brush uses—can affect the finish of the paint. That’s why choosing the right applicator makes a big difference.”
Based on internal testing by Sherwin-Williams and external testing by painters in the field, Fiorilli offers these recommended pairings to get a flawless finish on your next paint job.
Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel
With a durable finish and best-in-class performance, you can’t go wrong with choosing Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel for your next door, trim, or cabinet job. It resists yellowing, offers outstanding flow and leveling for a smooth, uniform finish, and has excellent color and gloss retention for even exterior applications. Fiorilli recommends pairing Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel with a Purdy® Syntox™ brush or Purdy® WhiteDove™ roller cover, as these applicators are designed to help the user achieve the smooth finish that is desired on trim, doors, or cabinets.
Emerald® Designer Edition™
For the customer who wants only the best in color, Emerald® Designer Edition™ combines an ultra-smooth, virtually flawless finish with full access to the Sherwin-Williams Designer Color Collection, from the brightest whites to exquisite, designer-favorite colors. That color will last too, thanks to Emerald Designer Edition’s excellent washability and protection against burnishing. Perhaps best of all, its self-priming technology means you’ll get to spend less time and effort applying it to achieve a quality finish. For best results, Fiorilli says to pair Emerald Designer Edition with a Purdy® Clearcut® Elite™ brush or Purdy® Marathon® roller cover: “The Purdy Marathon is designed to maximize every dip into the roller tray, meaning that not only do you get the premium finish, it’s also less time you will be going to the tray to load the roller cover. That makes it the perfect tool to achieve that designer look on your wall.”
Duration Home®
Duration Home® is built to tackle tough rooms like kitchens and bathrooms with advanced stain blocking and moisture resistance technology. It’s extremely washable, repels stains, and inhibits mold and mildew growth—perfect for providing color and finish that will last in high-traffic areas. To maximize the washability and moisture resistance of Duration Home, it is key to apply the correct amount of paint on the walls. Because of that, Fiorilli recommends using it with a Purdy® XL® brush or Purdy Marathon roller cover, as they will not only help you apply the right amount, but also leave a smooth finish.
Latitude™ with ClimateFlex Technology™
Latitude™ with ClimateFlex Technology™ is a great option for painters looking to create stunning exteriors in extreme weather conditions. It can be applied smoothly with air, surface, and material temperatures ranging from 35ºF – 120ºF, and it develops early moisture resistance in as little as 30 minutes—so you can paint without fear of rain on the weather forecast. (Don’t believe it? Hear it firsthand from these painters.) As for applicators, Fiorilli says, “Just like Latitude, we need tools that can have flexibility in different temperatures. Both the Purdy XL brush and Marathon roller cover offer that flexibility and durability in temperature extremes, while also helping you get that desired finish.”
Conclusion
Expert Sherwin-Williams employees and in-store information can also help guide you to the best project based on your job’s specs. For full recommendations, check out the Sherwin-Williams Brush & Roller Guide, which features specific brush and roller cover recommendations for any Sherwin-Williams coating.
“It’s easy to get pretty set in your ways—maybe you’ve always used a particular brush or roller cover,” Fiorilli says. “But if you’re trying a new product and you’re not getting the performance you want, the issue might not be the product. Switching the applicator you’re using may give you better performance. After all, as paint technology and products change, it’s important to use the recommended brush or roller to get the best finish.”