The 30-Second Verdict
Both are premium exterior paints — Sherwin-Williams Duration and Emerald are the Florida contractor favorites for longevity; PPG Timeless offers comparable performance at slightly lower cost.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Sherwin-Williams
Pros
- Duration: 15+ year warranty in FL climate
- Excellent fade resistance (LifeMaster 2000)
- Widest FL contractor availability
- Most popular among FL painting contractors
- Low VOC options available
Cons
- Higher cost ($65–$85/gallon)
- Can crack on older stucco if not primed properly
- Requires proper surface prep to achieve warranty
📍 View Sherwin-Williams listing ↗
PPG
Pros
- PPG Timeless: comparable performance at lower cost
- Manor Hall excellent for Florida stucco
- Mildew-resistant additives built-in
- Better for DIY (available at Home Depot)
Cons
- Shorter warranty than SW Duration
- Fewer contractor-grade options
- Color matching less consistent
📍 View PPG listing ↗
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sherwin-Williams | PPG |
| Top Product | Duration Exterior ($75/gal) | Timeless Exterior ($60/gal) |
|---|
| UV Fade Resistance | Excellent (LifeMaster tech) | Excellent (fade resistant formula) |
|---|
| Mildew Resistance | Excellent | Excellent (Manor Hall) |
|---|
| Coverage per Gallon | 400 sq ft | 400 sq ft |
|---|
| FL Contractor Preference | 70%+ use SW | Popular for DIY/budget |
|---|
| Warranty | Lifetime limited (Duration) | Lifetime limited (Timeless) |
|---|
| Stucco Performance | Excellent with masonry primer | Excellent (Manor Hall) |
|---|
| Price per Gallon | $65–$85 | $55–$75 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does exterior paint last in Florida?
Florida's intense UV, humidity, and salt air are brutal on exterior paint. Budget paints last 5–7 years; premium paints like Sherwin-Williams Duration or PPG Timeless last 10–15 years with proper prep. South Florida coastal homes should plan for 7–10 years even with premium paint. Signs of failure: chalking, peeling, fading, mildew/algae growth.
What is the best exterior paint for Florida stucco?
Florida homes are predominantly stucco construction. Best performers: Sherwin-Williams Loxon Concentrate masonry conditioner as primer followed by Duration Exterior; Behr Premium Plus Ultra Masonry (Home Depot); PPG Manor Hall. Key requirement: use a masonry/stucco-specific primer — standard drywall primers fail on stucco.
Should I paint or re-stucco my Florida home?
If stucco has hairline cracks (<1/16"), elastomeric paint (SW Conflex or similar) bridges cracks and prevents water intrusion. For structural cracks (>1/8") or widespread failure, re-stucco is required — painting over failed stucco just delays the inevitable and can trap moisture, accelerating damage. Expect $6,000–$15,000 for full re-stucco of a typical Florida home.