Not every paint holds up in Florida. Between the UV, the humidity, the wind-driven rain and the mildew pressure, a coating that lasts eight years up north can chalk out here in three. That is why we do not lock ourselves into one manufacturer.
We buy from three lines: Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore (through Spectrum Paint) and PPG Paints. All three make products we will put our name on. Which one goes on your home comes down to your budget, your color, and what the surface is asking for. Here is an honest breakdown so you can choose instead of guess.
The safe, proven pick
Sherwin-Williams
The one most people have heard of, and the one we have used the longest. Sherwin-Williams has a store on nearly every corner in Tampa Bay, so color matching, touch-up gallons and warranty support are never a problem. The formulas are consistent batch to batch, and their higher-end exterior products stand up to Florida sun as well as anything on the market. It is the safe, proven pick, and it is usually the priciest of the three.
Interior
- Emerald Interior – our premium wall paint, with top washability and stain resistance and a rich finish.
- Duration Interior – tough, high-hide finish built for busy, high-traffic homes.
- SuperPaint Interior – reliable all-rounder with great coverage and a smooth finish at a friendly price.
Exterior
- Emerald Rain Refresh – self-cleaning formula that uses rain to wash away dirt and keep the house looking fresh.
- Emerald Exterior – premium protection against fading, chalking and harsh weather.
- Duration Exterior – long-lasting adhesion that resists cracking and peeling.
Best color depth
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore is the painter’s paint. It lays off beautifully, it hides in fewer coats, and the color depth on deep, saturated shades is the best of the three. If you care about how a color actually reads on the wall in Florida light, this is the line to look at. We buy it locally through Spectrum Paint, so availability is never an issue.
Interior
- Aura Interior – richest color depth and a durable, luxurious finish.
- Regal Select Interior – smooth, even finish with solid hide and stain resistance.
- ben Interior – dependable coverage for bedrooms, ceilings and lower-traffic areas.
Exterior
- Aura Exterior – outstanding color retention and durability in tough weather.
- Regal Select High Build – thick, durable film that helps conceal minor surface imperfections.
- Element Guard Exterior – built for humid, wet conditions, with mold and mildew protection.
Pro-grade value
PPG Paints
PPG is one of the largest coatings makers in the world, and its professional lines are built to take a beating. UltraLast, Diamond and Manor Hall cover everything from premium stain resistance to busy-household durability inside, and the exterior lineup is made for Florida UV and heavy weather. A solid pick when you want a trusted name and a wide choice of lines.
Interior
- UltraLast Interior – our premium stain-resistant paint, with advanced stain resistance and a smooth, long-lasting finish.
- Diamond Interior – premium durability and stain resistance with long-lasting color.
- Manor Hall Interior – washable, high-hide finish for busy, high-traffic homes.
Exterior
- Permanizer Exterior – premium acrylic with strong UV and fade resistance.
- Acri-Shield MAX Exterior – urethane-modified acrylic for durability in harsh weather.
- Sun Proof Exterior – weather-resistant finish with strong UV protection against fading and chalking.
Which Sheen Goes Where
Whatever brand you pick, the sheen matters just as much. This is how we spec a typical Tampa Bay home.
- Ceilings: flat
- Walls, most rooms: matte or eggshell
- Baths, kitchens, laundry: eggshell or satin
- Trim, doors, baseboards: semi-gloss, usually white
- Exterior body: satin
- Exterior trim and doors: satin or semi-gloss
Not Sure Which One You Want?
You do not have to decide. Tell us what you are painting and what matters most to you, whether that is longevity, color depth or price, and we will spec it on the estimate with the exact product and sheen written down. No surprises, and no substitutions out on the truck.