Sherwin-Williams Cashmere vs. SuperPaint: What’s the Difference?

Are you preparing to paint but can’t decide between Sherwin-Williams Cashmere and SuperPaint?

What’s the difference between them? Is one better than the other?

In this comparison of Sherwin-Williams Cashmere vs. SuperPaint, you’ll learn how these highly-rated paint lines differ in coverage, durability, washability, price, and much more.

Plus, I’ll share what the experts at Sherwin-Williams say about both lines.

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• Sherwin-Williams Cashmere vs. SuperPaint: Comparison Chart
• Differences Between Sherwin-Williams Cashmere and SuperPaint
• Similarities Between Sherwin-Williams Cashmere and SuperPaint
• What Experts at Sherwin-Williams Say
• Bottom Line: Should You Use Sherwin-Williams Cashmere or SuperPaint?

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Sherwin-Williams Cashmere vs. SuperPaint: Comparison Chart

The following chart offers a quick comparison of Cashmere and SuperPaint.

	Sherwin-Williams Cashmere	Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint
Type	Interior	Interior and Exterior
Paint and Primer	Yes	Yes
VOCs	<50 g/l	<50 g/l
Colors	1,700 options	1,700 options
Dry Time	4 hours to recoat	4 hours to recoat
Coverage Per Gallon	350-400 square feet	350-400 square feet
Interior Volume Solids	38-41%	37-41%
Exterior Volume Solids	N/A	37-38%
Interior Finishes	Flat, Eggshell, Low Lustre, Medium Lustre, and Pearl	Flat, Satin, Velvet, and Semi-Gloss
Exterior Finishes	N/A	Flat, Low Lustre, Satin, Gloss, and High Gloss
Versions	Standard	Standard, Air Purifying, Sanitizing (interior only)
Appearance	✔✔✔	✔✔
Easy to Clean	✔	✔✔
Mold & Mildew Resistance	✔✔	✔✔✔
Ease of Application	✔✔✔	✔✔
Durability	✔✔	✔✔
Coverage/Hide	✔✔	✔✔
Price	$$	$$$

Differences Between Sherwin-Williams Cashmere and SuperPaint

Cashmere and SuperPaint have a lot in common. But there are nuances between the lines that set them apart. Let’s explore.

Exterior Paint Option

Cashmere doesn’t have an exterior line. Alternatively, SuperPaint offers interior and exterior paint. SuperPaint exterior gives you 100 VinylSafe paint color options, so you won’t have as many choices as the interior formula.

Volume Solids

When choosing a paint, understanding volume solids is a key factor that impacts the outcome of your project. Simply, volume solids are what is left after the paint dries.

The three main elements of paint include:

• Solvent: The liquid that acts as a medium for the formula. It is usually water or oil.
• Pigment: The elements that provide color for your paint.
• Binder: In the case of acrylic latex paint, binders are resin or vinyl. It helps the paint adhere to a surface.

Paint can also contain additives to give it different properties—for example, mildew resistance or scrubbability.

When you paint, the solvent evaporates. The binder then begins to harden. Therefore, the dried binding agent, pigment, and additives will remain after you paint.

The higher the percentage of volume solids, the better durability and coverage. Cashmere and SuperPaint both have a high level of volume solids compared to paint from cheaper brands.

Low volume solids do not always equate to low quality; it just means that you will need more paint to get the same coverage. It can also mean that it’s a specialty paint or a budget brand. For example, paint made to be applied via a sprayer is usually thinner with lower volume solids.

The following tables show the percentages of volume solids for Cashmere and SuperPaint formulas.

Finish	Cashmere Interior Volume Solids
Flat	40 +/- 2
Eggshell	40 +/- 2
Pearl	41 +/- 2
Low-Lustre	41 +/- 2
Medium-Lustre	38 +/- 2

Finish	SuperPaint Interior Volume Solids
Flat	38 ± 2%
Satin	40 ± 2%
Velvet	41 ± 2%
Semi-Gloss	37 ± 2%

Finish	SuperPaint Exterior Volume Solids
Flat	37 ± 2%
Low-Lustre	37 ± 2%
Satin	37 ± 2%
Gloss	38 ± 2%
High Gloss	37 ± 2%

Finishes

Cashmere interior paint comes in the following finishes:

• Flat
• Eggshell
• Low-Lustre
• Medium-Lustre
• Pearl

SuperPaint interior paint comes in the following finishes:

• Flat
• Satin
• Velvet
• Semi-gloss

SuperPaint exterior paint comes in the following finishes:

• Flat
• Low-Lustre
• Satin
• Gloss
• High gloss

Do you prefer lots of light reflection and high durability? Go for a high-gloss finish. Want to hide imperfections? Choose eggshell.

It all comes down to the amount of sheen (shine) you want. High gloss provides the most sheen and durability for high-traffic areas like kitchens and playrooms. Because it’s smoother, it’s easier to wipe clean.

Flat or matte finishes reflect less light and are better suited for low-traffic areas like guest bedrooms and closets. The texture of these finishes is slightly grittier, which makes them tougher to clean. However, they hide fingerprints and minor surface blemishes.

Each finish will provide a different look, so learn about finish types before making your choice.

Application

Cashmere is known for its easy application and ultra-smooth finish. It’s great for beginners because it goes on smoothly and won’t show brush or roller marks. It offers a low-stipple finish and levels itself as you paint.

Scrubbability

SuperPaint doesn’t offer the velvety finish of Cashmere, but it gets high marks for its scrubbability and washability. That means it is easy to clean, and repeated cleaning does not degrade its appearance. If your walls get dirty frequently, SuperPaint is a solid choice.  

Durability

If you are looking for durable exterior paint, SuperPaint’s formula includes Advanced Resin Technology. It enhances how the paint adheres to walls, retains color, and offers a superior hide when painting over existing paint.

The paint also resists frost in cold temperatures and mildew, fading, peeling, or blistering during hot or humid conditions. It’s an optimal choice for any area prone to dirt or grime.

Specialty Versions

Cashmere is available in interior paint only. SuperPaint has more options, including:

• SuperPaint Interior: A durable indoor paint formula with high washability. It’s ideal for areas that attract dirt because you can scrub or wipe repeatedly without damaging the finish.
• SuperPaint Exterior: A resilient outdoor formula that resists the elements, repels dirt, and maintains its finish well in harsh conditions.
• SuperPaint Interior with Air Purifying Technology: A zero VOC formula that reduces VOC levels from other sources in a room, such as carpets and fabrics.
• SuperPaint Interior with Sanitizing Technology: A formula with built-in ingredients that fight bacteria for up to four years after application. According to Sherwin-Williams, this paint kills 99.9% of bacteria like Staph, E. coli, and MRSA within two hours of exposure.

Price

Cashmere and SuperPaint interior flat paints are similarly priced, but exact pricing varies by finish. Higher gloss paint costs more.

SuperPaint’s specialty versions (Purifying Technology and Sanitizing Technology formulas) are slightly more expensive than Cashmere and other SuperPaint.

Without discounts, the price of Cashmere and SuperPaint ranges between $66 and $71 per gallon, while SuperPaint specialty versions range between $72 and $77 per gallon.

View the current prices for both paint lines across all finishes on Sherwin-Williams.com.

Similarities Between Sherwin-Williams Cashmere and SuperPaint

Sherwin-Williams Cashmere and SuperPaint have similar features and performance. Let’s look at what you get with both lines.

Acrylic Latex Paint

Both Cashmere and SuperPaint’s interior formulas are acrylic latex paints.

If you have a spill or splatter, these water-based paints contain resins that are easier to clean than oil-based formulas. They don’t require harsh solvents; water and a mild detergent work well during cleanup.

Acrylic latex paint holds color well, offers excellent coverage, is more eco-friendly than oil paints, and adheres to most surfaces. However, it’s not ideal for covering shiny surfaces.

Paint and Primer

Cashmere and SuperPaint formulas both include paint and primer.

But even with built-in primers, some projects require a coat of primer first. For example, if you’re painting unfinished drywall, you’ll get better results by priming the surface first.

A coat of prime will also help if you’re painting a wall with a light color over a vibrant or very dark color.

VOCs

Paint’s unpleasant odor is due to the VOCs or volatile organic compounds.

VOCs are the results of evaporating solvents. In other words, as the paint dries, VOCs are released into the air. Some paints can release VOCs for months after the paint job.

When choosing paint, you’ll want a low-VOC or no VOC option. Breathing in these dangerous fumes can cause health issues, like asthma, and some VOCs are known carcinogens (linked to cancer).

Cashmere and SuperPaint are water-based paints, so the solvent is water. That cuts down on VOCs.

Both paint lines comply with current VOC regulations. The federal VOC limit is 250 grams per liter (g/L) for flat finishes and 380 g/L for low to high gloss finishes.

According to the safety data sheets, both paint lines contain less than 50 g/L, making them a safer choice. They are both considered low VOC paints.

Colors

Sherwin-Williams features over 1,700 color choices. You’ll have a choice of any color you desire in interior Cashmere and SuperPaint. You can explore colors on Sherwin-Williams.com to find the perfect hues for your paint project.

If you need help selecting colors, Sherwin-Williams offers multiple tools, including:

• Color to Go: Order 1-quart samples of paint so you can see what it will look like on your project.
• Peel & Stick: Don’t want the hassle of painting? Use these reusable 8″ x 8″ squares on your wall. They are a mess-free option in a choice of Sherwin-Williams’ top-selling colors.
• Color Chips: These 2” x 3” swatches are available in all Sherwin-Williams colors. You can get up to ten, free.
• ColorSnap Visualizer: This tool allows you to paint virtually with your chosen Sherwin-Williams paint colors. You can choose from sample rooms or upload a photo of your room. Sherwin-Williams also offers a ColorSnap app for iPhone, Android, and iPad.
• Snap It: Install the button on your web browser to capture the colors of an image online. That will create a color palette that matches Sherwin-Williams’ colors.

If you need more help, consider scheduling a free virtual color consultation. You’ll get a 30-minute chat with a Sherwin-Williams color consultant. They can help you create a plan for your paint project.

Dry Time

For interior paint, the drying time for Cashmere and SuperPaint is 1 hour to the touch. If you plan to add a second coat, you’ll need to wait four hours.

However, these guidelines assume that the temperature is at least 77°F with 50% relative humidity. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity will alter drying times. To be safe, you can double the recommended time between coats or wait 24 hours for extra caution.

Coverage Per Gallon

According to Sherwin-Williams, one gallon of Cashmere or SuperPaint can cover 350-400 square feet. You’ll need two coats for best results and coverage.

Sherwin-Williams provides a paint calculator to help you purchase enough paint to complete your project.

Cleaning

Since both pant lines are water-based, cleaning is simple.

If you’re cleaning brushes or wiping up paint splatter immediately after painting, warm water is usually all you will need.

When cleaning your painted walls, you can quickly wipe up any spills or marks with water. If that doesn’t work, add a ‌bit of mild dish soap to wipe it clean. However, do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleansers because you could ruin the finish or remove the paint.

Always test a small area first to see how the paint responds.

What Experts at Sherwin-Williams Say

I contacted two paint specialists at local Sherwin-Williams stores to get their expert opinions on SuperPaint vs. Cashmere. I asked both the same question:

“What’s the difference between Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint and Cashmere?”

The paint specialist at the Sherwin-Williams store in Franklin, Massachusetts, said, “The main difference is Cashmere is easier to apply, and SuperPaint covers better.”

When I asked for more details, he said, “Cashmere is more beginner-friendly. Even if you’re not an experienced painter or don’t have the right tools, it will go on smoothly and look great because of the self-leveling agent in the formula. SuperPaint is thicker, a little more difficult to work with, and will show brush or roller marks if you don’t apply it properly.”

He told me, “The chart in Sherwin-Williams stores says SuperPaint is easier to clean, but, in reality, there’s no difference; Cashmere is easy to clean, too.”

He said, “Cashmere is great for almost every room in the house, but I recommend SuperPaint for kitchens and other high-traffic areas since it covers better and won’t need touch-ups as often.”

I contacted the paint expert at the Sherwin-Williams store in Mansfield, Massachusetts, to get another opinion. She said, “SuperPaint is a solid general paint. It provides an excellent finish and offers superior washability, meaning it won’t fade when scrubbing it.”

When I asked her if one paint provides better coverage than the other, she said, “Both provide excellent coverage, and there’s not much of a difference.”

I also connected with a Sherwin-Williams paint specialist via the chat feature on the company’s website. That expert told me, “Cashmere has a self-leveling agent that applies smoothly on the surface. SuperPaint is our Paint & Primer in one that offers great coverage and hide.”

Bottom Line: Should You Use Sherwin-Williams Cashmere or SuperPaint?

Both Sherwin-Williams Cashmere and SuperPaint lines are popular for good reason. Each has distinct qualities that are well-suited for different types of paint projects.

But before I give you my take on which to use, let’s review the key similarities and differences:

• Both Cashmere and SuperPaint use an acrylic latex paint formula. They are water-based, low-VOC, easy to clean up, and have low odor.
• Cashmere and SuperPaint have identical color options and drying times, offer the same coverage in square feet, and both have primer in their formulas.
• They have similar volume solids, so both paints offer excellent hide. But Cashmere has slightly higher volume solids than SuperPaint.
• Both are easy to clean, but SuperPaint can withstand repeated washing and scrubbing better than Cashmere.
• Cashmere and SuperPaint feature a variety of finishes, but only SuperPaint offers semi-gloss and high-gloss options if you prefer high sheen.
• Cashmere doesn’t provide an exterior formula. SuperPaint’s exterior paint has Advanced Resin Technology for superior durability and long-lasting performance.
• Cashmere offers an easy application and a smooth, self-leveling finish. It’s an easier paint to handle if you are new to painting.

Bottom line — Cashmere is the paint for you if you want a velvety, smooth finish. It’s available in multiple finishes and is easier to apply.

If you need a robust finish that stands up to washing or offers special formulas for air purification and keeping surfaces bacteria-free, go with SuperPaint.

The choice will depend on what you need most from the paint — superior appearance or washability.

If you have children, pets, or live in a busy home, I recommend SuperPaint. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas and can handle frequent washing to maintain its appearance.

But if you want a show-stopping look in your rooms, hallways, and foyers, Cashmere is an excellent choice.