Looking like it will SW Emerald rain for the paint project

Late to the thread here, but I have used Sherwin Williams Duration on our smart siding trim on our deck in 2011, and repainted our steel siding with it in 2016. Very good and durable paint, no complaints here. I paid ~$50/Gal. then.

Sherman Williams is constantly doing sales, the sales are often better than the contractor discounts.

Sign up for their emails to get the sales.
If you go into the store you need to bring the email they will often not tell you there is a sale on.

For property near the ocean, Cabot stain used to be the best. First government regulation then they were bought. Between the two they heavily reduced the pigment in the stain.

If you can buy it be sure to buy the one with the most VOCs. That is basically what gives it the strong smell and great coverage. I used it to stain my house every 12 years when everyone else was getting 5 years with paint.

Yes, the paint was expensive. But was discounted significantly. Job was completed in two days. 1/2+ cleaning and prep. The paint had primer incorporated in it. So no pre primer needed. Next day two coats applied. Sprayed on and rolled over on both coats. Went on really well. Weather was perfect for the job. Feel like it was a solid job and should last for a long time.

Thanks for all the thoughts and feed back .