Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Paint Review

A Pros Take On Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Interior Paint

Everyone knows of Sherwin as an industry leader regarding household paint offerings. But SW’s overflow of paint options frequently distorts buyers’ decisions, resulting in outstanding paint products that are ignored. 

If you are searching for premium interior trim or cabinet paint from SW, you may not have heard much about ProClassic interior paint. Often paint choices are misguided, even for the ones well acquainted with ProClassic. In our opinion, Proclassic often gets grossly overlooked and is not recommended nearly enough. 

Believe us when we say ProClassic is worth considering and should be a top contender when looking for premium interior trim paint.

You will not regret buying SW ProClassic for interior trim, but buyers must first understand how Proclassic differs and create fair expectations. This product has never received fair use or awareness, and here we explain why and what it excels at, giving it the exposure it deserves! 

An Introduction to ProClassic

ProClassic is not a new offering by SW. It’s been around for quite some time. But most clerks at paint counters introduce ProClassic incorrectly. Some describe it as best used for higher-end homes, columns, or fancy trim. Others present ProClassic as a cabinet-specific paint coating. 

ProClassic is a self-leveling premium trim paint that is great for trim and cabinets in anyone’s home. ProClassic has been mismarketed and overshadowed by more familiar offerings for way too long. 

On the other hand, application nuances give ProClassic different characteristics from other Sherwin-Williams paints alike. Let us further explain within additional categories below.

Applying ProClassic

Painters can spray or brush ProClassic, but it may take a little more experience to apply Proclassic to prevent paint runs and sags.

Since ProClassic is self-leveling, its paint properties are slightly different from other interior satin, semi-gloss, and gloss trim paints. 

First, the paint is thinner. Since there is less body and the viscosity is less, it’s essential not to apply heavy coats. 

The second feature is its increased open time. Staying wet or “open” longer helps the paint level out and rids dried surfaces from unwanted stipples and unsightly brush strokes. 

A thinner paint that stays open longer is more prone to runs but offers a more uniform finish coat. We recommend spraying ProClassic for the best results, but an experienced painter can also brush Proclassic just fine. Just be sure to backtrack, checking for potential runs in corners or areas prone to paint collection. 

Performance & Coverage

Even though Proclassic is a slower-drying interior paint, it’s a hard finish once it does dry. Since Proclassic is an enamel, it outperforms other interior trim paints in noticeable and appreciated ways that offer long-term durability. 

Although coverage is not its best attribute, it performs well enough for two coats to suffice in most interior situations. Only when high elective colors are applied is when additional coats are needed. 

High reflective colors offered by SW have little to no titanium dioxide. Therefore, you can expect numerous coats for colors that call for that base. 

Areas Where ProClassic is Most Beneficial

ProClassic is a trim-specific paint. That’s what makes it so great! There are significantly fewer vinyl polymers and fillers than other trim paint offered, such as Cashmere. 

Have you ever had a can in a pantry or a book stuck to the paint on a shelf? That tacky or sticky feeling is non-existent with ProClassic. ProClassic eliminates things sticking to surfaces, including dust, and is more resistant to mold and mildew growth, although it’s not marketed as antimicrobial. 

ProClassic acrylic paints are also more resistant to dulling and yellowing over time. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about areas containing little light, such as the back of closet doors yellowing over time.

Oil & Water-based ProClassic Options

There are a couple of different options provided by the Proclassic lineup. Options range from oil, acrylic, and our favorite waterborne alkyd. 

If you have ever brushed oil-based paint, ProClassic oil is no different from another paint offering. It drags and is hard to apply by brush. We recommend spraying oil with a fine finish tip for the best application and appearance. 

Both water-based options brush and spray smoothly with minimal drag. Aside from the paint being a low-viscosity enamel, as previously described, we obtain outstanding results when spraying or brushing. Just keep the first coat somewhat light.

Cleaning ProClassic From Tools

Sherwin-Williams paints are not always easy to remove from tools. You would have to be an experienced painter to notice the subtle increase in effort. 

Paint being hard to remove from tools is not necessarily a bad thing. SW is known to offer class-leading paint adhesion. So, our take is that the extra efforts of clean-up are well worth the added adhesion where it counts. 

The water-based versions clean up with soap and water, while the oil-based option requires mineral spirits or paint thinner.

The Added Cost of ProClassic

Paint, in general, is overpriced. ProClassic interior trim paint is not cheap. In many ways, house painters would argue that it is overpriced. Our take is either overpay for subpar results or pay a premium for outstanding results. 

Through our experience, we have enjoyed ProClassic through all of its reformulations. By now, you probably already know that we recommend and encourage the upgraded performance that ProClassic offers despite the cost. 

As of today, you can expect to pay from $48 – $60 for each gallon depending on contractor prices and homeowner promotional and seasonal discounts. But like everything else, those prices are sure to increase.

Concluding Our Assessment

If the application or added cost makes you leery, be mindful that you can always purchase a single gallon to try it out. 

Remember, painting trim is tedious and requires the least amount of paint, but that added durability, in our opinion, is well worth any minor trade-offs. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us or follow our social media outlets!