Mendez Painting has had the opportunity to work with Bill for almost 20 years—we first met back in 2008. The introduction came through a Sherwin-Williams rep at the time. From the very beginning, Bill was a strong advocate for Duration paint. Mendez Painting has never had an issue with Duration or Emerald, but in our experience, there’s no real advantage to using them—aside from paying more. They don’t necessarily offer more longevity or a better finish compared to other options. Over the years, Mendez Painting completed several properties for Bill using Duration paint. About five years after the first job, Bill realized he wasn’t seeing any extended lifespan from using it. That’s when he and Mendez Painting agreed to switch to SuperPaint, 25 year paint by Sherwin Williams. Not only did it perform just as well, but it also helped save him money. Funny story—in March of 2025, Mendez Painting worked on the exterior of Bill’s personal home. His house is 20 years old, and he had always been proud of the paint job it received when it was first built. He asked what paint was being used, and for a moment there was some confusion on our side—especially since he had always insisted on Duration. So the team at Mendez Painting and Bill took a look at the original records. Sure enough, the house had originally been painted with SuperPaint. That was a turning point for Bill—no more overpaying for a name. Don’t let paint manufacturers mislead you with promises of “lifetime” paints. Mendez Painting's Recommendation: For exteriors, Mendez Painting recommends SuperPaint. After more than 25 years in the business, Mendez Painting has seen the evolution of paint technology—and also the evolution of marketing strategies designed to boost profits. The truth is, the surface you’re painting on makes the biggest difference—not just the paint itself. The paint is only as good as the surface it’s applied to. Here’s some helpful info to guide your decisions: Best Materials for Holding Paint: Hardie Board and Paintable PVC: These surfaces hold paint extremely well. Watch out for: Fading, which affects all paints (especially darker colors). Lighter colors and a satin finish will resist fading better. For example a lighter color and satin finish would be 2 pros against fading while a satin finish paired with a darker color will give you 1 pro and 1 con. Second Best: Stucco / Brick Stucco Stucco holds paint very well over long periods of time. Tip: Avoid satin finish on large stucco areas—it tends to highlight inconsistencies. Use flat paint for a cleaner, more uniform look. Note: Stucco is sensitive to texture changes. Any repairs will be visible. Recommendation: Use SuperPaint in a flat finish for exterior stucco. Brick Painting brick is perfectly fine—brick is also one of the best surfaces for holding paint. Key tip: The only time you may run into issues is if there are existing problems like persistent water runoff or leaks. These are not paint-related issues—they’re pre-existing and should be addressed first, if possible, though at times it may not be architecturally possible to correct before painting. Two Painting Systems for Brick: 1. Waterproof System – Recommended by Mendez Painting Loxon Primer + SuperPaint (Satin or Flat) This creates a sealed surface. Water or humidity stays on top and doesn’t penetrate. Recommendation: Use Satin for a longer-lasting, more protective finish. 2. Breathable System . Loxon Primer + Loxon Finish This allows humidity to pass through the coating and brick, helping moisture escape. Recoating Recommendation: For brick, Mendez Painting recommends recoating every 6-7 years to maintain the finish and prevent moisture damage. Note: The Loxon Primer is only necessary for bare brick. If the brick has been previously painted, it does not require a primer. Garage Doors: These take paint well and maintain their look for years. Main concern: Fading. Recommendation: Use a gloss or satin finish for durability and appearance. Use Superpaint Wood Trim (around windows, upper roofs, etc.): High-maintenance surfaces. Require regular upkeep: pressure washing and touch-ups every 2–3 years to stay in good condition. Metal Roofs: High-maintenance due to extreme summer heat and fading from sun exposure. Recommendation: Repaint every few years to maintain appearance and protection. Remember to not fall for the marketing trick of “lifetime” paint. By understanding the materials being painted, you can make better-informed decisions—not just rely on marketing claims. Mendez Painting is here to help customers get the most out of their investment—honestly and professionally.