--- title: "Sherwin-Williams Forte Paint Review: A Smoother, Harder Finish " description: "We tested Sherwin-Williams Forte on a rusted, weathered outdoor table to see how it would hold up. Here's our full review." date: "2026-07-21" modified: "2026-07-21" authors: - name: "Glenda Taylor" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/glenda-taylor.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/reviews/sherwin-williams-forte-paint-review/" categories: - "DIY" - "Paint Needs" - "Painting & Finishing" - "Reviews" - "Tools & Materials" --- # Sherwin-Williams Forte Paint Review: A Smoother, Harder Finish  ![A small patio table painted with Sherwin Williams Forte Paint and holding a book and glass of tea]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* I’ve painted enough furniture, trim, doors, and siding to know this: [Paint]() is not the place to save a few dollars. Whether you’re doing the work yourself or paying a painter, the labor and prep take far more effort than buying the coating. A cheaper paint that fails in a couple of years is not a bargain. It just means sanding, priming, and painting all over again. That’s why I wanted to test the [Sherwin-Williams Forte Interior & Exterior Urethanized Acrylic Coating](). I’m already a fan of several Sherwin-Williams [exterior paints]()—especially Duration and SuperPaint—so Forte caught my attention because it’s formulated for both interior and exterior use, as well as for vertical and horizontal surfaces. I tested it on a small outdoor side table that was still structurally sound but had rust stains around the screw heads and a few damaged spots where bare wood showed through. Ahead, find out what happened. ## - **Invest in quality paint.** Cheaper paints may lead to costly rework due to early failure. - **Sherwin-Williams Forte excels.** Suitable for interior and exterior use, providing a smooth, durable finish. - **Preparation is key.** Sanding and priming ensure better adhesion and prevent stain bleed-through. - **Worth the cost.** Forte's finish quality justifies its higher price, offering long-lasting results. **Bottom line:** Sherwin-Williams Forte delivers a superior, durable finish, making it a worthwhile investment for both interior and exterior projects. ## Should you prime before painting over stains? I started by sanding the entire table, including the underside and the tight gaps between the tabletop slats. That step matters. Sanding smooths rough areas and removes surface sheen, which helps the new coating bond. I used a [sanding sponge]() for the open surfaces and folded sandpaper between the slats where the sponge wouldn’t fit. After sanding, I wiped the table with a [tack cloth]() to remove dust. Skipping that step can leave grit trapped under the paint and ruin the finish before the first coat even dries. ## Should you prime before painting over stains? Because there was a chance the rust stains could bleed back through, I brushed [Sherwin-Williams Extreme Stain Blocking Primer]() over the stained screw areas and let it dry for 24 hours. Forte is self-priming on some properly prepared substrates, but I prefer not to take any chances with rust. If you see rust, tannins, water marks, or other discoloration, use a stain-blocking primer first. It’s a small step that can save the whole project. For the paint, I used a 2-inch brush, a velour mini roller, and a foam wedge to reach between the slats. I applied two thin coats of [Sherwin-Williams Forte](), waiting 24 hours between coats because I had the time and prefer a longer dry window when I’m testing finish quality. Sherwin-Williams lists a shorter recoat time (2 hours), but I’d rather give the coating more time to settle and harden. - ![1 Gallon Can of Sherwin-Williams Forte Paint and Brush]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Image of Rusted Screws Before]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Wiping with tack cloth to remove all dust]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Sanding the old painted surface]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Filling roller tray with Sherwin-Williams Forte Paint]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Using mini velour roller to apply Sherwin-Williams Forte Paint for a smooth finish]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Brushing on Sherwin-Williams Forte Paint between slats]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Applying Sherwin Williams stain block to screw holes first]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Rolling on Sherwin-Williams Forte Paint]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* - ![Table finished with Sherwin-Williams Forte Paint in use]() *Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com* [][][] ## How smooth is the finish? Forte went on smoothly and leveled out faster than I expected. The brush worked well in tight spots, but the velour roller gave the tabletop the cleanest finish. The trick is keeping the coats light. Heavy coats are where drips, sags, and soft spots develop. After the second coat dried another 24 hours, the finish was even, clean, and virtually mark-free. I pressed my fingernail into the surface and it didn’t leave an indentation, which told me the coating had formed a hard, durable film. ## Is Sherwin-Williams Forte worth $139? This is not the cheapest paint I’ve used, but the finish quality was excellent, and I’d use it again. In fact, I’m planning to repaint the matching chair and porch swing the same way. If I were doing a full restoration, I’d disassemble the pieces, sand and paint all sides, then reassemble them with stainless steel screws to prevent future rust stains. For a quicker refresh, though, Forte gave this table a crisp, durable finish that more than justifies the per-gallon price. ## Author Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries.