The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) 8-K Other Events

Exhibit 5.1

March 17, 2020

The Sherwin-Williams Company

101 West Prospect Avenue, N.W.

Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1075

Re: $500,000,000 of 2.300% Senior Notes due 2030; and

$500,000,000 of 3.300% Senior Notes due 2050 of

The Sherwin-Williams Company

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are acting as counsel for The Sherwin-Williams Company, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the issuance and sale of $$500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 2.300% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”) and $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 3.300% Senior Notes due 2050 (the “2050 Notes” and, together with the 2030 Notes, the “Notes”), pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2020 (the “Underwriting Agreement”), among the Company and BofA Securities, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, acting as representatives (in such capacity, the “Representatives”) of the several underwriters named therein. The Notes are being issued under an indenture, dated as of July 31, 2015 (the “Base Indenture”), between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), as amended and supplemented by the Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture relating to the 2030 Notes, dated March 17, 2020 (the “Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture”), between the Company and the Trustee, and the Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture relating to the 2050 Notes, dated March 17, 2020 (together with the Base Indenture and the Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, the “Indenture”), between the Company and the Trustee.

In connection with the opinion expressed herein, we have examined such documents, records and matters of law as we have deemed relevant or necessary for purposes of this opinion. Based on the foregoing, and subject to the further limitations, qualifications and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that the Notes constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.

The opinion set forth above is subject to the following limitations, qualifications and assumptions:

For purposes of the opinion expressed herein, we have assumed that (i) the Trustee has authorized, executed and delivered the Indenture, (ii) the Notes have been duly authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and (iii) the Indenture is the valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Trustee.

The Sherwin Williams Company

March 17, 2020

Page 2

The opinion expressed herein is limited by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer and fraudulent conveyance, voidable preference, moratorium or other similar laws and related regulations and judicial doctrines from time to time in effect relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and (ii) general equitable principles and public policy considerations, whether such principles and considerations are considered in a proceeding at law or at equity.

As to facts material to the opinion and assumptions expressed herein, we have relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others. The opinion expressed herein is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the laws of the State of Ohio, as currently in effect, and we express no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Current Report on Form8-K dated the date hereof filed by the Company and incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement on FormS-3 (RegistrationNo. 333-233215) (the “Registration Statement”), filed by the Company to effect the registration of the Notes under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) and to the reference to Jones Day under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus constituting a part of such Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Jones Day