The High Price of Cheap Paint

We’ve all had that urge to save some cash and just buy cheap, right? When picking out and buying paint, it really pays off in the end to invest in quality. And often times, when go for more high quality, it can mean it’s a little more expensive.

With so many paint brands on the market to use, it can become an quite a challenging obstacle to work around. Whether you’re planning to do your own house painting, or hiring someone as your painting contractor, it is very important to educate yourself on the difference between lower quality, cheap paint and high quality paint. Doing so will save you time, money and spare you from the disappointment of another inferior paint job.

About Quality Vs. Low Quality Paint

• The best rated interior paints have better pigments. The most expensive pigment in paint is titanium dioxide, a very pure white powder. A quality pigment is small and more pure so it hides what’s underneath better. Cheap paints use pigments like clay and silica which are much larger, meaning you need more coats to hide old paint and imperfections.

About Quality Vs. Low Quality Paint

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• Premium paints typically have better resins. This is what makes it stick better, more durable and longer lasting. They are small which allows it to penetrate deeper which is especially important with wood surfaces.
• Resins are the binding agents we find in find and the most expensive component that creates a strong film which helps pigments hold to surfaces. Cheaper paint resins are larger and don’t penetrate surfaces as well reducing it’s overall lifespan.
• High, high quality paints have fewer solvents per gallon versus cheap paints. Fewer solvents (such as less water) means a thicker paint when dry which can dramatically affect the look.
• Resins are the binding agents we find in find and the most expensive component that creates a strong film which helps pigments hold to surfaces. Cheaper paint resins are larger and don’t penetrate surfaces as well reducing its overall lifespan.
• In many instances, finishing up a job with just one coat of paint is ideal. However, cheaper paints with low quality pigments, resins and more solvents means you’ll also need to do two coats. That means more time and labour. Keep in mind that if you hire a professional painter, that question you a very low price, it can almost guarantee it comes with cheap paint.
• Some very high quality paints posses additives or 2-in-1 features that makes things much easier that have primers mixed in which save you a whole, time consuming step. Others can have additives that minimize mildew and thickeners for a more thick and even application of paint.
  A good quality paint will also offer that durability and staying power. Cheaper lower quality paints simple fade faster, which means you’ll be paying more often. Interior paints of higher quality resist scratches, stains as well as fading over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wish to learn more? We have a comprehensive list of FAQ’s for your enjoyment.