Is Expensive Paint Worth It?
With so many brands and qualities of paint on the market, it can be mind-boggling to know which one to choose. Naturally, you want to save money where you can, so it may be tempting to grab a gallon or two of cheap paint to cover your bathroom walls. But will that inexpensive paint hold up and last?
Actually, there are some cases where you can get away with using cheap paint. But if you're planning to paint your home's exterior, cabinetry, or the high-traffic areas inside your house, cheap paint won't be worth it in the long run.
If you're asking – is expensive paint worth it? – Singletrack Painting will help you understand the differences between cheap and expensive paints so you can make a confident choice when painting your home. We're a reputable house painting company that understands the importance of quality in all of our painting projects.
Cheap Paint vs Expensive Paint: Does It Really Matter?
Here we explore the differences between cheap and expensive paints and find out if expensive paint really matters. Essentially there are three grades of paint:
Builder Grade – A basic low-cost paint that isn't very durable.
Contractor Grade – A middle-of-the-road paint often used in situations where frequent re-painting is expected, such as apartment buildings or offices.
Premium Grade – Premium grade paints are formulated to be long-lasting, highly durable, and beautiful. In almost all paint jobs, Singletrack Painting uses premium-grade paint products.
The fundamental difference between paint grades boils down to the quality of the ingredients. The higher the quality of the ingredients, the more durable and long-lasting the paint job will be. Singletrack Painting has years of experience working with various types and qualities of paints. With our focus on quality workmanship, Singletrack uses premium-grade paints in order to achieve quality results.
When is More Expensive Paint Worth It?
When you'll be painting the exterior of your home, or interior cabinetry, trim, or high-traffic areas, more expensive paint is definitely worth the investment.
Exterior Painting – Denver's intense summer sun and below-freezing winter temps are rough on exterior paint. That's why choosing premium-grade paint is critical for a long-lasting exterior paint job.
To provide maximum protection to your home, premium grade paint is formulated to expand and contract with weather changes.
Expensive paint resists color fading and sheen dulling much longer than cheaper paints.
Interior Painting – Specific interior painting projects such as doors, trim, cabinets, kitchens, and bathrooms tend to take a lot of wear and tear.
Low-grade paints can't stand up to the constant moisture in kitchens or bathrooms.
Due to continual use, wear and tear, premium paints should be used in door and cabinet painting. Cheap paint can come right off when it's scrubbed.
If you have children or pets, using premium paint on your walls will keep them looking beautiful for much longer than if you use cheap paint.
Do your homework and make sure the quality of the paint is equivalent to the cost. Higher-end paint brands carry a range of paint qualities so don't think that because they're a name brand all of their paints are premium quality. Singletrack Painting can assess which quality of paint is best suited for your project, helping make sure you're getting what you pay for.
Advantages of Investing in Expensive Paint
Expensive paint has distinct advantages that include:
Better Coverage – More pigment and resins and fewer solvents create smooth flow and superior coverage. As a result, fewer coats are needed.
Better Durability – High-quality resins result in strength and durability.
Longer Lifespan – Durability equates to a longer lifespan of the paint job.
More Vibrant Colors – Quality, highly concentrated pigments provide color vibrancy.
Long-term Cost Savings – Premium paint requires fewer coats and lasts longer, resulting in lower labor costs.
Save time and energy by getting expert advice from Singletrack Painting. We can help you decide on the best paint for your exterior or interior paint project. Hiring painters is the stress-free way to ensure a quality paint job that will protect your home for years.
Expert Painters Just a Click Away – Get a Quote from Singletrack Painting Today!
Understanding Paint Prices: What Are You Paying For?
Whether painting yourself or hiring a professional, you'll want to know exactly what you're paying for when you buy paint. In this section, we explain how paint ingredients affect the final cost and quality of the paint job.
All paint contains pigments, resins, and solvents. However, these ingredients come in different qualities and quantities, depending on the grade of paint:
Pigments – Expensive paints contain greater quantity and higher quality pigments. One of these pigments that's white and very important to paint manufacturing is Titanium Dioxide. Its opacity, light scattering capabilities, good hiding capability, and non toxicity make it one of the most in demand pigments used by the paint industry. It allows the paint to cover the surface well, with fewer coats. More components like this translate to a higher price point. Also, more expensive paints contain various additives – some help the paint adhere better to the surface while others help resist mildew.
Resins – Resins hold the components together. Think of this as the glue. Higher-quality resins result in a tougher, more durable, longer-lasting finish. All paint has resins and high quality paint will have sufficient resins to promote adhesion on existing painted surfaces. However, if you’re dealing with an unstable surface like raw wood or new drywall you’ll need a primer. If you read a primer label they always promote sealing, adhesion, and bonding. This is why primer is so important! It focuses on resins so it sticks to hard to adhere surfaces.
Solvents – Solvents act as the carrier for pigments and resins. Think of this as the car that gets the passenger to its destination. Water is the most common solvent in architectural paints. Other chemical solvents that can be found in paint are acetone, mineral spirits, and xylene. As paint dries on the wall, the solvent evaporates, leaving the pigments and resins. Since cheaper paints have more solvents per gallon, there will be fewer pigments and resins left as the paint dries, leaving thin, poor coverage. Cheap paints often require more coats which equals more time, labor, and paint cost. Fewer solvents and more solids result in a higher quality paint that covers well and requires fewer coats.
In addition to paint ingredients, manufacturers base their pricing on the level of research and development involved in providing premium top-quality products. Highly reputable bands carry a reputation that also affects pricing.
With paint, you get what you pay for. An expensive paint can be a very worthwhile return on investment. And one more thing to consider: a professional painter has the skills to make cheap paint look good. But an inexperienced painter who doesn't take time to prep and prime will end up with cheap-looking results even if they use expensive paint. The bottom line is that a beautiful, long-lasting paint job is a result of skilled prep, priming, and premium quality paint.
Choosing the Right Paint for Interior and Exterior Painting
Given Denver's climate, using a premium grade on your home's exterior will definitely pay off. A cheap paint simply can't provide the long-lasting, durable protection that an expensive paint can.
For interior paint projects, assess how much wear and tear you'll expect on your walls. Premium paint isn't necessary for low-use areas like ceilings or a guest bedroom. But premium paint is a must for active family homes with children and pets. You'll also want to use premium grade on trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms, and kitchens.
If you're unsure about which grade of paint is best for your project, consult with Singletrack Painting. We can quickly assess which paint grade is most cost-effective to give you the best result.
Singletrack Painting: Ensuring Quality with the Right Paint Choice
From quality workmanship to quality paints and top-notch customer service, Singletrack Painting focuses on excellence. We're committed to helping our customers choose the right paint that will ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. When you're ready to paint your home's interior or exterior, reach out to Singletrack Painting for a consultation. We're ready to help!
