There are different types of paint, like oil-based and water-based. However, two paint types are fundamental: cheap and expensive paints. While cheaper paints will save you money upfront, they will cost you more later. They don’t hold up as well as more expensive paints.

When painting your property, there are some essential things to know. Using the correct type of paint is crucial, as it will affect the outcome of your paint job. Selecting the paint that best suits your specific needs and circumstances is important. For example, in some instances, you’ll be able to use water-based paint, but in others, you’ll want to use oil-based. But before you even get that far, another often overlooked category is cost. And it matters more than you might imagine.

Cost 

Cost is a reliable indicator of paint quality. Higher-quality paint products cost more because you get more for your money. They are a worthwhile investment. Typically, the cheaper the paint, the lesser the quality.

Quality

Several elements contribute to the quality of any product, and composition or ingredients are typically one of them.

• • • • Higher-quality paints typically use better chemicals and additives.
      • Better ingredients hold up longer and better, providing better surface protection.
      • If you use cheap paint on your home’s exterior, you will get less protection.
      • A professionally applied high-quality exterior paint may be more expensive, but it will perform and look better. (Note that we stress “professionally applied” because there is a direct correlation between the two.)

Durability

Durability refers to how well a product protects against touch/use, weather, bubbling, or peeling over time.

• • • • Low-quality paint is more susceptible to chipping, peeling, and blistering, shortening the life of the paint, particularly on a building’s exterior or high-traffic interiors.
      • Usually, you will have to repaint more frequently with cheaper quality paint.
      • High-quality paint is resistant to all weathering and is typically made not to blister, peel, or chip.
      • Keep in mind that certain paints aren’t advisable for particular spaces. For example, a professional painter would never use interior paint on your home’s exterior because it’s not formulated for that use.

Color Retention

High-quality paint retains its actual color better than cheap paint over time. This is because the quality of paint affects the color retention.

• • • • The lower the quality, the higher the likelihood of faster color fading.
      • Cheaper paints fade and lose color quickly, especially in areas with maximum sun exposure.
      • High-quality paint is made to be more fade-resistant, even under extreme and constant sunlight.

The paint quality you use in your home or office will determine how long it lasts and how nice it looks. If you want to repaint less often, select a high-quality paint.

Mike Katounas

Mike Katounas is the owner of Home Works Painting, a painting business in Northern Virginia. He has over 15 years of experience in residential interior and exterior painting, drywall installation/repair, carpentry, wallpaper removal, power washing, commercial painting, color consultation, and staining/sealing. Their service areas include Chantilly, Fairfax, Herndon, Oakton, Reston. Mike takes pride in his work, and he always follows a strict code of conduct that includes the use of quality paint, a clean workspace, and an honest, respectful approach to his customers.