Painting is an investment in product, time and labour. Therefore, it pays to spend a little extra to get a high-quality, long-lasting finish. But you might be thinking, what is "high-quality" paint? and how does that benefit me?
There are 4 key ingredients that affect paint quality:
1. Pigment
There are 2 different types of pigment that go into a can of paint: Prime pigments, which provide colour and hide; and low-cost Extender pigments, which add bulk to the product, but have little value as it relates to colour.
Higher-quality paints contain more of the all-important, yet more expensive, Prime pigments, which in the end give you easier application, better colour retention, and stronger durability.
2. Binders
The type, quality and amount of binder affects everything. From stain resistance and gloss, to adhesion and crack resistance. Higher quality binders, found in higher-quality paints, adhere to surfaces better and provide enhanced film integrity, making them more resistant to cracking, blistering and peeling.
3. Liquids
The liquid provides no added performance benefits. It’s simply the “carrier” that allows you to get the paint from the can to the surface. As one would guess, top quality paints have a greater ratio of solids (pigment and binders) to liquids, while cheaper paints are more “watered down” with liquid.
4. Additives
Additives are ingredients that give a paint a specific benefit that it might not otherwise have. Additives such as rheology modifiers (which provide better hide and durability) and mildewcides (which keep mildew in check) are common additives found in higher-end paints. Others include dispersing agents (which keeps the pigment evenly distributed) and preservatives (which prevent spoilage during storage). Additives do increase the cost of the product, but also provide significant added benefits!
Now that you know what makes a high-quality paint, you are probably wondering what are the benefits!
Here are just a handful of the benefits you can expect from using a high-quality paint:
· No brush or roller marks. Quality paints go on more smoothly than cheaper brands, giving you a cleaner, more consistent appearance.
· Better hiding. Quality paints cover the old paint job better, with less work and less retouching. So, you'll need to apply fewer coats.
· Minimal spattering. Clean-up after the job is faster and simpler.
· Better resistance to dirt. Better paints require less maintenance.
· Better resistance to scrubbing. High-quality paints stand up to repeated washings. Useful when you have kids!
The old saying "You get what you pay for" in the case of paint, could not be more true. When you use higher-priced paints, you save in the long run. They give you complete coverage with fewer coats on virtually any substrate. Their high durability and wash ability allow them to withstand more wear and tear and scrubbing than lower-priced coatings. And, with substantially longer life spans, your higher-quality paints require far fewer touch-ups and recoats. If you want to get the best looks and performance from your paint, quality comes first. Sure, they cost a little more up front, but they will save you a lot of time, aggravation and money in the long-term.