Is Higher Quality Exterior Paint Really Worth It?
Exterior painting can raise a LOT of questions. We get it! In fact, we just published an article addressing top exterior painting FAQ – check it out if you haven’t yet.
One of these questions in particular deserves extra attention: does paint quality matter?
It can be tempting when you’re already juggling repairs, color choices, and painting estimates to zero in on the cheaper products. Is there really a difference, or is it more of a sales tactic with top shelf paint being nice, but not essential? Here’s the honest scoop.
Picking the right house paint for your budget
We’re homeowners too and totally understand the importance of determining (then sticking to!) a budget. Whether you’re talking with a house painter or doing your own research, our advice is to choose the best paint you can afford. We’ll dig into why it matters below. But that doesn’t mean you need to go right for the top shelf, stretching your budget till it begs for mercy.
For our clients, we’ll often provide good, better, and best options. Some products will offer peak performance and value, but there are other choices that are perfectly adequate and come in at a lower price point.
Why exterior paint quality matters
Better adhesion
Better quality paint sticks better. Not exactly the most scientific answer, but that’s what it comes down to. You see, exterior painting is all about secure adhesion; that’s why we put so much emphasis on surface preparation. Your paint has to firmly grip to a healthy, clean, sound surface for the best performance, and better paint brands form a stronger bond.
Better color retention
Paint fades over time, especially on the sides of your home that are most exposed to weather. But the speed of that fade can be dictated by the quality of your product and its ingredients. Which leads us to our next point…
Better paint ingredients
Solvent, binder, pigments, additives… Just like the right ingredients can make or break your favorite recipe (think farm-fresh vs. canned), the quality of your paint ingredients have a huge impact on the overall paint job. You really do get what you pay for, and you’ll see the difference.
Better paint coverage
If you paint a wall with cheap paint, you’ll notice that the coverage isn’t all that great. Switch out the can with something higher-quality and you’ll see a marked difference. Less paint goes further, looks better, and covers those surface blemishes more easily. Cheap paint can be attractive at checkout, but it takes a lot more of it to cover the same surface area.
Better value overall
If you’re looking for a long-term paint job that yields the most value possible, don’t cut corners when it comes to the product you use. And don’t be afraid to ask your house painter which products they prefer and why! It should all be part of the larger conversation.
Have more questions about exterior painting in Rhode Island? Contact us at ELCO Painting! We’re an open book and would love to help you make the best choices for your home.
