Is Higher-Quality Exterior Paint Worth It?

June 30, 2023

When it comes to maintaining your home’s exterior in Rhode Island , one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right paint. Not the right paint color, as important as that is, or even the right painting company, but the right paint itself. Sometimes brands all blend together, and it’s easy to wonder if it really makes a difference. Isn’t paint just paint, whether you buy from the bottom shelf or the top shelf? And what about those slick products that guarantee coverage with one coat – no primer necessary?

The truth is, paint products are NOT all created equal, and a lot of those gimmicky products out there really aren’t designed to perform. They may be attractive for do-it-yourself projects, but they don’t provide the protection and longevity you need. 

So, does the quality of your exterior paint matter? It sure does, and here’s why.

5 Benefits of Using Higher-Quality Exterior Paint

Take a closer look:

  1. Longevity of your paint job. Rhode Island’s weather is harsh, with extreme seasonal temps, humidity, and precipitation. Higher-quality exterior paint is designed to withstand rough conditions, offering longer-lasting protection and durability. This includes greater resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling, offering a tangible return on investment and long-term cost savings.
  2. Better protection for your home. Paint is more than a pretty face! It’s the first line of defense for your most vulnerable surfaces, shielding against moisture, mold, mildew, pests, and relentless UV exposure in the summer months. Better protection means your siding and trim will need to be repaired and replaced less often, translating to serious savings over time. 
  3. It looks better. Simple, but true! Higher-quality paint is richer in color and vibrancy, and it retains that color integrity longer. Cheap paint tends to fade and discolor. 
  4. Better coverage. Yes, premium paint costs more. But it also goes further! Quality products have a better texture and consistency, are easier to work with, and they cover surfaces more effectively. Cheap paint feels thin (because it is) and you’ll burn through more product and need more coats.
  5. Better for the environment. Many higher quality paint products are available in low-VOC formulas, meaning that fewer volatile organic compounds are released during the application and drying process. This is an especially big deal when you’re painting indoors, letting you get back to using your space more quickly. It’s nice for exterior painting too, though. 

Paint Quality FAQs

Q. Can’t I Just Use Lower-Quality Paint? 

While it may be tempting to choose lower-quality paint to save on upfront costs, it often leads to more significant expenses in the long run. Lower-quality paints tend to have shorter lifespans and may require more frequent touch-ups or repainting, costing you time and money. Additionally, they may not provide the same level of protection against the elements, potentially leading to expensive repairs. So, is it worth the risk? That’s up to you.

Q. How Often Should I Repaint My Home’s Exterior? 

The frequency of repainting depends on various factors, including the quality of the paint, weather conditions, and maintenance practices. In Rhode Island, where the climate can be harsh, it’s generally recommended to repaint the exterior every 10 or so years.

Q. Is Hiring a Professional Painter Necessary? 

While some homeowners may consider DIY painting, hiring a professional residential painting company in Rhode Island offers several advantages:

  • Professionals have the expertise and experience to ensure a high-quality paint job.
  • Professionals have access to specialized tools and equipment, allowing for more efficient and precise work. 
  • Professionals help you save time, avoid potential mistakes, and achieve a long-lasting and professional finish. 
  • Professionals help you reduce the costs associated with maintenance and repainting needs over time.

Do you have more questions about house painting in Rhode Island? We’re here to help! Contact us at Elco Painting today.

August 19, 2025
In North Kingstown, the kitchen is often the busiest room in the house; part cooking space, part gathering spot, part drop zone for everything from school backpacks to yesterday’s mail. Which also means your cabinets can start to show the battle scars over time: faded finishes, chipped corners, and maybe a mystery stain or two. When that happens, you’re faced with a choice: replace your cabinets entirely or give them a professional paint makeover? Well, when done right, painting can actually transform your kitchen, extend the life of your cabinetry, AND cost far less than a full remodel! (Plus, it spares you from spending weeks reheating dinner in the laundry room). Why Cabinet Painting? Painting your cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, modern look without the price tag (or demolition dust) of a full remodel.  Some of the biggest benefits include: Cost savings: On average, cabinet painting costs 50 to 70% less than full replacement. Less disruption: Most professional cabinet painting projects take 4 to 7 days, and your kitchen stays mostly functional during the process. A full replacement can take 3 to 6 weeks or longer. Eco-friendly: Reusing your existing cabinets can prevent hundreds of pounds of wood, metal, and composite materials from ending up in a landfill. Customization: Choose any color, from crisp whites to bold blues, for a personalized style. Think of it as the difference between buying an entirely new wardrobe or just getting your clothes tailored and dry-cleaned. Both improve your look, but one is a lot gentler on your wallet.
July 30, 2025
Rhode Island weather doesn’t go easy on buildings. Between salty winters, humid summers, and everything in between, your commercial property’s exterior is working overtime just to keep up appearances. That’s why we put together this seasonal checklist to help you stay ahead of the wear and tear. Whether you manage a restaurant, retail storefront, office building, or high-traffic hospitality space, staying proactive with exterior maintenance protects your investment, boosts curb appeal, and keeps your business looking as sharp as the service you offer. Let’s walk through what to watch for, season by season. Spring: Refresh and Recover After a long winter, spring is about repair and renewal. Snow, salt, and ice can take a toll on every surface, so now’s the time to clean up and fix the damage. What to focus on: Inspect roofing and flashing for signs of water intrusion, missing shingles, or debris buildup. Clean out gutters and downspouts so spring rain drains properly instead of pooling. Power wash sidewalks and patios to remove grime, salt, and mildew. Touch up or repaint worn areas of your façade, signage, or trim, especially if peeling paint is visible. Inspect windows and doors for broken seals or cracked glass. Refresh landscaping to reframe your exterior with clean lines and healthy greenery. Pro tip: Spring moisture can hide mildew in shaded areas. If power washing doesn’t cut it, a repaint with the right mildew-resistant coating will make a big difference.
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We’re excited to share a recent commercial repaint that really showcases what Elco Painting is all about: efficiency, precision, and of course, a top quality finish. This project took us to Warwick, Rhode Island, where we tackled a full warehouse repaint with a tight two-week turnaround. Yes, it was a big space. And yes it was a tight timeline. But too much for us to handle? Not a chance! Let’s walk you through how we made it happen and why projects like this are such a good fit for our team. The Scope: A Full-Scale Commercial Warehouse Repaint Commercial warehouses don’t paint themselves, and this one was ready for a fresh coat. We were brought in to transform the look and feel of the space, inside and out. Here’s what was involved: Ceiling spray application with dry fall paint. We used this specialized product for fast coverage and minimal cleanup. Dry fall is ideal for high ceilings. Basically overspray dries before it hits the ground, meaning less mess and more control. Bright white repainting of walls and overheads. Clean white brings instant brightness to a space like this, improving lighting and making everything feel more modern and organized. Bold orange accents on beams and columns. This was a standout design decision. It not only gave the space a pop of color but also helped define structural elements visually, which can be a big plus in busy, high-traffic facilities. We knew the clock was ticking, and planning was everything. From mobilizing the right crew to choosing the right materials, we coordinated every phase of the project to meet the deadline without cutting corners. Watch the quick video below to see a before, during, and after perspective!
By Christine Lekberg June 30, 2025
When it comes to sprucing up your deck , you’ll eventually run into The Question. You know the one: “Should I stain my deck… or paint it?” It’s a tough call. Both options offer protection. Both can look great. And both come with their own baggage. In this post, we’re unpacking the pros, cons, and all the murky in-between so you can confidently choose the finish that fits your deck and your sanity. No deep YouTube rabbit holes required. The Basics: What’s the Real Difference? Before you can pick sides, you’ve gotta know the players. Stain and paint may both live in the same aisle at the hardware store, but they’re totally different animals when it comes to how they treat your wood. Let’s break down what each one actually does. Staining soaks into the wood, enhancing its natural beauty, letting the wood grain shine through. Painting, on the other hand, coats the surface, covering blemishes and adding color. Want a white deck? Navy blue? Go for it. Just remember: you’re covering the wood grain entirely. Durability: Does Paint or Stain Last Longer On a Deck? Let’s not sugarcoat it: paint is more durable, especially the high-quality exterior kind. It forms a thick barrier that helps repel UV rays, moisture, and other deck-destroying villains. Stain isn’t as robust, but it’s no slouch either. Oil-based stains offer solid protection and tend to wear away gradually, which sounds bad, but it’s actually easier to manage. So who wins? If your deck gets a lot of sun or moisture, paint does last longer. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the better choice…
May 18, 2025
When the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s not just beachgoers and boaters heading outside; it’s painting crews, too. Summer is prime time for giving your building a facelift, whether it’s a touch-up or a full exterior repaint . But before you break out the color swatches and book a crew, there’s one thing you need to know: good painting starts with great prep. Whether you own a commercial building in Providence, manage a multi-family property in Warwick, or run a boutique storefront, this guide will help you get your building paint-ready, so your summer project finishes on time, on budget, and without the “uh-oh” surprises. Assess Before You Address Before anyone shows up with a paint sprayer, it’s time to take a walk around the building. What’s peeling? What’s faded? What’s quietly rotting behind the trim like a summer horror story? Paint won’t stick to problems; it just hides them for a minute. So check for things like wood rot, water damage, cracks in siding, or loose trim. If you spot anything questionable, now’s the time to call in a pro. Plan Your Exterior Repaint Around the Weather (Because It’s Rhode Island, After All) Summer may be painting season, but let’s be honest: Rhode Island weather has a flair for the dramatic. One minute it’s sunny and dry, the next it’s 85 degrees with 90% humidity and a surprise thunderstorm thrown in just because. Paint loves stable weather—ideally between 50° and 85°F, with low humidity and no rain in the forecast. So plan your project with a bit of buffer time. Don’t schedule tight deadlines that hinge on a perfect 3-day stretch. Spoiler: Mother Nature does not care about your calendar.
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Salt air and Rhode Island’s wild seasons can wear down your home fast. Learn why regular exterior painting in North Kingstown is essential protection.
March 31, 2025
Prep your Rhode Island commercial property for spring with this essential exterior maintenance checklist—protect your investment and boost curb appeal.
February 28, 2025
Maintaining the exterior of your commercial building in Rhode Island is key to making a great first impression. Even the best-kept buildings start to show signs of wear over time, and ignoring them won’t make them disappear.
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Warm your Rhode Island home this winter with fresh paint. Explore cozy colors, smart projects, and why now’s the perfect season to revitalize your space.
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Did you know that winter is an ideal time for commercial interior painting in Rhode Island? Take a look here to find out exactly why.