How to Compare Interior House Paint
There's an old saying in the paint industry: "The cheapest paint is the most expensive." In other words, buying cheap or poor-quality paint is a false economy. If it takes four coats instead of two to complete the job, or the paint starts fading and peeling within months, you really are not saving any money. However, it can be overwhelming walking into a paint or home improvement store and trying to compare interior paints. Understanding what sets a good paint apart from an inferior one means you have to shop wisely. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Narrow your choices by focusing on your need. If you're painting a rental property that may end up being repainted in a year or two, you can probably opt for cheaper paint. On the other hand if you are painting your own home, or a building of historical significance, you should choose a higher quality, durable paint.
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Paint ceilings with paint specified as ceiling paint, unless you are painting them a color other than white. Ceiling paints are designed to be high hiding (only taking one or two coats to cover) and non-reflective to prevent glare and to minimize imperfections. Using wall paint--especially cheap wall paint--on ceilings may take more coats to cover and is more likely to show roller marks.
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Understand that while paints with a higher sheen, such as satin and semi-gloss, may be more washable, a cheap semi-gloss paint is not necessarily more washable than a high quality flat paint. Spend the money on good quality paints if washability is a priority.
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Purchase a washable flat paint (often referred to as matte) if you want an almost flat, low-lustre finish in a kitchen or bathroom. Some of the newer matte paints can be scrubbed and rinsed without any harm to the finish.
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Visit a dedicated paint store (where professional painters shop) instead of a home improvement or hardware store and compare different products. Most paint manufacturers have various lines of product, from cheap "builder paint" for new homes and rental properties, to premium finishes.
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Look for paint with acrylic or urethane binder, especially for painting woodwork and cabinets. Although a little more expensive than pure latex paint, acrylic paint adheres very well and retains its color and gloss for years. Because it's water-based, it is easier to use and dries quickly.
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Avoid alkyd (oil-based) paints and paints with high VOCs (volatile organic compounds) if you or someone in your home has allergies or breathing difficulties. Instead, look for paints labelled low- or no-VOC. These are often marketed as "green" paints.
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Tips & Warnings
Expensive paints have expensive ingredients--such as higher quality pigments that don't fade, good binders that make the paint adhere and prevent peeling and additives that make it easier to apply without sprinkling, dripping or leaving brush and roller marks.
Many water-based paints now rival alkyd (oil-based) paints in durability and appearance. Additionally, water-based paints are easier to touch-up with, so even if you get a smudge or chip the paint, you can easily repair it. It's almost impossible to touch up with alkyd paint without leaving a brush or roller-mark.
Save money by asking at paint stores for "mis-tints." These are colors that were mixed by mistake and are usually available for extremely cheap if you're not too fussy about color.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit brush in paint image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
