Differences in Paint Types: Premium vs Low Quality Paint

There is no better way to revitalize your commercial or residential property than with a coat of paint. But there is more to choosing a can of paint than just picking a color. That said, with each brand offering a vast array of paint lines, it would take months to sample all of them. So, how do you know which paint line gives you the most for your money?

To discover the best paint for your upcoming project, it's critical to educate yourself on the ingredients in paint and how these ingredients differ throughout various paint types. A can of paint constitutes three main components: pigments, binders, and, solvents.

Pigments

Pigments give color and opacity to paints. The quality of pigments in paint is one of the most distinguishing factors when choosing the best line for your project. High quality paints usually contain smaller and pure pigments with excellent concealing properties. Titanium dioxide is a safe, high-quality pigment, mostly found in premium paints.

Cheaper, lower quality paints, on the other hand, contain low quality pigments such as clay and silica. These pigments are much larger meaning you’ll need more coats to conceal old paint and imperfections.

Binders

Another thing to look for is the binder in the paint. The binder is what holds everything together. It's also useful in determining the pigment and the type of solvent to be used.

Premium paints contain higher quality binders. These premium paints will typically adhere better and are usually more durable. Quality binders are mostly small-sized, which make it easy to penetrate surfaces. Paints with cheap resins have a shorter lifespan and don't hold as well. Binders are the costliest elements in any paint. This is the main reason most cheap paint lines contain low quality binders.

Solvents Per Gallon

High quality paints contain fewer solvents per gallon compared to lower quality paints. Paint with fewer solvents simply means thicker paint after drying and better color retention.

Paints with low quality binders, pigments, and more solvents will require you to perform at least two coatings, maybe even more, and usually won’t last as long, meaning more labor and time spent.

At Major Painting Company, our professional painters are equipped to help you choose the best paint for your project. For more information or assistance with any of your painting needs, contact us today!