Does paint quality really matter?
It’s a question that has been asked time and time again, but the answer remains the same. Yes, paint quality does matter. It can make a significant difference in the final finish and durability of any paint job. This is why professional painters and decorators in Swansea know that the quality of the coatings they use is of utmost importance. In this post, we will explore the qualities that distinguish the best interior and exterior paints. We will also offer advice on how painting contractors can make the best decisions for their customers’ project and budget needs.
What do you mean by paint quality?
But what does “quality” mean when it comes to painting? The bottom line is that better ingredients mean better performance. Farrow & Ball claim their paints are safer, faster-drying, and lower in odour and VOCs. Also, lots of painters would agree that they are up there with the best on the market. However, a high-quality coating starts with high-quality ingredients. These allow the paint to be applied more easily, look better, and last longer. The four key ingredients that affect the quality of paint are pigment, binders, liquids, and additives.
The four key ingredients
Pigment
The pigment is a crucial ingredient in paint, providing colour and hide. Two different types of pigment can go into the paint: prime pigments and low-cost extender pigments. Prime pigments are more expensive but provide better colour and performance attributes, such as hide, durability, fading, and gloss or sheen. Higher-quality paints have more prime pigments, which is why our painters in Swansea use them. This is because it makes them easier to apply and provides better durability and colour retention.
Binders
Binders are another important ingredient in paint, affecting everything from stain resistance and gloss to adhesion and crack resistance. Higher quality binders, found in higher quality paints, adhere to surfaces better. And they also provide enhanced film integrity and longer-lasting performance.
Liquids
Liquids in paint simply act as a “carrier” that allows the paint to be applied to the surface. Top-quality paints have a greater ratio of solids (pigment and binders) to liquids. While cheaper paints are more “watered down” with liquid.
Additives
Additives are ingredients that give a paint a specific benefit that it might not otherwise have. Common additives in higher-end paints include rheology modifiers, mildewcides, dispersing agents, and preservatives. Additives increase the cost of the product but provide significant added benefits.
Quality interior paint
High-quality interior paints offer a wide range of advantages, from excellent aesthetics to easier application to better durability. They have no brush or roller marks for a more consistent appearance, better hiding for less retouching, minimal spattering for simpler and faster cleanup, better resistance to dirt for less maintenance, better resistance to stains, and better resistance to burnishing.
Quality exterior paint
Quality exterior paints are formulated to provide a great look that lasts longer. They adhere better and stand up to the elements more effectively. With high-quality paint, you can expect better sheen and colour retention, better hiding, better dirt resistance, better resistance to chalking, better mildew resistance, and less blistering, flaking, and peeling for long-lasting curb appeal.
Don't just buy the cheapest paint
It’s important to note that the cheapest paint isn’t necessarily the most inexpensive. All things being equal, lower-quality paints simply do not perform as well as their higher-priced competitors. Using better quality paints can actually save you money in the long run, as they provide better coverage with fewer coats, withstand more wear and tear, and require fewer recoats.
Conclusion
If you want to get the best looks and performance from your paint, quality comes first. Quality includes the time you take to prepare the surface, the paint you use, and even the quality of the applicators chosen. While it may cost a little more upfront, it can save you a lot of time, aggravation, and money in the end. Talk to our painters and decorators in Swansea to make sure you are selecting the best quality paint for your jobs. You can find us by searching for painters near me. With our expert, real-world knowledge of products and applications, we can steer you to the best paint.