 When doing exterior or interior painting, an important decision is the quality of paint to be used. TOP QUALITY paints are designed to produce the best-looking and longest-lasting results. And even though quality paints may cost a little more, they provide a smoother, more uniform appearance, and can last more than twice as long as ordinary paints — so they are really more economical in the long run. Here are some of the specific benefits of using top quality paints, compared with using an “economy” paint:
Benefits of Top Quality Exterior Paint
- Adhere well, so less likely to blister, flake or peel.
- Better chalk resistance, for excellent color retention.
- Better dirt resistance, so the paint remains fresh-looking.
- Better mildew resistance, so paint won't be marred by unsightly black or brown blotches.
- Overall superior durability.
Benefits of Top Quality Interior Paint
- Goes on smoothly and evenly, without showing brush or roller marks.
- Minimal spattering during application.
- More hiding power, so it will require less touch-up and, possibly, fewer coats.
- Surfaces have less tendency to stick to each other, so windows, doors and other freshly painted surfaces won't bond to one another.
- Better resistance to dirt and stains, which facilitates cleaning and maintenance.
What is Quality When It Comes to Paint?
No matter what kind of paint you choose, you’ll find a variety of prices and a wide range of quality. You’ll pay less per gallon for lower quality paints, but don’t let that fool you. You generally get more for your money, and a much better value, with a higher quality paint.
How Paint Ingredients Affect Quality
Pigments
- Provide color or whiteness and hiding
- Top quality paints have higher levels of high-hiding pigments
- Top quality exterior paints have more durable pigments that resist chalking and fading better
Binders
- They "bind" the pigment into a tough, continuous film and help the paint adhere to the surface.
- Top quality flat paints have a higher binder to pigment ratio.
- Many top quality exterior latex paints are based on 100% acrylic binders for maximum:
- adhesion when wet for resistance to blistering and peeling
- resistance to mildew and dirt
- alkali resistance over fresh masonry
Liquids
- Liquids carry the pigment and binders. In oil-based and alkyd paints, the liquid is a paint thinner. In latex paints, the liquid is water.
- Top quality paints have less liquid and more solids (pigment & binders).
Additives
Ingredients used at low levels to provide key properties, such as:
- Mildew Resistance (mildewcide), found in quality exterior paints.
- Better Flow & Leveling
- Splatter Resistance
Application Properties Associated with Quality in Paint
Feature |
Benefit |
Excellent Flow & Leveling |
Smoothness for Good Appearance |
Superior Hiding |
Appearance; Speed of Application; May Need Fewer Coats |
Low Spatter when Rolling |
Less to Clean Up; Speedier Job |
Resistance Properties Associated with Quality in Paint
INTERIOR PAINT
Feature |
Benefit |
High Degree of Adhesion |
Less Chance of Blistering, Peeling; Stands Up Better to Dampness, Washing |
Scrub Resistant |
Stands Up to Cleaning |
Burnish Resistance |
Won't Get Shiny When Rubbed or Cleaned |
Stain Resistance |
Won't Adsorb Dirt; Easy to Keep Clean |
Block Resistance |
Won't Stick When Surfaces Touch |
EXTERIOR PAINT
Feature |
Benefit |
High Adhesion |
Less Chance of Blistering, Peeling |
Chalk Resistance |
Retention, No run-down Over Dark Surface; Slow Erosion Rate |
Mildew Resistance |
Little or No Mildew to Mar Appearance |
Color Retention |
Maintains Color, Appearance |
Alkali Resistance |
Resists Deterioration On Fresh Masonry |
Dirt Resistance |
Won't Pick Up and Hold Airborne Dirt |
-- By Judy O'Shaughnessy, Frazee Paint Company, www.frazee.com
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