Does Paint Quality Really Matter for Your Exterior Painting Project?

If you follow our blogs, you know that we recently published an article about the risks involved in chasing cheap painting estimates. We fully understand sticking to a budget, but sacrificing value can open the door to longer-term problems, especially in regard to cut corners and lower quality materials. It literally pays to invest in a reputable painter who may cost a bit more up front, but delivers more value in the long run.

Today, let’s take a look exterior painting products. Are those higher-shelf options really worthwhile, or are all paint cans created equal?

High-Quality Exterior Paint: What’s the Difference?

It comes down to the key ingredients:

• Solvent – Liquid that ensures the binders and pigments stay in a suspended state until after they’re applied
• Binders – Come together to create the paint film as the solvent evaporates
• Additives – Determine drying time and other features of the curing process unique to the paint you choose
• Pigment – This is essentially the color of your paint, made with naturally-occurring and manufactured components

Higher-quality paint formulas use higher-quality ingredients, and that delivers more performance. In short, the better formulas deliver a number of benefits, including:

• Color retention. Don’t buy one color, then watch it evolve into something different!
• Longevity! Yes, better paint simply lasts longer.
• Durability. Your exterior paint isn’t just a pretty face – it’s also your home’s first line of defense against moisture, UV damage, pests, temperature fluctuations, and a whole lot more.
• Easy application! This point is hard to appreciate unless you’ve spent time on a ladder with a brush in-hand. Good paint applies well, smoothly, and goes further before you need to dip those bristles again. This actually saves you money as well, since buying less paint (even if it costs a bit more per can) is cheaper than buying a lot more cheap paint.

What Else Will Make Your Exterior Painting Project a Success?

Preparation is key! Even the best paint is doomed from the start if you don’t spend time cleaning, repairing, and prepping the surface. Be sure to ask you prospective pro what kind of prep they’ll include, and recommend, and what type of paint they’ll be using as well. You’ll be glad you did!

The Best Exterior Paint To Use for Your New Jersey Project

We recommend any paint that is 100% acrylic latex. These more advanced, modern formulas perform well, are breathable, and adhere securely.

Personally, we like Sherwin-Williams’ Duration.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Brennan Contracting! We’re here to help.