What is high quality paint?

Imagine the perfect latex paint. It sticks to anything, covers in one coat, levels smoothly, is strong yet flexible and lasts for decades. It never fades or chalks. It discourages mildew growth and is formulated so you can apply it in cold weather. And it doesn’t drip.

Unfortunately, that perfect paint has yet to be developed. Never will be, either. The ingredients in a batch of paint just have too many limitations and trade-offs. But while there may be no such thing as perfect paint, there are definitely high- and low-quality paints.

Here we’ll look at the differences, particularly as they apply to exterior latex paints. And why it’s worth it to buy the good stuff.

HIGH- AND LOW-QUALITY PAINT ARE THE SAME THICKNESS WHEN APPLIED WET, BUT HIGH-QUALITY PAINT LEAVES A THICKER FILM WHEN THE SOLVENTS EVAPORATE AND THE PAINT DRIES.

High-quality paint has more total solids (pigments plus resins) and fewer solvents than lower-quality paint. So while the two may go on with the same thickness, when the solvents evaporate, a high-quality paint leaves a thicker, tougher paint film.

Low-quality paint has fewer solids and more solvents. Once the solvents evaporate, the thinner paint film left behind is less durable and doesn’t cover as well. You’ll spend more time and money repainting to achieve the performance of a high-quality paint.