Not all paints are created equal. While the color on the label might look the same, what’s inside the can can vary drastically in terms of quality, coverage, durability, and overall performance. So how do you know if premium paint is really worth the investment?
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between premium and low-quality paint, and help you understand why the right product can make all the difference in your next home improvement project.
What is considered premium paint?
Premium paints are high-performance products that offer:
- Richer pigmentation for better color payoff
- Higher-quality binders for stronger adhesion and durability
- Smoother application and better coverage (often in fewer coats)
- Longer-lasting results with resistance to fading, cracking, and mildew
- Low or zero VOC options, making them safer for indoor use
Brands known for premium-quality paints include Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Behr Marquee, and Farrow & Ball.
What is low-quality paint?
Low-quality paints may seem like a budget-friendly option upfront, but they often cost more in the long run. These paints typically contain:
- Lower-grade pigments that require multiple coats for full coverage
- Weaker binders that can lead to peeling, streaking, or fast fading
- Higher solvent content, making them thinner and harder to control
- Less durability, especially in high-moisture or high-traffic areas
While they may work for quick touch-ups or low-use spaces, they often lack the longevity and finish quality needed for professional-level results.
Differences between premium paint and low-quality paint
Let’s break it down further by key components:
Pigments
- Premium paint: Uses high-grade pigments that deliver richer, more consistent color.
- Low-quality paint: Contains more filler and cheaper pigments, resulting in weaker coverage and color fade.
Binders
- Premium paint: Contains superior binders that help paint stick to surfaces, resist cracking, and extend lifespan.
- Low-quality paint: Has lower-quality resins, which may peel or chip sooner—especially in extreme weather or moisture.
Solvents per gallon
- Premium paint: Has more solids and fewer solvents, meaning more actual paint material is left on the wall after drying.
- Low-quality paint: Contains more water or solvent, resulting in thinner coverage and the need for multiple coats.
Which is better?
For most projects—especially exterior surfaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas—premium paint is the better investment. While the upfront cost is higher, you’ll save time and money by using fewer coats, getting better results, and needing to repaint less often.
Low-quality paint may work for short-term fixes or budget-sensitive jobs, but it rarely holds up to daily wear and tear.
Check it out: Professional Interior Painting Services in Norwood, MA
Premium paint with Deluxe General Services
At Deluxe General Services, we don’t cut corners. That’s why we work exclusively with premium-grade paints that offer superior finish, durability, and long-term value. Whether you’re painting a single room or your entire home exterior, our team ensures smooth application, even coverage, and professional results that last.
Contact Deluxe General Services today and let us deliver a flawless finish—with quality you can see and durability you can trust.