Is cheaper industrial paint for builders as good as high end commericial paint?

Question

I am planning to paint but due to budget, this time I may try a cheaper paint from home depot ($18 per Galon) rather than what I used to use CIL ($28 per Galon). Does it really matter? because I have whole house interior to paint for 2 coats, the cheaper paint can save me about $500 in total. Your advice please

Answer 1

hiya 1001...

the real question isn't whether a cheaper paint is as good as a more expensive paint - but is the cheaper paint good enough for your needs?

...and the real cost of a product is not determined just by the cost per gallon. even though both inexpensive and premium quality products are generally rated to cover 400 square feet per gallon, they rarely do. more realistically, an inexpensive paint will cover 200-250 square feet per gallon while a premium grade may cover as much as 350 sq. ft. per gallon...the reason for this spread rate disparity is due to (a) the type of pigments used in the construction of finish products (premium paints use higher levels of more expensive prime pigments versus extender, of "filler" pigments used in less expensive products), and (b) the ratio of pigments (solids) to vehicle (liquid portion) concentration (pvc)...

a paint film is actually a cubicle dimension...square footage only tells a part of the story - the thickness (or film build) is equally important in determining the product's performance. generally speaking, a cheaper paint will have a greater film build than a more expensive product. again, this is due to the type of pigments used and how much product need be applied to the surface to ensure adequate hiding - the more expensive pigments are more opaque and require less build to cover or hide.

...and there are several other advantages to using a more expensive, premium grade product...premium grade products will not only spread further and cover (hide) better, they are also more washable and stain resistant (less porous), less likely to burnish (turn shiny when rubbed up against), easier to apply, less spatter, much better u.v. light resistance (less fade), better transition from brush-to-roll application (less "hat-banding"), greater freeze-thaw stability, more able to touch-up cleanly and a better foundation (base) when it comes time to repaint (less absorption by subsequent applications of paint)....

it is true that paint manufacturers will charge whatever the market will bear - and that cost is not really the best way to determine a products performance characteristics... but since we exist in an extremely competitive environment (no one will sell a product for less than what it's worth, but few can sell it for more than what it's worth), certain assumptions can be made based on the retail selling price of a product - if a product is more expensive, then typically it is made of more expensive components - and at greater ratios - more expensive components will result in a better performance.

i hope this info is helpful...good luck on your projects, and feel free to e-mail if you want or need additional info...

ric

Answer 2

Paint pricing is often what the market will withstand, volume of sales. You might look at the volume issue CIL source verses Home Depot.
The only way you can really tell is to ask for the Arcutectual specs
for each brand of paint as well as the line of paint ....then make the comparison.
The Arcutectual specs should tell what the main components are as well as give you a wear test result,what agents may be offencive to the product etc.
You really must look beyond the sales personal and the brochure that the store uses to promote a product.

Answer 3

First you have to decide what you need from the paint. You should use cheaper paint IF: its for your own home and you are not abusive to your surroundings , or its for rental property, or if its to fix up a home that is going on the market. You should use a better grade of paint IF:you need to gently clean the walls at times. You need good paint for no other reasons for interior if you are already planning on 2 coats.Builders do not use "cheap industrial paint", they use lower quality or the bottom priced grade of residential or architectural paints. there is no such thing as a commercial paint. Industrial paints are usually the hardest and the most durable of all paints and can be over $100 a gallon. Home depot in some areas carries a Glidden with a Home Depot private label called Americas Finest,this will work good if you determine you need cheap(about $11-$13 in Midwest USA)So to my estimation you need 50 gallons of paint,if the price difference will save you $500.You need to make sure you can get the 50 gallons when needed, from who ever supplies you. And by the way you can't walk into walmart and get 50 gallons of anything!

Answer 4

Cheaper paint will save money but the u get what u pay for. Lowes has one coat paints that rage from $19 and up depending on what type of finish u what, ALso check out the mistinted paints that sell for $5

Answer 5

I agree to the Wal-Mart paint as I have sprayed/brushed and rolled many different brands of paint for ppl. It is economical and seems to be a good product...and CHEAP! I have it on 3 buildings I own and it's still holding up after 4 years in Texas heat! I have painted with more expensive products/paints and have seen about the same results ...interior and exterior. I'm not selling Wal-mart....but as a owner of properties I have trust in their paint.

Answer 6

For $20 you can join Consumer Reports online. They have an excellent review on house paint and you can save big bucks and get a great paint job.

Answer 7

no there is no difference but if you have a wallmart where you are you can save even more money..they have one coat paint there for $11 a gallon and it is just as good (better to me) but cheaper!

Answer 8

it's all in the application of the coating

http://www.alphacoatings.com.au

Answer 9

obviously no..