DIY fans, give me an opinion please...?

Question

How does the quality of low price, store's own brand paint vary from the big name twice the price stuff? Do you get less coverage for example? Is it 'watered down'. Thanks for helping.

Answer 1

Actually, my results have been mixed. The best white interior paint I ever bought was Rose's store brand; high solids, not stinky. But that was long ago and far away.
Personally, I go for midrange price. I don't buy an off-brand I never heard of, and I can't tell there's enough benefit from the high-dollar designer names to justify the price. (but then I don't need designer colors, either...)

Answer 2

WOW; you have a challenge ahead in deciding from all the answers. Good to see some familiar peers here though.

After applying multiple thousands of gallons of paint; working in a PIGMENT plant for a few years; and understanding through experience; You may get varied results no matter what we advise.

My immediate thought was a comparison. Computer procssors. WHO dictates that a Pentium is better than an Athalon, or Celeron?????

WATERED DOWN is inaccurate. In a Latex paint for example, a percentage of the gallon is obviously pigment; while the balance is polymers (AGENTS/VEHICLE). I won't state with all certainty that STORE brands are specific to less pigment. I've used WALMART in the past, and after 3 years outdoors in FL. It's still OK. The percentages of pigment to "vehicle" certainly vary; as can be seen in PRIMERS/ Ceiling paint; etc.

Then there is the issue of AGENTS in the ingredients that promote various levels of SHEEN; and their effect on coverage. IE: FLAT might cover well enough in a single coat; but is extremely porous and offers little "Cleanability". SEMI GLOSS is great for washups, and a level of sheen someone might want; but it's coverage basically Stinks; unless one applies multiple coats. I prefer SATIN over all.

Another issue here,,, and no offense meant to anyone; assume this for a moment.

Obviously some BRAND/labeled names; might be manufactured strictly by that Named Brand. It's unlikely in all cases however. A pigment plant will run batches of pigment/ grinding; etc. and testing the mill result. They rarely dump a batch; choosing instead to take Quality mixes for sales to those BRAND companies; while perhaps selling end of batch mixes to Outlets; who then BRAND label for perhaps as many as 6 NAMES.

Another example is personal choice; either through experience; or learned behaviors. It's similar in Tools; furnishings; Religion; Politics; even a color choice.

BEHR is a Brand name sold by HD; while Valspar products are a standard for Lowes. Neither is of less or more quality than the other; in fact QUALITY has no degrees. Something is or isn't a quality product or service. I just purchased 100 gallons of a Valspar product for exterior work. It's not labeled in LARGE print VALSPAR, but is a product they label as one they have involvement in. It's an excellent product but it's being discontinued. When I questioned Valspar directly; they claimed they would re-introduce it, under a different name; with a different formulation.

Consider; finally; then I'll quit rambling; that PROFIT is the motive. Obviously as one chewing gum manufacturer advertises "The Flavor lasts Forever" In that context the ad shows sales dropping. We are a global society encouraged by planned obsolesence, and as such; a product designed to offer 15 years of service, might be great for the consumer; but not very valid for the manufacturer.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Paint is complex issue. Premium paints such as Dulux and the DuPont paints use higher quality base ingredients and in particular their ceiling white paints have a higher level of pigment in the paint. Coverage shouldn't really be an issue.

Store paints can be very good. Ask the store who makes the paint and then look them up on the web and search online for comments about the paint.

Answer 4

You hit it right on the head with watered down. The last time I bought the store brand I needed three coats (four in some areas). I did get the paint for 5 dollars per gallon, so while I still saved on materials it still cost me on labor (of course it was my own house and I'm not ''in the business'', so labor wasn't really an issue.)

Answer 5

Cheap paint has less pigment in it. this means less coverage per coat. I have been using Valspar from Home Centers and have had no problem. About $21 a gallon. I painted a room for my Mother with cheap paint she bought and it took 4 coats and still looked like crap.

Answer 6

I always buy trade paint from trade outlet.DIY stores paint is crap (emulsion)I painted a wall with B&Q emulsion 6 coats later you could still see through it trade paint 2 coats on same surface different wall in same room