Choosing the right paint is more than just looking good or matching the color. The type of paint you use will significantly impact your maintenance costs in the long run. High-quality paints tend to cover more surface area per can, saving you money on labor. Different finishes also affect maintenance; flat/matte colors conceal more surface imperfections and are easier to clean than glossy paints.
Cleanability
Choosing the right paint is an investment in materials and labor, so it pays to determine the quality that will last. Top-quality binders and pigments allow the color to be applied easily, hide better, and resist cracking, flaking, and peeling. They also contain antimicrobial properties to prevent mold and mildew, which can be especially problematic in moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Fortunately, you can browse https://coloradopainting.com to learn more about how a professional painter can help you choose the right paint for your next project. Paint finish (also known as sheen) is important in how the color looks and reflects light. It can make walls appear shiny or dull, stand out, or blend in.
Top-quality products also contain rheology modifiers to control the consistency and flow of the coating, as well as mildewcides, deodorizers, and dispersing agents. High-quality paints are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It creates odors and fumes that can be unhealthy for employees or patients in certain facilities. There are even zero-VOC options available for specific applications.
Scratch Resistance
Scratches on a freshly painted surface can ruin its appearance and make it look dirty and worn out. They can also be difficult to remove and may require sanding and repainting. Various factors, such as scrubbing, abrasion, or sharp objects, can cause scratches. A scratch-resistant paint would allow a coated surface to withstand mechanical damage without showing any visual sign of it. The way it achieves this is by handling the impact differently. This can be by deformation, absorbing and reforming the energy, or combining both.
Adhesiveness
A paint’s surface attachment is the key to its durability, appearance, and ability to protect surfaces. High-quality binders provide a strong bond to surfaces, helping the coating resist cracking, blistering, and peeling. Top-quality paints contain more solids (pigments and binders) than liquids (varnishes, solvents, and other additives). They also have more rheology modifiers to ensure they spread and hide well. Plus mildewcides and dispersing agents to distribute pigments evenly.
A good coat of paint that looks great and lasts a long time reduces the amount they need to repaint, saving them money in materials and labor. It also protects walls against moisture, dirt, and other damaging substances.
Durability
In high-traffic areas, a semi-gloss or higher finish is more durable than flat paint and easy to clean. It resists moisture, fingerprints, and scuff marks more easily than lower gloss paints and better hides application flaws like brush strokes.
Manufacturers make paints with various additives to meet specific needs, such as antimicrobial agents or mildew resistance. They also vary the level of “prime” pigments to provide color and hide and the type and quality of binder used in the formula. Low-cost paints use a higher percentage of transparent base ingredients to keep costs down and require more coats to cover a surface. Higher-quality paints have a thicker consistency. It means you get the same color and sheen with fewer coats, saving on labor costs and supplies. Also, premium brands offer zero-VOC options for facilities that need healthy and safe environments.