There are as many different types of paint as there are levels of quality. This can be confusing to the consumer (and to the painting contractor), so we here at Bend Custom Painting & Refinishing have taken it upon ourselves to explain the difference. Through independent research and interviews with established paint store representatives; we have created a comprehensive list of the different qualities of paint, as well as the different brands, so that all those interested in painting may be more educated on the topic.
Paint Composition
Before describing the quality of paint, we must first establish what goes into paint so that we may fully understand.
Binder
The binder within paint is the component that is responsible for adhesion of the paint to the desired surface. For exterior and interior home painting, the most common binder is Latex (an acrylic compound that is water based). Polyurethanes are the most common binder for deck and raw wood staining.
Solvent
Solvents are also known as thinners, and they assist with ease of use of paint (or how runny they are). This is known as paint viscosity, and is a large determinant in what paint a contractor may use, depending on interior or exterior use. Water is the most common solvent in modern-day painting, while either alcohol or water will be used in common stains.
Pigment
The pigment is a solid substance blended with the paint that gives it an opacity and color. Many pigment tints are used in modern colors, to allow the homeowner nearly limitless color options. The pigment is also a determinant of the gloss level of paint (flat, satin/eggshell, semi-gloss, full sheen), which increases the UV protection as gloss is increased.
Additives
Additives are less commonly used, and are more for specialized paint formulas. Common functions of additives may be: acceleration of paint drying, increasing paint flexibility, improving flow properties of paint, and many more.
Paint Store Representative Interviews
What do you think a consumer should look for in determining quality of paint?
Rusty (Miller Paints)- The warranty info- Miller has the best in the NW. Resins (100% acrylic) are also important to consider. Finally, be sure to do research on where the paint is manufactured and tested.
Chad (PPG)- Things consumer don’t look at, such as the volume of solids (VOS). The higher the VOS, the higher the quality; this means better coverage and less coats of paint.
What differentiates the qualities of paint (Good, Better, Best)?
Rusty (Miller)- The amount of Resin: vinyl acrylic is cheap! Also, the UV protection and element holdout; mildew resistance, etc.
Chad (PPG)- The volume of solids is the most important factor in paint consideration. Zero VOC is something all consumers should look for, plus any specialty lines needed (additives to paint).
What differentiates certain paint brands from each other? (Sherwin Williams, Denfield, Pittsburg Paint)
Rusty (Miller)- Miller is made in the NW and for the NW. We also have a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on all paints and a lifetime warranty.
Chad (PPG)- PPG has the best diversity in product lines; with a product for almost every need. PPG has numerous paint lines owned by company.
What are the differences between your Good, Better, and Best paints?
Rusty (Miller)- All of our exteriors are 100% acrylic, we have a lifetime warranty on all products. For our exterior paints, the VOS higher as quality/price increases: Evolution 52%, Acri-Lite- 44%, Kril-39%.
Chad (PPG)- The volume of solids is higher for better qualities of paint. We have Manor Hall (available in an exterior eggshell finish, which is the only line to have this option- it is longer lasting than flat and better looking than satin). Sunproof is our popular and competitively priced brand because of its great coverage. Finally we have our Commercial/Contractor brand: SpeedHide. We call it the “workhorse” because it can be used for any project.
Any words of caution for the consumer?
Rusty (Miller)- Consumer Reports is a private entity; companies pay to have products tested, so it doesn’t take into account smaller companies that don't have massive advertising budgets. Be wary of what CR says about paint brands.
Chad (PPG)- Watch out for red flags: you get what you pay for with paint (if it's cheap, that means low quality). Ideally, look for products with high Titanium Dioxide; more is better and means a higher VOS. Remember that at PPG, “Every Job Matters!" Big or little jobs, any need you have, PPG will be able to help you.