Choosing a good-quality paint is important, but the word “premium” on a tin does not automatically guarantee a better result. Different paints are designed for different surfaces and conditions, and the best product is the one that suits the surface, environment and level of wear it will receive.
At Performance Painting, we look at the complete coating system rather than simply choosing the most expensive paint available. Surface preparation, primers, undercoats, topcoats and correct application all work together. A quality paint applied over poorly prepared surfaces can still fail, while the correct product applied to a properly prepared surface can provide an excellent long-term finish.
What Makes a Paint Product Better Quality?
Higher-quality paints generally use formulations designed to provide good coverage, adhesion, colour retention, washability or weather resistance depending on their intended use.
However, these characteristics vary considerably between products. An exterior acrylic is designed for very different conditions from an interior wall paint, ceiling paint, enamel or specialised coating.
That is why we choose products according to the surface rather than applying one product throughout an entire property.
Interior Paint Products
Inside the home, paint selection often comes down to appearance, washability and the amount of wear the surface receives.
Bedrooms and living areas may suit matte or low-sheen finishes, while hallways and frequently touched surfaces may benefit from a more washable coating. Kitchens, bathrooms and laundries can also require products designed for moisture and regular cleaning.
The condition of the existing walls is equally important. Repairs, staining, previous coatings and surface contamination may require additional preparation or a suitable primer before the finishing coats are applied.
You can learn more about our interior painting services.
Exterior Paint Products
Exterior surfaces have to cope with sunlight, rain, temperature changes and general weather exposure.
Weatherboards, rendered surfaces, masonry, trims and other exterior materials can require different preparation methods and coating systems. Existing paint condition, exposure and the type of substrate all influence what products should be used.
For exterior painting, preparation is particularly important. Cleaning, removing unstable paint, sanding, repairing damaged areas and priming bare surfaces can have as much influence on the finished result as the final paint itself.
Read more about our exterior painting services.
Premium Paint Does Not Replace Good Preparation
One of the biggest misconceptions about expensive paint is that it can compensate for poor preparation.
It cannot.
Paint needs a clean, sound and suitably prepared surface to bond correctly. Depending on the job, preparation can include cleaning, sanding, filling, scraping loose coatings, treating stains, repairing timber and applying primers or undercoats.
This is why two jobs using the same brand of paint can produce very different results. The product matters, but so does everything that happens before the final coats are applied.
Is Premium Paint Worth the Extra Cost?
Often it is, particularly where the product offers characteristics that are genuinely useful for the surface being painted.
The important question is not simply whether the paint is labelled “premium”. It is whether the coating is appropriate for the job.
A professional painter should be able to explain why a particular product is being recommended, what preparation is required and how the complete coating system suits the surface and conditions.
At Performance Painting, our approach is to match the preparation and paint system to the individual project rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all specification.
If you’re planning a repaint in Hobart and would like advice on the most suitable products for your home, book a painting quote.