The Paint Dilemma: Top of the Line vs. Mid-Range for House Painting

By: Alyssa Foster

When it comes to painting your home, choosing the right paint can make a world of difference. One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to invest in top-of-the-line paint or opt for a more budget-friendly mid-range option. Let’s weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s worth splurging on top-quality paint for your house painting project.

Top-of-the-Line Paint: Premium Performance Comes at a Price

Costly Premium Performance of High Quality Paint

Pros:

High Quality: Top-tier paints are formulated with high-quality pigments, binders, and additives. This results in superior coverage, color retention, and overall durability.
Longevity: Premium paints are designed to withstand the test of time. You’ll find that your paint job remains vibrant and fade-resistant for many years, reducing the need for frequent repainting.
Ease of Application: High-end paints often offer smoother application and better hiding of imperfections, which can save time and effort during the painting process.
Variety: You’ll typically find a broader range of colors and finishes with premium paints, giving you more options to achieve your desired aesthetic.

Cons:

Cost: The most significant drawback is the price tag. Top-of-the-line paints can be significantly more expensive than mid-range options, potentially impacting your budget.

Mid-Range Paint: Balancing Quality and Cost

Pros:

Affordability: Mid-range paints offer a balance between quality and cost, making them a budget-friendly choice for many homeowners.
Decent Performance: While not as high-end as premium paints, mid-range options still provide satisfactory coverage and durability for most residential applications.
Budget Flexibility: Choosing mid-range paint might free up funds for other aspects of your painting project, such as hiring professional painters or investing in quality brushes and tools.

Cons:

Less Durability: Mid-range paints may not have the same longevity as premium paints, requiring more frequent touch-ups or repainting in the long run.
Limited Options: You may find a more limited selection of colors and finishes with mid-range paints, potentially limiting your design choices.

Pros:

Affordability: Mid-range paints offer a balance between quality and cost, making them a budget-friendly choice for many homeowners.
Decent Performance: While not as high-end as premium paints, mid-range options still provide satisfactory coverage and durability for most residential applications.
Budget Flexibility: Choosing mid-range paint might free up funds for other aspects of your painting project, such as hiring professional painters or investing in quality brushes and tools.

Cons:

Less Durability: Mid-range paints may not have the same longevity as premium paints, requiring more frequent touch-ups or repainting in the long run.
Limited Options: You may find a more limited selection of colors and finishes with mid-range paints, potentially limiting your design choices.

Consider This: Total Project Cost Analysis

Paint typically makes up 10-20% of the project cost, with labor accounting for 80-90%. That’s why DeHaan Painting usually recommends at least mid-grade paint, but opting for high-end paint often proves to be a wise decision. When comparing $55 per gallon for Sherwin Williams Duration or Ben Moore Regal to $75+ per gallon for Sherwin Williams Emerald or Ben Moore Aura, the price difference seems pretty significant. However, considering the balance between material and labor costs, investing in better-quality paint makes more sense.

Let’s consider a hypothetical job with a $7000 labor cost and 20 gallons of paint. For 20 gallons of mid-grade paint at $55 per gallon, it’s $1100. High-end paint at $75 per gallon for 20 gallons costs $1500. The extra $400 for high-end paint is a good investment given the $7000 labor cost. High-end paint project total is $8500 with $1500 in materials (17%) vs. mid-grade paint at $8100 with $1100 in materials (13%). The $400 savings may not be worth it if you end up needing additional labor and materials due to lower-quality paint that is less wipeable, burnishes more easily, or doesn’t touch up.

The Verdict: It Depends on Your Priorities

The decision to invest in top-of-the-line paint or opt for a mid-range option ultimately depends on your priorities and budget. If you’re looking for exceptional quality, longevity, and a wide range of design options, top-tier paint may be worth the investment. However, if you’re working within a tight budget or have a less demanding application, mid-range paint can still provide satisfactory results. Whichever option you choose, a well-executed paint job can transform your home, adding beauty and value for years to come!

Need Something Painted?

DeHaan Painting would love to help take the task of painting off your mind, but our schedule fills up fast! With Fall fast approaching, it’s a great time to start your exterior projects before the weather cools down. Don’t wait, act now and book with us!