1. Coverage Efficiency: How Many Coats Do You Really Need?
Cheap paint typically requires 3–4 coats to achieve solid coverage—especially when painting over dark or textured surfaces. High-quality paint often covers in 1–2 coats, thanks to better pigment concentration and formulation.
What that means:
Fewer coats = less paint purchased
Less labour time = lower application costs
Faster project turnaround
Long-term cost: What you “save” on cheap paint often vanishes in added labour and extra gallons.
2. Durability and Wear Over Time
In Edmonton’s climate—cold winters, dry indoor heat, and fluctuating humidity—paint quality matters.
High-quality paint:
Holds up better against moisture, heat, UV rays, and everyday wear
Resists peeling, cracking, and fading over time
Maintains its finish and colour longer
Bargain paint:
Fades quickly under sun exposure
Chips and peels more easily
Often needs repainting within 2–4 years
Bottom line: You’ll repaint more often with bargain paint, increasing long-term costs and disruption.
3. Washability and Maintenance
Walls get dirty—especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, offices, and commercial spaces. The paint you choose determines how well your walls clean up.
Premium paint formulas:
Are scrub-resistant
Don’t lose color or sheen when cleaned
Ideal for homes with kids, pets, or businesses with daily traffic
Lower-tier paints:
Hidden cost: More maintenance, more repainting, and less peace of mind.
4. Adhesion to Surfaces
The quality of adhesion determines whether your paint sticks well to drywall, wood, stucco, or previously painted surfaces.
High-quality paint:
Bonds tightly to well-prepped surfaces
Reduces chances of blistering or peeling
Works better on diverse surface types
Bargain paint:
In Edmonton homes: fluctuating interior humidity makes strong adhesion essential. Recoating because of flaking paint is a costly redo.
5. Overall Aesthetic Results
There’s an unmistakable visual difference. High-quality paint offers better flow, leveling, and finish uniformity. Whether matte, eggshell, or satin—it looks smoother and more professional.
Professional painters notice (and prefer):
Bargain paint: may appear uneven, streaky, or dull—especially under natural light.
Impact on value: A professional look increases curb appeal and resale value. Inconsistent finishes can actually hurt perceived property value.
6. Long-Term Financial Comparison
Let’s break it down in a real-world context:
Paint Quality | Initial Cost | Lifespan | Coats Needed | Long-Term Repaint Cycle | Estimated Cost Over 10 Years |
---|
Bargain Paint | $$ | 2–4 yrs | 3–4 | 3–4 repaints | $$$$$ |
Premium Paint | $$$ | 8–12 yrs | 1–2 | 1–2 repaints | $$$ |
The verdict: The upfront savings from bargain paint are often outweighed by higher labour, more frequent repaints, and a weaker aesthetic result.