Expert Advice for Home Renovations
When preparing your home for sale, a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to boost its value and appeal. However, not all paints are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in both the quality of the finish and the long-term durability.
Understanding Paint Quality: Good, Better, Best
When evaluating paint, you’ll encounter a range of quality levels that generally fall into three categories: good, better, and best. Here’s what to look for in each:
Good Quality Paint: These paints are budget-friendly and offer decent coverage for light-duty areas. They may require more coats to achieve full coverage and may not last as long in high-traffic or exposed areas.
Better Quality Paint: Mid-range paints often include features like better adhesion, improved coverage, and more vibrant colour retention. These paints usually provide better durability and resistance to wear.
Best Quality Paint: Premium paints are made with advanced technologies for superior durability, coverage, and long-lasting beauty. They may include innovations like cross-linking technology, ceramic microspheres, or high-quality acrylics, making them highly resistant to stains, fading, and chipping. These paints often combine primer and paint in one product, reducing the need for multiple coats.
Key Technologies That Make Paints Better
1. Cross-Linking Technology: This is a feature found in high-end paints that forms a tighter molecular bond as the paint dries. The result is a more durable, harder surface that is better at resisting stains, scrubbing, and wear. Paints with cross-linking technology are excellent for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
2. Ceramic Microspheres: Found in some premium paints, ceramic microspheres create a tough, smooth surface that resists dirt, stains, and moisture. These microspheres also enhance the paint’s reflective properties, helping the finish look fresh and vibrant for longer. This is especially important in homes with children or pets, where walls can take a lot of wear and tear.
3. Acrylic Paints: Acrylic-based paints are known for their flexibility, adhesion, and resistance to cracking. High-quality acrylic paints retain their colour over time and are more resistant to fading from sunlight, making them ideal for both interior and exterior use. They also provide a smoother, more even finish.
4. Paint and Primer in One: A common feature in many premium paints, this combination simplifies the painting process. The primer ensures better adhesion to surfaces, while the paint provides the colour and finish. Paint and primer in one saves time and effort, and can also help cover up old stains or darker colours more effectively.
Top Paint Brands:
Now that we’ve covered the basics of paint quality, let’s look at some top brands and where they fit within the "good, better, best" framework:
BeautiTone
Good: BeautiTone’s Signature Series is a solid entry-level option offering good coverage and a range of colour choices.
Better: BeautiTone’s Pure line steps up in quality with better durability, colour retention, and smoother application, making it a great choice for most rooms.
Best: BeautiTone’s Designer Series is the top-tier choice, providing excellent coverage, advanced stain resistance, and premium durability—ideal for high-traffic areas or homes requiring the highest quality finish.
BeautiTone paint is made in Canada.
Behr
Good: Behr’s Premium Plus is a budget-friendly option that delivers decent coverage and good colour retention.
Better: Behr’s Ultra line offers better coverage and durability, with a paint and primer in one feature for easier application.
Best: Behr’s Marquee is the brand’s top-tier paint, featuring one-coat coverage, advanced stain-blocking properties, and excellent resistance to fading and wear.
Benjamin Moore
Good: Benjamin Moore’s ben® line offers great coverage at a reasonable price, with good adhesion and fade resistance.
Better: The Regal Select line is known for its smooth finish, excellent coverage, and durability. It also includes paint and primer in one.
Best: Benjamin Moore’s Aura paint line is the gold standard, offering superior colour retention, cross-linking technology, and unparalleled durability. The addition of ceramic microspheres makes it perfect for homes looking for long-lasting, top-tier quality.
Why Quality Paint Matters
Using high-quality paint during home renovations offers several benefits that directly impact your home’s market value:
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Fresh, vibrant walls signal to potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained. The right paint can make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming.
Durability and Maintenance: Premium paints are more resistant to stains, scuffs, and fading. This means your home will continue to look great even with normal wear and tear, which is a major selling point for buyers.
Return on Investment (ROI): While higher-end paints come with a higher upfront cost, they also offer greater longevity and reduced need for future touch-ups. Homeowners can often recoup their investment through higher offers or quicker sales when using premium paints in key areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms.
Choosing the right paint is more than just selecting a colour—it’s about investing in the quality and durability of your home’s finishes. Whether you go with BeautiTone, Behr, or Benjamin Moore, upgrading to better or best quality paints will not only enhance your home's beauty but also increase its value when it's time to sell.
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