When it comes to painting the inside of a house, a foundational choice in results will be what type of paint you choose. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of choosing a good paint, without breaking your budget. Additionally, this will apply if you are considering Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams or other brands.
Why use higher quality paint?
Color, Longevity, Health – these are the key reasons your North Jersey painters recommend high-quality paint. Using good paint, along with skilled, proper painting contractors, is the key to achieving a beautiful and long-lasting paint job.
When it comes to color, good paints stand out with accurate and consistent shades. This is especially important if you want your style to make a statement. Premium paints bring out vibrant and uniform colors, making your space look its best.
Also, good paint lasts longer. Choosing quality paint means your investment will withstand the test of time. Cheaper paints often fade quickly, especially in corners and edges, making your fresh paint job lose its appeal sooner. Investing a bit more initially for quality paint pays off, giving your painting project a longer life and better value.
Moreover, high-quality paint also ensures durability. Good paints withstand daily wear and tear, resist fading from sunlight exposure, and endure changes in temperature and humidity. This durability factor reduces the need for frequent repainting, saving both time and money in the long run. Investing in durable paint ensures that your painted surfaces maintain their appearance over time, contributing to a lasting and resilient finish. In conclusion, choosing high-quality paint is not just about color and health but also about longevity and enduring beauty. Trusting reputable brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams guarantees that your paint choice aligns with your commitment to aesthetics, well-being, and long-lasting quality.
Consider your home’s health when choosing paint. Brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer low-VOC and no-VOC paint options. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in regular paints can pollute indoor air and release potentially harmful substances as the paint dries. Low-VOC or no-VOC paint options are a safer choice, protecting your family’s well-being and creating a healthier indoor environment.
What makes good paint?
Selecting the right paint requires an understanding of various factors that contribute to both the aesthetic appeal and longevity of the finished product. Let us dive deeper into the key considerations that define good paint: ingredients, coverage capabilities, formulation types, durability, and the importance of low or no VOC content.
The quality of ingredients in paint plays a pivotal role in determining its performance and longevity. A well-formulated paint typically comprises binders, pigments, solvents, and additives. Binders ensure the paint adheres well to surfaces and lasts longer, while pigments provide vibrant and lasting color. Solvents facilitate application and drying, and additives can enhance specific properties, such as resistance to mold, mildew, and fading. Ensuring your paint contains satisfactory components sets the framework for other measures of paint quality.
A fundamental aspect of good paint is its ability to offer excellent coverage and a smooth application. Coverage refers to the surface area a specific amount of paint can cover, and high coverage paints reduce the need for multiple coats, saving time and resources. To note, choosing a poor-quality paint could end up requiring more coats than you initially anticipated costing more time, more material, and greater labor cost. Even in the shorter term, better paints can save you a fortune. Smooth application ensures an even finish without visible streaks, brush marks, or roller lines. Seek out paints with good flow and leveling properties, making them user-friendly for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Paints are available in various formulations, with water-based acrylic paint and water-based latex paint being popular choices. Water-based acrylic paint is known for its flexibility and durability, making it suitable for a variety of surfaces. Paints with a higher acrylic composition generally contribute to a more durable finish, retain color vibrancy very well, and tend to be more moisture resistant than those paints with a lower acrylic content. Water-based acrylic paint tends to cost more, but may well be worthwhile when considering it may last much longer than other types of paint. Water-based latex paint is easy to clean up and often preferred for interior walls. Water-based acrylic paint and water-based latex paint, in general, have lower levels of toxicity and emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
The longevity of a paint job is closely tied to the durability of the paint itself. Good paint should withstand daily wear and tear, resist fading due to exposure to sunlight, and endure changes in temperature and humidity. Features such as mildew resistance for damp environments or UV protection for exterior applications contribute to the overall durability of the paint, maintaining its appearance over time and reducing the frequency of necessary repainting.
Increasing environmental awareness has led to a rising demand for paints with low or no Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content. VOCs are compounds emitted by some paints that can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose potential health risks. Opting for paints with low or zero VOC formulations ensures a safer and more eco-friendly painting experience. These paints are particularly advantageous for individuals with respiratory sensitivities and those committed to reducing their environmental footprint.
What are the best interior paint brands?
We recommend using Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams paint. I think these two brands are the best interior paint brands as they are widely available and are consistently formulated well. They both have good options in an array of price ranges which tick the boxes on the discussion items from above. Sherwin Williams has a national distribution network meaning their stores are generally corporate owned, their paint does tend to be slightly less expensive than Benjamin Moore on an apples-to-apples basis. Benjamin Moore works on a distributor model and local store owners sell the product. In North Jersey, I typically purchase Benjamin Moore paint from Ricciardi Brothers stores, they seem to be the largest Benjamin Moore distributor in the New Jersey area and provide good service. We do recommend both Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore to our clients as equal, though personally, I am partial to Benjamin Moore.
Benjamin Moore
Good: “Ben” by Benjamin Moore
Ben is an entry-level option that offers reliable coverage and a smooth finish. It provides a cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to refresh their interiors without compromising quality.
Better: Regal Select by Benjamin Moore
Regal Select stands out as a better choice within the Benjamin Moore lineup. With improved formulation, this paint offers enhanced coverage, durability, and a broader color palette. It is an ideal option for those seeking an upgraded paint without breaking the bank.
Best: Aura by Benjamin Moore
Aura remains the top-tier choice within the Benjamin Moore brand, offering advanced features such as superior color technology, exceptional durability, and stain resistance. This line is designed for those who prioritize a premium finish and long-lasting results.
Sherwin Williams
Good: Super Paint Sherwin Williams
Super Paint earns its reputation as a reliable and accessible choice for homeowners. With good coverage, smooth application, and durability, it is an excellent option for general interior painting projects. Super Paint strikes a balance between quality and affordability, making it a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Better: Duration Sherwin Williams
Duration Sherwin Williams steps up the game with its advanced formulation, offering better durability and longevity. This line is known for its exceptional resistance to wear and tear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. Duration Sherwin Williams provides a superior finish compared to Super Paint, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an upgraded option.
Best: Emerald Sherwin Williams
Emerald stands at the pinnacle of Sherwin-Williams’ paint offerings, earning the title of the best. This line boasts exceptional coverage, durability, and color retention. It is resistant to stains and can withstand frequent washing, making it an ideal choice for areas that require a premium finish. Emerald’s low VOC content also aligns with environmentally conscious preferences.
The importance of choosing good quality paint for your home’s interior, from the best interior paint brands, cannot be overstated. The careful consideration of factors such as color accuracy, longevity, and health impact underscore the value of investing in higher quality paints. Both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams offer a range of options that cater to various preferences and budgets.
The choice of good, better, and best paints within these brands provides flexibility for homeowners to select products that align with their specific needs. Whether opting for Benjamin Moore’s Ben, Regal Select, or Aura, or Sherwin-Williams’ Super Paint, Duration, or Emerald, each tier brings its own set of benefits, ensuring a beautiful, long-lasting paint job.
The significance of understanding what makes good paint — from the quality of ingredients to coverage capabilities, formulation types, durability, and low or no VOC content — empowers homeowners to make informed decisions for their interior painting projects.
In the end, whether you lean towards Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams, generally being the best interior paint brands, both brands offer reputable options, providing a palette of choices for creating the perfect, enduring interior look for your home. Remember, the right paint not only enhances the visual appeal of your space but also contributes to a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
P.S. This content is applicable in numerous scenarios such as walls, bath ceiling, trim, doors, or even if you are painting new construction. Whether you are undertaking a DIY paint project or are hiring professional painting contractors, consider the surface on which you are applying the paint before making the final decision(s). For instance, a bath ceiling may be worth using a higher quality paint with an additional anti-mildew additive. Or if painting new construction it will be important to prime before painting bare walls and may be well worth the visit to the paint store to discuss the products you will be using on the walls and how to take on the project without needing to order much more paint than expected.
At Maxwell Painting we want to be your North Jersey painters. Being based in Montville, NJ we are committed to serving our neighbors from Towaco and Pine Brook to greater Morris County. Delivering exceptional, seamless results to our customers is at the core of what we do. Give us a call if you need interior painting services, exterior painting services, or deck staining services in Northern New Jersey. We will provide you with a free, personalized quote and discuss your unique painting project.
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