With such a vast range of colors and paint types to pick from, selecting the right paint for your project can be daunting. It can be tempting to make your selection based on cost but before you do that, it’s important to understand what the difference is between cheaper paints and higher-quality paints!
First, you need to know what makes up a can of paint. There are 3 key ingredients in each can of paint: pigments, binders and liquid. Pigments come in two forms: prime pigments that provide color and hide and low-cost “extender” pigments. Binders effect performance including stain resistance, gloss, adhesion and crack resistance. Liquid is used as a filler.
A high quality paint will differ from cheaper options by:
- Using more prime pigments and less extender pigments. This makes it easier to apply, more durable and provides better color retention.
- Include higher-quality binders. There are many options available for binders. Cheaper paints will use lower quality binders which effects adhesion and reduces lifetime performance.
- Include less liquid. A higher-quality paint will have a higher ratio of prime pigments and binders to liquid.
- Provided additional benefits. Higher quality paints often include additives that provide additional benefits such as leveling, mildew control, even distribution or preventing spoilage.
Most lower-cost paints offer a lifespan of about 6 years and require more coats to provide the same coverage as a higher-quality paint that will last up to 25 years! So while it may seem like a cheaper option, once you factor in the lifespan and number of coats required, a low-quality paint is often actually a more expensive over all!
Looking for a great paint option for your next project? Sico has recently announced the launch of its best paints ever – four breakthrough, ultra-durable products described as “greatness in a can”: Sico CLEAN SURFACE™, Sico PRESTIGE™, Sico ENDURANCE®, and Sico CLASSIC®.
SICO CLEAN SURFACE
The new Sico CLEAN SURFACE super premium interior paint plus primer – the brand’s longest-lasting, most stain-resistant finish – for example, sets a new standard for stain repellent washability. Formulated with award-winning Clean Surface Technology™, it repels the most difficult stains – both water and oil-based – such as greasy hand-grime, crayon, wine, juices and coffee. The paint creates a barrier, so stains simply wash away with all-purpose cleaners, without the need to scrub. Available in low-sheen eggshell, it is exceptionally resistant to scuffs and unsightly marks from cleaning and abrasions, even in deep colours. Retail price: $82.99.
SICO PRESTIGE
Featuring more than 1,000 one-coat-hide colours, Sico PRESTIGE stain-blocking, super premium interior paint plus primer covers existing paint in a single coat. Infused with Colour Protect Technology based on PPG Automotive Coatings technology, this ultra-smooth, washable-finish paint – available in flat, eggshell, pearl and semi-gloss sheens – helps prevent colours from fading. Providing advanced stain resistance, the product is scuff, scrub and mildew-resistant and also comes in a one-coat hide ceiling paint. Retail price starts at $64.99.
SICO ENDURANCE
Described as a tough, resilient, scuff-resistant finish for busy spaces in active homes or commercial properties, Sico ENDURANCE is a premium interior paint plus primer that DIY painters, residential repainters and professionals alike can depend on to stand up to wear-and-tear caused by heavy use. A one-coat time saver with long-lasting colour, the durable paint is easy to apply and goes on smoothly. Available in flat, eggshell, pearl and semi-gloss finishes, it has excellent hide and is ultra-scrubbable. Retail price starts at $58.99.
SICO CLASSIC
With a formulation that represents more than 80 years of know-how, research and development, Sico CLASSIC interior paint plus primer is an all-around strong performer at an affordable price. Suitable for projects all around the house, this durable paint has high hide and an easy-to-clean finish. Available in flat, eggshell, pearl and semi-gloss sheens, it features excellent scrub and stain resistance. Retail price starts a $43.99.
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