As a home improvement company, those of us at Ferris Home Improvement in Delaware have often been asked for advice on selecting the right quality paint for the job. With a large amount of variables to consider, many home owners may feel that they need a chemistry degree when attempting to select the best paint for a particular application.
Start by considering the particular needs of the application and environmental considerations. What are you trying to accomplish? For one, if you are looking to protect a building exterior, then you’ll want to pick a paint that can withstand the fluctuating temperatures, moisture, extreme weather, deter mildew growth and hold up to regular maintenance, such as power washing.
It is wise to check out the paint manufacturer’s data that identify the ingredients used in manufacturing the paint, including pigments, binders and additives used, as well as the percentage of solids.
It’s no surprise that paints with higher PVC, binders and additives tend to be a bit pricier. But the cost of paint is a relatively minor consideration in any painting project. The true costs lie in the labor. If purchasing cheaper paint results in subpar results and shorter intervals between painting cycles, then the initial savings are negated.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can provide additional information, such as weight per gallon, quantity of solids and the flash point. Purchasing a paint that has passed the ASTM testing, ANSI and Green Seal standards are a good indicator of the paints ability to meet industry standards.
So before picking paint for your painting needs, check out the ingredients and ask the right questions, such as what is the life expectancy, stain resistance, resistance to cracking, blistering and peeling. Is there a warrant and what is the paint manufacturer’s reputation?