Cheap vs Premium Paint: Is It Worth It? A Painter’s Take for Kitchener Homes
You’re standing in the paint aisle, looking at two cans that seem almost identical. One is half the price of the other. Same colour, same sheen… so why would anyone pay more?
As professional painters working in the Kitchener–Waterloo region, we see the results of cheap vs premium paint every day. The difference isn’t just in the label — it shows up in how your walls look on day one, and how they hold up five years later.
Here’s a straight-up breakdown of what you’re really paying for.
What “Cheap Paint” Usually Means
When we say “cheap paint,” we’re not just talking about cost. We’re usually talking about:
- Big box store budget lines
- Lower solids content (more filler and water, less actual paint)
- Thinner coverage
- Limited washability and stain resistance
Common examples on the budget side are entry-level Behr lines from Home Depot or contractor-grade paints that are meant to cover quickly on new builds, not to last for years in a busy family home.
What that looks like in real life:
- You often need 3+ coats for full coverage, especially over darker colours.
- When you wipe the wall, the finish can burnish or dull.
- Scuffs, fingerprints, and marks are harder to wash off.
- Touch-ups don’t always blend in well.
You might save money on the can, but you often spend more on extra labour, extra paint, and earlier repaints.
What “Premium Paint” Actually Gives You
Premium paints aren’t just fancy labels. Brands like:
- Benjamin Moore Regal Select and Scuff-X
- Sherwin-Williams Duration and Emerald
- Dulux Lifemaster and Dulux Diamond and higher-end lines
are engineered for:
- Higher coverage in fewer coats
- Better colour richness
- Excellent washability and stain resistance
- Better touch-up performance
- Longer life before you need to repaint
In busy areas (hallways, kids’ rooms, mudrooms, kitchens), products like Benjamin Moore Scuff-X really separate themselves. They’re designed specifically for high-traffic environments where walls take a beating.
Cheap vs Premium Paint: Side-by-Side
Here’s how cheap vs premium paint typically compares in a real home:
Coverage
- Cheap paint: 2–3+ coats for solid coverage, especially over dark colours or patched areas.
- Premium paint: Often 1–2 coats for full, even coverage.
- *coverage is largely dependent on “from” and “to”. Are we going from white to white? A premium paint will look flawless with one or 2 coats. Are we going from dark green to light grey? Even with a premium paint, multiple coats can be expected and can range depending on the situation.
Durability & Washability
- Cheap paint: Marks, scuffs, and fingerprints can be hard to remove without damaging the finish.
- Premium paint: Designed to handle scrubbing without leaving shiny spots or worn patches.
Finish Quality
- Cheap paint: Can look blotchy, especially in certain lighting or on large walls.
- Premium paint: Levels out more smoothly for a consistent finish.
Touch-Ups
- Cheap paint: Touch-up spots can flash or stand out.
- Premium paint: Much better at blending, especially in the same batch and sheen.
Lifespan
- Cheap paint: You may feel like repainting in 2–3 years as it starts to look tired.
- Premium paint: Often looks good for many years, especially when applied properly.
What About Trim, Doors, and Cabinets?
This is where product choice matters even more.
For trim, doors, and cabinets, professionals often use:
- Benjamin Moore Advance (a waterborne alkyd that cures to a hard, furniture-like finish)
- Dulux Break-Through (extremely durable for high-traffic doors, trim, and railings)
These aren’t the same as regular wall paint. They’re engineered to:
- Cure harder
- Resist chipping
- Stand up to constant handling, wiping, and cleaning
Trying to use a cheap wall paint on cabinets or high-traffic trim is one of the fastest ways to end up with peeling, chipping, and disappointment.
Is Premium Paint Worth the Extra Money?
In most lived-in homes, yes.
Here’s why:
- You use less paint overall (fewer coats).
- You save on labour — whether that’s your time or your painter’s time.
- The finish looks better, longer.
- You put off the next repaint by several years.
If a premium paint costs, for example, $30–$40 more per gallon, but saves you an entire coat on your walls, you can come out ahead on both time and total cost.
When Can You Get Away with Cheaper Paint?
There are situations where a budget-friendly option can be acceptable:
- Low-traffic guest rooms
- Ceilings in rooms that don’t see moisture
- Short-term rentals that you’re just refreshing between tenants
- Spaces where you truly don’t mind repainting more often
Even then, we recommend staying away from the absolute bottom-tier lines. Mid-range paints from reputable brands usually perform much better than rock-bottom options.
When You Should Invest in Premium Paint
Consider premium paint non-negotiable in areas like:
- Hallways and stairwells
- Kids’ bedrooms and playrooms
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Entryways and mudrooms
- Trim, doors, and cabinets
These are the surfaces that get touched, bumped, kicked, washed, and lived with every day. Using high-end products like Scuff-X, Duration, Emerald, Lifemaster, Advance, or Break-Through can easily add years to the life of your paint job.
The Bottom Line: Cheap vs Premium Paint
When you compare cheap vs premium paint, the real question isn’t:
“How much does the can cost?”
It’s:
“What will this look like in two years — and how soon will I need to repaint?”
For most Kitchener homeowners, premium paint is an investment that pays off in fewer coats, better-looking walls, and longer-lasting results. When you combine that with professional prep and application, you get a finish that actually stands up to real life — not just the paint chip on the store wall.
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