If you're standing in the paint aisle scratching your head at the price differences, you're not alone. That $15 tin looks mighty tempting next to the $70 premium option, but is it really worth shelling out the extra cash? Let's break it down in simple terms so you can make the right choice for your project.

Table of Contents

• Difference Between Budget and Premium Paint
• How Many Coats Will You Need?
• How Long Do Budget Paints Last?
• When to Save, When to Splurge
• Why the Cost of Paint is a Small Part of Your Expense
• The Bottom Line between Price and Quality

Difference Between Budget and Premium Paint

Paint isn't just coloured water. It's a mix of pigments (for colour), binders (to hold it all together), liquids (to make it spreadable), and additives (for special features). The quality of these ingredients makes all the difference:

• Pigments: Premium paints use smaller, purer pigments like titanium dioxide that cover better. Budget paints use cheaper stuff like clay and silica that might need extra coats to hide what's underneath.


• Binders: This is the expensive bit that holds everything together. Premium paints use quality binders that stick better and last longer. Budget options skimp here, which is why they might peel or crack sooner.


• Liquids: Premium paints have more of the good stuff (pigments and binders) and less liquid, giving you a thicker coat when dry. Budget paints are often watered down to reach the intended volume.


• Additives: Special ingredients that fight mildew or make paint easier to clean are more common in premium products.

How Many Coats Will You Need?

For quality paint finishes on plasterboard walls and ceilings, industry standards require a minimum three-coat system: one sealer/undercoat plus two top coats. This system ensures even texture, consistent color, proper opacity and uniform sheen.

Two-coat systems without a proper sealer are explicitly deemed "Not Acceptable" by industry standards and often fail to deliver adequate results. The key is achieving proper film thickness.

• Budget Paint: Usually needs at least two coats on top of the primer, sometimes more if you're covering a dark colour or stains.


• Premium Paint: Often covers in fewer coats and hides wall imperfections better.

Even if a premium paint claims "one-coat coverage," a second coat still gives the best finish, especially over dark colours.

How Long Do Budget Paints Last?

Durability is where you really see the difference between cheap and expensive paint:

• Premium Paint: Can last five to 15 years, stands up to scrubbing, resists fading, and handles humidity better.


• Budget Paint: Might need repainting in two to three years, scuffs easily, and often can't be cleaned without damaging the finish.

When to Save, When to Splurge

Quality paint lasts longer and keeps its colour better. Good paint won't crack, flake or peel. This saves you from constant touch-ups that build up over time.

Wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens need moisture-resistant paint while places that are prone to dirt and abrasion, such as doors and trims, need higher gloss finish.

Masonry paint, specifically formulated to stick to concrete and withstand weather, is your best choice for outdoor paints; especially for exterior paints in Sydney where the sun can get too intense.

If you're repainting an area that previously had black mildew, you will need fungicidal paint. All these extra specs, mentioned above, can push costs up but add value to your home.

But shelling out more money isn't always the solution. There are situations where budget paint might be the better choice.

Budget Paint Makes Sense For:

• Rentals with high turnover
• Properties you're selling soon
• Low-traffic areas like cupboards
• When you plan to change colours soon

Premium Paint is Worth It For:

• Your forever home
• High-traffic areas like hallways and kids' rooms
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• When you want to scrub walls clean without damage
• Dark-to-light colour changes

Other Considerations for Painting Costs

Here's the thing most people miss: paint is usually the smallest cost in a painting project. Labour (even if it's just your Saturday) is the biggest expense.

If budget paint needs three coats instead of two, you're not saving money. You're buying more paint and spending an extra day painting. Not to mention repeating the whole process years sooner.

The rates of experienced painters in Sydney range from AUD$65 to AUD$95 per hour. That's because qualified painters with proper training don't just slap paint on walls.

Expert tradies prepare surfaces, identify potential hazards like lead paint and follow Australian standards for a lasting finish. While their rates are higher than unqualified workers, their expertise saves you money long-term by avoiding costly do-overs and premature repainting.

The Bottom Line between Price and Quality

Quality paint is like good tools. It makes the job easier and lasts longer. For most homeowners, premium paint is actually the better value, especially in the rooms you use most.

But there's no shame in using budget paint where it makes sense. The best painters know when to invest and when to save.

Need more advice on your painting project? We're here to help you find the right tradie for the job. Our network of painters know their paint and can guide you to the perfect finish for your home and budget.

Here's what SnapTradie can do for you:

• Provide you with AI-powered, human-curated estimates.
• Refer you to the right tradie for your job and budget.
• Provide an extra level of guarantee to ensure the quality of the job.

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