Painting - Painting living room. Does brand matter?
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sc0rpio
10-03-06, 10:36 PM
Forgive my newbieness, this is my first paint job. We have a color in mind and want a flat finish. There's Sherman Williams, Flex Bon, Home Depot, Walmart....so many stores and paint companies to choose from. Does it really matter? If it does, what do you recommend. Thanks in advance!
Greybeard
10-03-06, 10:44 PM
Brand doesn't matter much, but you do get what you pay for. Cheap paint is just that. But getting the Ralph Lauren line will have you paying for the name. Probably $15 to $20 will get you good paint. Store brands are usually OK. (Sears, HD etc. I have no experience with Wallmart)
Prepping the walls will make a difference as to how well it adheres, and washing them down is a good idea, especially if you are a smoker. Use TSP or ammonia, diluted properly. And a primer will make it stick even better.
Prepping the walls will make a difference as to how well it adheres, and washing them down is a good idea, especially if you are a smoker. Use TSP or ammonia, diluted properly. And a primer will make it stick even better.
spdavid
10-04-06, 06:46 AM
Most national brands have several levels of quality.Price is usually a good way to determine the quality level although sometimes there are sales that can lower the price of quality paints.A brand name does not guarantee quality.This also applies to store and proprietary brands.Do not buy your paint at a big box or chain retailer unless you already know what you want and need and have done your research.These stores offer no or minimal knowledge and advice.Since you have a lower level of experience and knowledge a paint store or hardware store and qualified help would be a far better direction for you.Establish a relationship with a retailer.Home Depot features Behr paints which they took control of and the reviews are very mixed.Lowes also features brands (not sure at this time which ones they control) and again this relationship has effected quality.Do not buy your paint from Walmart unless you feel you can walk in,pick up a can of paint and buy it knowing it is what you want.They do not have a store brand.Praxtical preperation and application advice is all over this site however all of that information can be obtained from qualified help at a non big box retailer who will know the specifics of your situation.
marksr
10-04-06, 06:56 AM
Something to think about
While quality coatings cost more per gallon they usually cover better, easier to apply and last longer. Is money saved if 2 coats of cheap paint do the job of 1 coat of quality paint?
I too agree you are best off buying from a paint store. [just don't buy their cheapest line] Their sales people are usually a lot more knowledgable and for tough questions there is often a pro painter in the store that can help out.
One other thing, whatever paint you apply, quality brushes and rollers will make the job easier. Even with all the experience I have, I would have trouble doing a good job with bargain basement tools.
While quality coatings cost more per gallon they usually cover better, easier to apply and last longer. Is money saved if 2 coats of cheap paint do the job of 1 coat of quality paint?
I too agree you are best off buying from a paint store. [just don't buy their cheapest line] Their sales people are usually a lot more knowledgable and for tough questions there is often a pro painter in the store that can help out.
One other thing, whatever paint you apply, quality brushes and rollers will make the job easier. Even with all the experience I have, I would have trouble doing a good job with bargain basement tools.