Why Cheap Paint is the Devil’s Work

_{Key Features of High-Quality Paint}

_{1. Pigment That Actually Does Its Job}

_{Cheap paint has more filler than a gas station burrito. Good paint has real-deal pigments that don’t fade faster than your New Year’s resolutions.}

_{2. Durability That Won’t Make You Cry Later}

_{High-quality paint forms a tough, protective shell on your walls. Cheap paint? Well, let’s just say a toddler with a juice box can undo your entire weekend project.}

_{3. Coverage So Good You Don’t Need 47 Coats}

_{Good paint spreads like butter on warm toast. Cheap paint is that off-brand margarine that makes you question your life choices.}

How to Avoid a DIY Disaster

You ever see a house with a paint job so bad it looks like a drunk raccoon got into an arts and crafts kit? Yeah, that’s what happens when you cheap out on paint. Listen, I get it—saving money is great. You know what’s not great? Watching your "budget-friendly" paint job flake off like a bad sunburn after one rainy season.

If you're about to roll up your sleeves and slap some color on your walls, you better do it right. So let me walk you through why spending a few extra bucks on quality paint is the difference between "Damn, that looks good" and "What in the DIY disaster is this?"

Things to Know

• Buying cheap paint is like buying cheap tires—you’ll pay for it when things start falling apart.
• High-quality paint means fewer coats, less maintenance, and no spontaneous wall meltdowns.
• If your painter recommends "bargain brand" paint, fire them immediately.

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Paint

You think you’re saving money buying a $20 can of paint instead of the $50 stuff? Cute. Let me do some quick math for you.

• Cheap paint requires more coats = more cans.
• More coats = more time spent painting instead of drinking beer.
• Cheap paint flakes off in two years = more time and money to repaint.

See where I’m going with this? You didn’t save squat. You just delayed the pain.

Paint Shopping 101: How Not to Be an Idiot

If you want your walls to look good and last longer than a TikTok trend, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check the Ingredients, Genius

Good paint has titanium dioxide—the good pigment. Cheap paint is full of chalk and sadness.

2. Pay Attention to Sheen

• Flat & Matte – Hides imperfections but scuffs easily (like your fragile ego).
• Eggshell & Satin – Smooth, wipeable, and perfect for avoiding regret.
• Semi-Gloss & Gloss – Tougher than your grandma’s meatloaf; great for high-traffic areas.

3. Stick to Trusted Brands

Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr—solid choices. If you find paint at a place that also sells live bait and lottery tickets, reconsider your decisions.

In Our Experience

Look, I’ve been in this game long enough to tell you that cutting corners on paint is the fastest way to turn your house into a peeling, patchy embarrassment. We’ve redone enough bad DIY paint jobs to know the pain you’re about to go through—so take the advice now before you regret it later.

Final Word

Listen, your walls deserve better than the paint equivalent of a gas station hot dog. Do the smart thing—get good paint, do the job right, and thank me later when your walls still look fresh a decade from now.

And if you’re in Portland and need a professional who actually gives a damn about your home, give us a call. Otherwise, enjoy scraping off your mistake in a year.☎ 503-389-5758

📧 scheduling@lightmenpainting.com

Now, who's ready for another round? 🍻