Newcastle residents often face a common dilemma when choosing a painter: should they spend more for quality paint? The answer is yes. Quality paint typically covers around 16 square metres per litre, while cheaper options only manage about 8–10 square metres per litre. This difference in coverage alone shows why premium paint is the more economical choice.
Our experience as professional painters Newcastle has shown how premium paint proves to be a smart investment. Quality paint forms a durable, protective barrier that shields your home’s surfaces from the harsh Australian climate. While cheaper alternatives might seem budget-friendly initially, they often need more frequent touch-ups or complete repaints. High-quality paints are designed to resist fading, peeling, and cracking, protecting your home’s surfaces for many years.
This article explains how paying a little more for quality paint upfront saves you substantially in the long run. We’ll explore the hidden costs of cheap paint, how quality products save time, the long-term financial benefits, and which paints work best in different parts of your home.
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Paint
That bargain paint tin might look tempting on the shelf, but its real cost only becomes clear once you start painting. Our team has seen many Newcastle homeowners learn this lesson the hard way.
Frequent touch-ups and repaints
The biggest difference between cheap and premium paint comes down to quality. Low-cost paints contain fewer binders, the ingredients that help paint stick and pigments stay evenly distributed. As a result, these paints wear down quickly, especially in high-traffic areas.
Quality paints typically last 5–10 years, while cheaper versions may need repainting every couple of years. They chip, peel and fade faster, especially in sunny or humid areas like Newcastle’s coastal suburbs.
Poor coverage and uneven finish
Cheaper paints are thinner and contain less pigment, leading to several issues straight away:
- You’ll need more coats to achieve full coverage
- The finish often looks streaky or uneven
- Some paints require four or more coats before they look right
Because thin paint doesn’t protect surfaces well, it often leaves patchy or streaky finishes. Newcastle painters also find that cheap paints run more, creating messy results and wasted time.
Labour costs from extra work
Cheap paint may save a few dollars per tin, but it often doubles labour time. Thin paint requires multiple coats and additional priming, which means higher costs for professional painters or longer weekends for DIY projects.
Professional jobs can end up costing twice as much in labour. A one-day job might stretch into two, cutting into schedules and budgets. Even for DIYers, the extra time spent applying, fixing, and cleaning up negates any upfront savings.
How Quality Paint Saves Time
Time is money, and nowhere is that clearer than in a painting project. Quality paints offer significant time-saving benefits that easily justify their higher price.
Faster application with fewer coats
Premium paints provide excellent coverage in just one or two coats, thanks to their superior pigments. This saves both paint and labour time.
From our experience as painters Newcastle residents rely on, high-quality paints also apply more smoothly and evenly. Their thicker consistency reduces roller marks, drips, and streaks, cutting down on touch-ups and rework.
Less prep and cleanup
Premium paints need less preparation because of their better hiding power. Products like Dulux Wash&Wear +Plus Super Hide cover darker walls in fewer coats, saving hours of undercoating.
Cleanup is also easier. High-quality paints are formulated to create less mess and wash out of brushes and rollers cleanly, extending the life of your tools.
Longer intervals between projects
Quality paint extends the lifespan of your finish. As professional painters in Newcastle, we tell clients that cheaper paints may need redoing every 4–5 years, while top-quality alternatives can last 7–8 years or more.
This means less time spent repainting and more time enjoying your home. Since labour is the biggest cost in any painting project, the savings add up quickly.
Long-Term Financial Benefits
Premium paint is an investment that continues to pay off long after the job is done. Our years of experience as trusted painters in Newcastle prove that quality products deliver lasting value.
Reduced maintenance and repair costs
Top-quality paints often last 12–15 years, compared with 3–5 years for cheaper options. For example, spending around $5,300 on premium exterior paint that lasts over a decade is far more cost-effective than spending $3,000 on low-quality paint you’ll need to redo every few years.
Premium paints are also easier to maintain thanks to their superior stain resistance and washability. Their advanced resins form a strong barrier that resists peeling, chipping, and fading — particularly useful for busy households.
Better protection for surfaces
Quality paint doesn’t just improve appearance; it protects your property. The advanced resins and pigments create a harder, longer-lasting finish that resists moisture, mould, and UV damage.
Exterior paints with strong UV and moisture protection reduce the risk of structural damage and expensive repairs. This is especially important in Newcastle’s coastal environment, where salt air and humidity can take a toll on exteriors.
Increased property value
A professional paint job using premium products can boost your home’s value by 5–10%. Real estate agents consistently highlight fresh, quality paintwork as one of the simplest, most affordable upgrades before selling.
Buyers notice quality finishes. As local painters, we’ve seen well-maintained homes attract higher offers simply because the paintwork signals good care and attention.
Choosing the Right Paint for Your Needs
Choosing paint involves more than just picking colours. Each part of your home requires specific types of paint to perform best.
Specialised paints for kitchens, bathrooms, and exteriors
Different rooms need different protection. For kitchens and bathrooms, look for:
- Anti-bacterial and mould-resistant properties
- Water-repellent finishes for easy cleaning
- Tough, durable surfaces that can handle humidity
For exterior surfaces, select paints with strong UV and moisture resistance. These stand up better to harsh Australian weather and last longer between repaints.
Low-VOC options for healthier homes
Low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints improve indoor air quality. Regular paints release chemicals that can cause headaches or allergic reactions, while low- or zero-VOC paints have minimal emissions.
Modern eco-friendly paints now perform just as well as traditional ones. They dry faster, smell less, and are a safer choice for families and pets.
Advice from professional painters in Newcastle
Consider factors like local weather, room use, and your home’s age before choosing a paint. Newcastle’s professional painters can recommend the best products for durability, appearance, and long-term value.
Always check product labels and datasheets for information on ingredients, coverage, and drying times. A little research helps ensure you pick paint that lasts.
Conclusion
Quality paint is a smart investment, not an unnecessary luxury. This article shows that while premium paints cost more upfront, they save you money over time. With better coverage, longer durability, and reduced maintenance, they outperform cheaper alternatives in every way.
Cheap paints often hide their true costs behind frequent touch-ups and extra coats. Premium paints make the job smoother, faster, and longer-lasting, protecting your home for up to twice as long.
Professional painting with high-quality products also increases property value by up to 10%, making it one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can make.
Your paint choice should reflect your home’s needs, your local climate, and your long-term goals. For lasting results, consult trusted professional painters in Newcastle who can recommend the right products and finishes for your space. Quality paint doesn’t just beautify — it protects your biggest investment: your home.