When it comes to purchasing good-quality paint, ingredients are everything. A thin coat of high-quality paint protects, seals, hides flaws, and transforms your walls and furniture. It gives surfaces long-term protection at a moderate price, making painting an ideal DIY project with low cost but high returns. 

    So what’s in the paint you’re putting on your walls? Here are the three main ingredients you should know about and how they impact your home improvement projects. 



    Pigment

    Pigment is the ingredient most people first consider when purchasing paint. It provides the paint’s texture and color. Pigments like titanium dioxide offer excellent hiding power and coverage.

    Pigments used to be dangerous and often included lead, chromates, and asbestos. Today, harmful pigments are outlawed in most places. 

    Titanium dioxide and iron oxides are safe, high-grade pigments in better-quality paints. Clay and silica are also used but don’t hold up as well, so we recommend avoiding them. 

    You can tell whether a paint is good by rubbing it between your thumb and index finger. It likely contains a cheap pigment or filler, like clay, if it feels gritty. Unfortunately, paints with inexpensive pigments won’t last as long as paint with titanium dioxide or iron oxides, which feel very smooth.


    Binder

    The binder is the ingredient that attaches the pigment particles to the support, otherwise known as the wall, furniture, or kitchen cabinets you’re painting. The binder determines the overall quality and durability of your paint. 

    Linseed oil, also known as flax oil, is a binder made from the dried seeds of the flax plant. It makes the paint color thinner and oilier, giving it a better consistency for application. The added oil also lends a beautiful sheen to your walls or furniture.

    For walls, a popular water-based binder is PVA (polyvinyl acetate), which improves scrub resistance and washability. 


    Solvent

    Water is the solvent in water-based paint. In oil-based paint, the solvent is thinner. Solvents keep pigments and binders dissolved so they penetrate surfaces.

    After evaporating, they leave a thin, hardened paint layer. The solvent affects drying time, application, odor, and cleanup. 

    Regarding pros and cons, water-based paints have less odor and clean up with water. Oil-based paints are tougher but require a more intensive cleaning with mineral spirits.


    Other Paint Qualities

    Additives help with flow, bubbles, and consistency. Good paint isn’t gritty. Test paint quality by applying one spot of good paint and one of cheap paint. Once dry, add food coloring to each spot. It will hold in the quality paint but spread in the cheap paint.


    How Ingredients Impact Performance

    Ingredients significantly affect paint’s appearance and performance:

    • Pigments like titanium dioxide determine hiding power and color consistency.
    • Binders impact the dried paint film’s adhesion, flexibility, and durability. One hundred percent acrylic paint is very durable.
    • Solvents influence drying, application, odor, and cleanup. Certain solvents also suit specific surfaces better, which is something to consider before purchasing paint for your project. 
    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    We also recommend checking the solids percentage — more solids means fewer fillers and additives versus pigment and binder.


    Comparing Brands and Sheens

    When comparing brands, consider both ingredients and warranties offered. More expensive paints feature higher-quality pigments, binders, and additives for better coverage and durability.

    Regarding sheens, gloss enamels are generally more durable than flat or matte paints, thanks to higher pigment levels. When choosing a brand and sheen, consider the surfaces you’ll paint. Factor in durability, application, and desired look before making your final selection.


    Painting Tips

    Here are our top tips for a professional-looking, long-lasting paint job:

    • Properly prepare surfaces — clean, repair cracks, and sand glossy areas
    • Prime bare or glossy surfaces
    • Apply two coats for coverage and protection
    • Use quality applicators, such as microfiber roller covers and natural bristle brushes
    • Maintain a wet edge and avoid overlap marks
    • Allow proper drying time between coats
    • Clean tools promptly with the appropriate solvent

    With quality ingredients and techniques, you can achieve great results.


    FAQs About Paint Ingredients

    What makes paint higher quality?

    Higher-quality paint contains premium pigments like titanium dioxide, durable 100% acrylic binders, and fewer fillers or additives. Ingredients impact durability and longevity.


    How do I know if paint is good quality?

    Ensure the paint feels smooth, not gritty or chalky. We recommend purchasing paint from national brands with warranties or guarantees. Also, check for higher solids percentages, as quality paint offers one-coat coverage.


    What is the most durable paint?

    Enamel paints are very durable, thanks to quality pigments and binders. Alkyd enamel works well for trims and cabinets. In contrast, 100% acrylic latex enamel is excellent for walls and ceilings.


    What are paint brands to avoid?

    Stick with reputable paint companies when shopping. We recommend checking consumer reviews for problematic brands to save yourself time and money.


    How long does quality paint last?

    Interior latex wall paint lasts five to eight years with quality ingredients and proper application. Oil-based trim enamel lasts 10 to 15 years before needing repainting. Exterior paint may need redoing every seven to 10 years.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Amy DeYoung

    Amy DeYoung

    Contributor

    Amy DeYoung has a passion for educating and motivating homeowners to improve their lives through home improvement projects and preventative measures. She is a content writer and editor specializing in pest control, moving, window, and lawn/gardening content for Today’s Homeowner. Amy utilizes her own experience within the pest control and real estate industry to educate readers. She studied business, communications, and writing at Arizona State University.

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    photo of Lee Ann Merrill

    Lee Ann Merrill

    Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

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