Discussions

Any suggestions for stores with inexpensive but still quality paint

Over the years I've found that buying less expensive paint is not a good idea if you want it to last. It may be more expensive but if you go to a store which specializes in paint and stain such as Sherwin Williams on 18th Street, you'll save on the amount of paint you use and the labour needed to apply it once, instead of doing it two or three times with cheaper paint. Don't skimp on the primer paint either.

Agree, don't cheap out or you'll regret it when you have to re-do it. Dulux paint (on 8th across from Superstore) is one of my fav paints. They have buy one, get one free right now I believe.

Do not cheap out! We always use Behr paint with primer. Around $55 a can. Sometimes Behr has a sale that gives you $10 rebate per gallon in the mail.

I swear by Benjamin Moore paint. When we painted the exterior trim of our house, we prepped for days to ensure we would not have peeling. When it came time to paint Janzen's was closed so Benjamin Moore was not an option. We bought one of the options listed above. Within 3 months it was peeling. So for me, I will never again use anything but Benjamin Moore paint.

When we redid our basement we had an interior decorator come and pick the colours. She recommended Benjamin Moore paint. I bought 1 can and OMG! It was watery and I had to do multiple coats. Never again! I went to Home Depot and they matched all the colours.  
 
I had a family member who worked in paint for years. We always purchased paint from him wherever he worked. Next to Behr I would recommend General Paint. We have tried many brands over the years and Behr and General Paint have been the best.

RC123 said "When we redid our basement we had an interior decorator come and pick the colours. She recommended Benjamin Moore paint. I bought 1 can and OMG! It was watery and I had to do multiple coats. Never again! I went to Home Depot and they matched all the colours.     I had a family member who worked in paint for years. We always purchased paint from him wherever he worked. Next to Behr I would recommend General Paint. We have tried many brands over the years and Behr and General Paint have been the best. "

It is always strange to me how two people can have such opposite experiences, guess it just goes to show that people need to experience things for themselves! I have painted both chocolate brown and a dark burnt red colour with Benjamin Moore, 2 coats and done. Walls were a light cream when I started. It was actually the most expensive Behr paint that we used on our exterior that peeled in 3 months. I’m not looking forward to scrapping, and painting again this year!!

Surface preparation is more important than anything.

I second the store across from superstore. I've don't a lot of painting and they were AWSOME!

PowerOfaMom said "I second the store across from superstore. I've don't a lot of painting and they were AWSOME! "

They have a sale every spring and and fall - buy 1 can get 1 free!

I've taken advantage of the buy 1 get 1 last fall! Was definitely worth it! Great great quality paint! Covered up my awful walls fantastic!

Never -give-up : the most expensive Behr paint is no good. It is too thick and dries too fast. The paint and primer in one for $55 is totally different.  
 
Our house hasn’t peeled at all. My MIL had issues with a certain type of deck stain from Behr. Tried a different grade of Behr stain and it’s been fine as well

RC123 Thanks for the info. I usually use the ‘you get what you pay for’ way of thinking, in this case it failed me!

There may be a guarantee on the paint. My MIL got reimbursed for the stain she used that all peeled.

First - do not go to a box store, go to an actual paint store (Dulux, Sherwin Williams (formerly General Paint), or Benjamin Moore. While box stores may carry product from these (and others), often they are a cheaper version of a name brand. The paint stores will also have more knowledgeable staff, who can help you with any specific needs you may have. Ask lots of questions, and despite your request for inexpensive, don't do it. With paint - you REALLY get what you pay for. I find Benjamin Moore a bit overprices compared to others, but all three will have quality products. In the end, if you go with a inexpensive paint, it will probably cost you more. In time, and money. Often a less expensive paint will require more coats, so you lose on your savings, plus they will not last as long. Avoid paint and primer in one, they are a gimmick. If you are using for better hiding, that is fine - but most think they do not have to prime pealing wood with them - and that is NOT the case. Note - while I don't anymore, I have over 20 years selling paint, so this is not just a layman's recommendation.