The True Cost of Painting

For the best long-term value, choose top quality paint

   Most homeowners approach house painting the way investors approach the stock market-looking for the best long-term value and the greatest return on investment.

   If you share this philosophy, then your choice of paint is quite simple, according to experts at the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute:  The highest quality paint, which offers the best performance, is always the best long-term value among exterior paint products. And that's true whether you hire a contractor or do the painting yourself. An analysis of life-cycle costs proves the point:

   In many areas, a contractor-applied exterior paint job on a 3,500 sq. ft. home costs about $2700 if you apply an ordinary grade of paint ($2,300 for labor, plus $400 for 20 gallons of $20 paint).

   If the contractor uses a top quality acrylic latex paint instead, the job would cost only about $200 more, or $2900 (the same for labor, plus $500 for 20 gallons of $25paint).

   But the top quality paint should last about 10 years or more, compared to about four years for the ordinary finish. And that's the key to the value of top-quality paint.

   Let's say you live in your current home for five years. If you employ a painting contractor, the cost-per-year of service for quality paint is only $580, compares to $1080 with ordinary paint. Why? Because you would have to apply longer-lasting quality paint only once during those 5 years, rather than twice with ordinary paint. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, the cost per year differential is less, but still significant.

   If you live in your home for 10 years, the savings are especially dramatic. While the first application of top quality paint would last ten years, you would likely have to apply ordinary paint two or three times during that period. A contractor-applied job with top-quality paint would result in a cost-per-year of only $290, compared to $810 for ordinary paint, assuming three applications. DIY costs would also be lower-$40 per year compared to $120 per year.

   Even if you stay in the home for 15 years-during which time the top quality paint would have to be reapplied-the quality coating proves to be the better value. And, by a wide margin for professionally applied paint.

   According to the Paint Quality Institute, no matter how long you stay in your home, it is hard to make a case for applying anything less than the best exterior paint. Even if you plan to move in just a couple years, you would save very little by using an ordinary paint-a couple of hundred dollars at most. And, since few of us know exactly when we will move, it's wise to plan for the long haul.

   Moreover, a house that looks freshly painted may sell a lot faster, so even under this scenario, top quality paint offers great value.

   What's the best exterior paint? According to the Paint Quality Institute, for most applications, a top quality acrylic latex paint is best. It offers good adhesion, superior durability and the flexibility to expand and contract with changing temperatures.

   For more information on quality paint, the Paint Quality Institute suggests that you ask for advice at your neighborhood paint store, hardware store, or decorating center.

Adapted From "Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute"

(above computations are subject to variance in market pricing of materials and paint life span estimates may vary with climate conditions. Previous coating applications may also affect the longevity of future applications)