How to Ensure Your Painter Uses Quality Paint—Not a Lower-Grade Substitute

When you hire a professional painter, you're investing in your home—and naturally, you want the results to be flawless and long-lasting. But one mistake many homeowners don’t realize they’re making is assuming their painter will use the same premium paint they chose when selecting colors. It happens far more often than people realize: a homeowner picks a Benjamin Moore color chip, but the painter uses a lower-grade paint from a bargain brand to cut product costs. At first, it may look passable. But months later, the finish tells the truth—streaking, fading, scuffing, or premature peeling.

Because 85% of a painter’s quote is labor and only 15% is materials, choosing a premium product like Benjamin Moore is one of the smartest decisions you can make. If you’re paying for skilled labor, pairing it with high-quality paint ensures your investment actually lasts. A premium paint delivers richer color, better coverage, superior washability, and stronger adhesion—all of which matter even more in Michigan, where our homes endure four distinct seasons, humidity swings, and strong UV exposure.

The good news? With a few simple steps, you can make sure your painter uses the premium paint you intended.

 

How to Protect Yourself and Your Project

1. Be Clear About the Brand and Product Line

Don’t just hand over a color chip—name the paint. Specify Benjamin Moore Regal Select, Aura, or ben Interior in writing. Painters sometimes substitute “matching colors,” but identical color does not mean identical quality.

2. Put It in the Contract

Anything not written down is optional. Including the exact Benjamin Moore product in your agreement makes expectations clear and enforceable.

3. Ask to See the Cans Before Work Begins

A reputable painter will never object to transparency. If something feels off, it usually is.

4. Ask Where They Buy Their Paint

Painters who shop through Anderson Paint are already sourcing premium coatings and tools. It’s a great sign of their standards.

5. Remember: Cheap Paint Isn’t a Bargain

Lower-grade paint often requires extra coats, doesn’t clean well, and fails early—meaning you repaint sooner. Paying a little more upfront saves a lot in the long run.

Why Benjamin Moore Makes the Difference

With Benjamin Moore, you’re paying for advanced resin technology, richer pigments, longer-lasting color, and exceptional durability. Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom or repainting your entire home, quality paint paired with quality workmanship is the winning formula.

Your home is one of your greatest investments, and every detail matters—right down to what’s in the paint tray. By having an honest conversation with your painter and specifying Benjamin Moore, you protect your home, your wallet, and your final result. Great paint isn’t just about color—it’s about longevity, beauty, and performance.

If you want guidance choosing the right Benjamin Moore products for your painter, visit Anderson Paint in Ann Arbor. Our friendly team will walk you through product options and finishes so you can feel confident about your project from the very first brushstroke.