The sticker price of paint has a lot to do with its chemical makeup. Premium cans contain a higher concentration of pigments and binders, along with more resins, making for a smoother application with less drag. And anyone who’s recently shopped for premium paint knows how expensive it has become over the past few years, with a gallon now costing $50 and up, making it all the more tempting to reach for a cheaper option. But don’t.

“A more expensive gallon can actually save money and time in the long run by providing the coverage of two to three gallons of cheap paint, especially if you’re trying to cover a bright or dark-colored wall,” he notes. Need a few more reasons to skip the bargain stuff? It fades faster and can leave burnish marks. “Simply rubbing against a wall with a gym bag can leave a mark that just won’t wash off,” adds Vega. All that said, there are some places where a low-cost paint ($15 to $20 per gallon) makes sense, like on a ceiling or in a rental when you want to do a quick refresh before moving in.