How Paint Ingredients Affect Quality

Pigments

Provide colour or whiteness and hiding
-- Top quality paints have higher levels of high-hiding pigments
-- Top quality exterior paints have more durable pigments that resist chalking and fading better

Binders

The "bind" the pigment into a tough, continuous film and help the paint adhere to the surface.
-- Top quality flat paints have a higher binder to pigment ratio.
-- Many top quality exterior acrylic paints are based on 100% acrylic binders for maximum:
-- adhesion when wet for resistance to blistering and peeling
-- resistance to mildew and dirt
-- alkali resistance over fresh masonry

Liquids

Liquids carry the pigment and binders. In oil-based and alkyd paints, the liquid is a paint thinner. In acrylic paints, the liquid is water.

-- Top quality paints have less liquid and more solids (pigment & binders).

Additives

Ingredients used at low levels to provide key properties, such as:
-- Mildew Resistance (mildewcide), found in quality exterior paints.
-- Better Flow & Leveling
-- Splatter Resistance