Pigment, Binder, Additives: What's in the Can and Why It Matters

Two cans can look identical on the shelf and behave differently on the wall. Understanding what's inside helps you choose the right paint for the job.

Pigment: the hiding power

Pigment covers the colour underneath. Titanium dioxide is the key white pigment, and finely ground colour pigments give the paint its depth. More pigment, well dispersed, generally means better hide and fewer coats.

Binder: the durability

The binder is the resin that holds pigment together and bonds it to the wall. It determines washability, resistance to burnishing (those shiny rub marks), and flexibility through seasonal changes. Calgary's dry winters and swings in humidity are a good reason to care about it.

Additives: the application

Flow and levelling additives help paint go on smoothly and dry without heavy roller marks. A forgiving open time lets you overlap wet edges and fix a miss without leaving a lap line.

How to test paint yourself

• Drawdown test: brush a sample on a white card and check for even, rich colour.
• Scrub test: let a sample cure for a week, then wipe it with a damp cloth.
• Coat count: note how many coats it takes to hide. That's where the real cost is.

Match the product to the job

Benjamin Moore offers different formulas for different needs: Aura for colour depth, Regal Select for everyday living spaces, Scuff-X for high-traffic areas, Ultra Spec 500 for contractor-grade jobs. Tell us about your space and we'll recommend the right one.

Stop by West Hillhurst Paint & Design and we'll help you choose.