How much does paint grade change the cost of a painting job?

One Twin Cities painter says moving between paint tiers shifts total cost roughly 8 to 12%, because labor is 70 to 90% of the cost (Angi 2026).

What are volume solids?

The portion of paint left on the surface after it dries. Sherwin-Williams data sheets list examples from 34% (ProMar 200 Zero VOC) to 42% (Emerald).

How much area does a gallon of paint cover?

Typical coverage on the example data sheets is 350 to 400 sq ft per gallon.

All guides

Paint grades explained: what you're paying for

Paint grade matters less to your total price than most people expect, because labor is 70 to 90% of a painting project's cost. Higher grades usually carry more volume solids, which affects coverage and film build. Whatever you choose, the Minnesota Attorney General advises naming the brand, color and grade in your contract.

Labor drives the price

Angi (2026) puts labor at 70 to 90% of a painting project's cost. One Twin Cities painter says moving between paint tiers shifts the total cost roughly 8 to 12%.

Volume solids: what higher grades add

Volume solids are the part of the paint that stays on the wall after it dries. Example figures from Sherwin-Williams product data sheets:

ProMar 200 Zero VOC: 34% volume solids
SuperPaint: 37% volume solids
Emerald: 42% volume solids
Typical coverage: 350 to 400 sq ft per gallon
Duration Exterior can be applied down to 35°F

These are examples, not endorsements

The products above are illustrative examples drawn from published data sheets. PaintersMN does not endorse any paint brand. Ask your painter which product they plan to use and why.

Put it in the contract

The Minnesota Attorney General advises naming brand names, colors and grades in your home improvement contract, so you get the product you paid for.

Common questions

How much does paint grade change the cost of a painting job?: One Twin Cities painter says moving between paint tiers shifts total cost roughly 8 to 12%, because labor is 70 to 90% of the cost (Angi 2026).
What are volume solids?: The portion of paint left on the surface after it dries. Sherwin-Williams data sheets list examples from 34% (ProMar 200 Zero VOC) to 42% (Emerald).
How much area does a gallon of paint cover?: Typical coverage on the example data sheets is 350 to 400 sq ft per gallon.
Should the paint be named in my contract?: Yes. The Minnesota Attorney General advises naming brand names, colors and grades in the contract.

Sources

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