The Differences Between Good and Cheap Paint Secrets your suppliers won't tell you Cleaning is the test. Gloss or semi-gloss enamels are less likely to be damaged by cleaning than are most flat latex paints. The first test for quality is to drip a little plain tap water in an inconspicuous area.
Cheap paint darkens much more than quality paint.
Suffice it to say that the space between pigment is larger, less vehicle holds it together, and the pigment is not ground as fine in cheaper paint. By the way, virtually every manufacturer makes cheap paint. The manufacturers name doesn't mean quality. Test cleaning in an inconspicuous corner first. If the wall color and finish look the same but cleaner go ahead and use it.