Why New Construction Builders Use Bad Paint | Yes, It’s True

PSA: Your beautiful new construction home has cheap paint. Prepare for a repaint in 3-5 years!

Most builders use low-grade flat paint that looks decent but wears out fast. If you want lasting quality, your best option is to repaint before move-in with a premium brand like Dunn-Edwards or Sherwin-Williams. Trust me, it’ll save you a headache (and a full repaint) down the road.

You just bought your dream home, and the paint is already peeling. What gives?

This is one of the most common frustrations new homeowners face. 

People walk into their brand-new homes expecting the walls to hold up, only to find that a gentle finger smudge turns into a permanent mark, or that wiping a scuff off the wall pulls the paint right off with it.

It’s not your fault, and honestly, it’s not even all the builder’s fault. The truth is, most builders aren’t trying to deliver top-tier paint quality. 

They’re trying to close a deal and move on to the next project. And that means cutting costs where they can, starting with what goes on your walls.

In this article, we’ll see why the paint in most new construction homes is so bad.

If you’re a homeowner who values quality and peace of mind, stick with us. This is everything we wish every customer knew before getting the keys.

Why Do Builders Use Low-Quality Paint in New Construction?

Here’s the truth: most builders don’t pick paint for how long it lasts, they pick what saves them money and time. 

And if that means using the cheapest flat paint that won’t survive its first year, so be it. Let’s break down why this happens.

The Real Reason: It’s All About Cost and Speed

Builders typically use contractor-grade paint that costs less than lunch. It’s flat, cheap, and hides bad drywall work. It’s not Sherwin-Williams or Dunn-Edwards, it’s just enough to make the walls look finished.

With subcontractors rushing in and out, there’s no time for proper prep. No sanding. No sealing. No second coat. Just a fast, budget-friendly finish that won’t hold up past your first cleaning.

Touch-Up Convenience: Why Flat Paint Is the Default

Flat paint isn’t picked for quality, it’s picked for quick touch-ups. 

During construction, walls get banged up. Flat paint lets builders roll over scuffs fast without worrying about matching sheen. It’s convenient for them, but a nightmare for you.

Once you move in, every fingerprint, bump, or wipe leaves a mark. It’s frustrating, especially if you’ve got kids or pets.

The Problem with “Free Paint”

That “included paint job” you got? It’s not a bonus, it’s a shortcut. Most builders spray on tinted primer with maybe one topcoat, if you’re lucky.

People have had to repaint their entire $750k homes in under a year. Why? Because that builder-grade finish isn’t made to last, it’s made to sell.

Helpful Resource → New Construction Painting In Arizona

What Type of Paint Is Used in New Construction?

Most new homes look freshly polished on day one, but the paint used behind that sheen is usually chosen for cost, not quality. Here’s what really goes on your walls.

Flat Paint: Chosen to Hide Flaws, Not to Last

Builders love flat paint because it hides imperfections. It camouflages bad drywall seams, patchy mud work, and uneven texture, making everything look “finished” fast.

But once you move in? That flat finish becomes a nightmare.

• It scuffs easily, even with light contact.

• Stains soak in with no forgiveness.

• Cleaning is nearly impossible, wiping leaves shiny spots or removes the paint entirely.

Flat paint is great if no one ever touches your walls. But real life doesn’t work that way.

Common Builder-Grade Paint Brands (and Why They Fall Short)

Most builders use low-tier brands that aren’t meant to hold up under actual use.

These paints are made for speed and low cost, not for scrubbability or long-term performance. We’ve heard customers call it “tinted water”, and they’re not wrong. 

It’s thin, chalky, and won’t survive even a gentle cleaning.

Spray Application: Fast, but Flawed

Speed matters to builders, which is why most new homes are spray painted, not rolled. 

And while spraying isn’t inherently bad, it often gets misused in construction. Here’s what typically happens:

• One thin coat is sprayed, often directly over bare or barely primed drywall.

• No back-rolling is done to seal or even out the paint.

• Sanding after priming is skipped, leaving rough textures that catch light and dust.

The result? Uneven coverage, poor adhesion, and walls that literally fall apart under a Magic Eraser. I’ve walked into homes where paint peeled off from a light wipe.

That’s not wear and tear, that’s a shortcut.

What Problems Can Bad Paint Cause?

Cheap paint might look fine on closing day, but fast forward a few months, and that “new home” feeling fades fast. 

Low-quality, builder-grade paint leads to real, frustrating problems that show up sooner than most homeowners expect.

Everyday Damage and Headaches

The biggest issue? Daily wear and tear. It picks up fingerprints like it’s magnetized, and don’t even think about moving furniture without leaving a scuff.

• Fingerprints, water drips, and scuffs become permanent wall art.

• Try cleaning it, and you’re likely to get burnishing, that shiny patch where the paint surface gets polished from friction.

• Worse yet, a light scrub can lead to peeling or patchy spots.

This is especially brutal in high-traffic spaces, think hallways, kitchens, stairwells, or anywhere kids or pets roam.

Underlying Issues Stay Hidden

Flat paint isn’t just bad at holding up, it’s sneaky.

One reason builders love it is because it hides bad drywall work. Uneven tape lines? Bad mud jobs? Texture that feels like sandpaper? Flat paint makes it all disappear, for a little while.

But the moment you upgrade to eggshell or satin, all those flaws come out of hiding. It’s like putting a band-aid on a foundation crack. Looks fine, until it doesn’t.

Health Risks? Yes, Indirectly.

Let’s talk about what happens when you mix cheap paint + poor prep + real life:

• Many contractor-grade paints contain higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), especially if they’re off-brand or older formulas.

• Flat, low-cost paints have a porous surface, they trap dust, allergens, and airborne grime.

• In humid areas or bathrooms, thin coats and poor sealing can lead to mildew and mold growth behind or on the paint.

So no, it might not be immediately toxic, but it does create conditions that aren’t great for your health or air quality, especially for kids or people with sensitivities.

Can You Prevent or Fix Bad Paint in a New Build?

Let’s say you haven’t moved in yet, or maybe you just did and already see scuffs, stains, and paint peeling off when you try to clean. 

The good news? You’re not stuck. But it all starts with being proactive.

Option 1: Get Ahead of It During Construction

Most homeowners don’t realize this, but you can absolutely ask your builder for a paint upgrade during the build. You’re not locked into the cheap flat finish unless you choose to be. The key is asking early.

• Request brands like Sherwin-Williams Duration, Emerald, or Dunn-Edwards Everest.

• Be specific about finish type, matte or eggshell holds up far better than flat, especially in high-touch areas.

A builder might charge you more for the upgrade, but it’s pennies compared to what you’ll spend repainting your entire house later.

Option 2: Should You Even Let the Builder Paint?

Now, here’s the controversial part. 

Some folks recommend letting the builder handle the base coat, then bringing in your own painter to do it right. Others skip the builder paint entirely and negotiate a credit instead.

That’s actually something worth asking: “If I handle painting myself, will you credit back that cost?”

Most builders are open to it if you ask. Why? Because it’s one less thing for them to coordinate. They’d rather cut a check than wait on painters to finish up.

If you're allowed, this gives you the freedom to choose:

• The paint brand

• The prep process

• And most importantly, the finish that fits your lifestyle

Already Moved In? Here’s How to Fix It

If the damage is already done, don’t worry, it’s fixable. Start by tackling the rooms that need it most.

Spot-Repainting Tips

• Use leftover builder paint cautiously, it often doesn’t match after a few months.

• If you must touch up, use a roller, not a brush, to prevent flashing.

• Focus on high-traffic areas first, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and kids’ rooms take the biggest hit.

Upgrading Room by Room

If you're repainting, use it as an opportunity to upgrade:

• Switch to durable finishes like eggshell, matte, or satin.

• Invest in proper prep: that means washing, sanding, priming, and sealing surfaces before any color goes on.

• Prioritize areas where cleanability matters most, entryways, kitchens, stairwells, and baseboards.

Whether you’re ahead of the curve or repairing shortcuts someone else made, your paint job doesn’t have to be a disappointment. 

We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners turn poorly finished walls into something they’re proud of, and we can help you do the same.

Helpful Resource → New Construction Painting In Arizona

Paint Options To Actually Use in a New Home

If you’re ready to move past the cheap, builder-grade finish and invest in something that actually lasts, you need two things: the right brand and the right sheen. 

When you choose quality products up front, you save yourself from touch-ups, frustrations, and full repaints later.

Brands Homeowners and Pros Trust

After 13+ years in this business, we’ve tested just about every paint out there. These are the brands worth the trust:

1. Sherwin-Williams Duration: A workhorse. Durable, washable, and ideal for high-traffic rooms. It holds color beautifully and doesn’t flinch under scuffs or scrubbing.

2. Sherwin-Williams Emerald: This is their top-shelf line. It’s low-VOC, mildew-resistant, and gives you that buttery smooth finish that just feels higher-end.

3. Dunn-Edwards Everest: One of our go-tos at ProSmart. It’s ultra-low VOC, goes on clean, and stands up to real-life wear without losing its finish.

4. Dunn-Edwards Spartawall: More budget-friendly than Everest but still way ahead of anything a builder will use. Great coverage and longevity.

5. Benjamin Moore Regal Select: Loved for its even coverage and low-sheen elegance. A solid pick for living rooms, bedrooms, and common areas.

6. Benjamin Moore Aura: Premium price, premium results. Deep, rich color with unbeatable coverage. Great for bold walls or accent features.

   
   

These paints don’t just look good, they perform under daily life. They’re meant for real homes, real families, and real messes.

Choose the Right Sheen for Each Surface

Now that you’ve got your brand, don’t overlook the finish. Even the best paint can look terrible if you use the wrong sheen in the wrong spot.

1. Ceilings: Flat or Ultra-Flat: Ceilings don’t get touched much, so flat is ideal, it hides imperfections and reduces glare.

2. Walls: Matte or Eggshell: Matte gives a soft look while offering more durability than flat. But if you’ve got kids, pets, or just a high-traffic space, eggshell is your best friend. It’s cleanable without going shiny.

3. Trim and Doors: Satin or Semi-Gloss: These take the most abuse, so go with a finish that can handle it. Satin gives a clean, subtle shine. Semi-gloss is more reflective and super easy to wipe down.

   
   

The paint you choose matters more than most people think. It affects how your home looks, how it feels, and how much time you’ll spend fixing it later. 

Don’t Settle for Bad Paint in a New Build

The reality is, most builder-grade paint jobs are designed to look good just long enough to close the sale. They’re not built for real life, and they definitely weren’t chosen with your long-term comfort in mind.

Flat paint hides flaws, but it also hides problems. 

It scuffs, stains, and peels faster than you can enjoy your first family dinner in the new space. And once you try to clean it? That “brand-new home” feel fades fast.

But here’s the good news: you’ve got options. Whether you’re still in the building phase or you’ve already moved in, you can:

• Upgrade the paint before move-in

• Skip the builder’s paint and bring in your own pro

• Repaint room by room after closing with the right products

At ProSmart Painting, we work with homeowners every day to undo the shortcuts builders take. 

We don’t water down our paint. We don’t paint over unprepped surfaces. We don’t take a dollar until the job is done right. And we use top-tier products like Dunn-Edwards, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore, and the kind of materials that hold up to life, not just showings.

You only get one chance to make your house feel like home. Reach out right away!

Let’s make sure the paint on your walls is something you can trust, not something you have to fix.