Expert Decries Use of Poor Quality Paint

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Chief Executive Officer of Streamline Paints, Kehinde Okweshine, yesterday decried the use of poor quality paint, lamenting that it can lead to a range of issues which can undermine the success of real estate projects in the country.

Speaking with journalists on whether building new property or renovating existing ones when Nigerians are undertaking real estate projects, Okweshine noted that it could be tempting to try to save money by using the cheapest paint available.

According to him, “This is a false economy that can end up costing  people far more in the long run.”

Speaking on customer dissa-wtisfaction, he stressed that one of the primary risks of using low-quality paint is customer dissatisfaction.

Okweshine emphasised that home buyers and tenants expect a certain level of quality and finishing in a property, adding that poor painting that can peel, fade, or develop other issues quickly can seriously detract from the overall look of the property.

He opined that this can as well lead to unhappy customers, negative reviews, and a lower likelihood of referrals and repeat business.

The Chief Executive Officer remarked: “Cheaper paints are often less durable and resistant to the elements, while in some areas prone to moisture, mold, or high humidity, making the paints start to degrade much more quickly, leading to the need for more frequent repainting and maintenance. This drives up your long-term costs and can make properties appear unkempt and run-down more quickly.”

Okweshine emphasised further that “in coastal areas with high salt content in the air, regular interior and exterior paints will often not hold up well, while special marine-grade paints that are more resistant to the effects of saltwater and humidity should be used instead.”

He said similarly, in damp or humid environments, mold-resistant paints formulated to prevent the growth of mildew should be the go-to choice, rather than standard interior wall paints.”

Okweshine further declared that “the cumulative effect of customer dissatisfaction and accelerated deterioration was that properties painted with poor quality products will likely see a reduction in their overall value and marketability while buyers will be less willing to pay top dollar for a home that requires significant paint touch-ups or that has an uneven, low-quality finish.”

He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to investing in the right paint for each application is an essential part of maximizing the long-term value of their real estate assets.

Okweshine, however, advised that while it may cost a bit more upfront, using high-quality, durable paints that are suited to the specific environment and usage of each area is a wise investment that will pay dividends down the line through satisfied customers, reduced maintenance costs, and stronger property values.