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When homeowners calculate their house painting budget, paint brand selection plays a much bigger role than most people realize. Two homes with the same carpet area can end up with very different painting costs — purely because of the paint brand chosen.
In this guide, we break down how major Indian paint brands — Asian Paints, Nerolac, Berger, and Birla Opus — impact your overall painting cost, finish quality, and long-term value, with insights from Aapkapainter.com’s on-ground project experience.
Why Paint Brand Choice Changes Your Painting Cost
A painting cost is not just about price per litre. It also depends on:
- Coverage efficiency (sq ft per litre)
- Number of coats required
- Durability & washability
- Compatibility with wall conditions
That’s why a lower-priced paint doesn’t always mean a lower final cost.
Tip: Always calculate brand-wise costs using a reliable Painting Cost Calculator before finalizing.
Brand-by-Brand Cost & Value Comparison
Asian Paints – Premium Finish, Higher Cost
Price Range: High
Why it commands a premium:
- Consistently high coverage efficiency
- Industry-leading premium emulsions (Royale, Apcolite)
- Excellent colour depth and ultra-smooth finish
Cost Impact:
- Higher per-litre price
- Often fewer repaint cycles due to superior durability
Best for:
- Luxury homes
- Homeowners prioritising finish, longevity, and brand legacy
Aapkapainter Insight:
Asian Paints delivers its best value on well-prepared walls. Proper putty and primer application significantly optimise consumption and justify the premium investment.
Kansai Nerolac – Practical & Value-Driven Choice
Price Range: Medium
Why it’s cost-efficient:
- Balanced coverage and durability
- Strong performance in large surface areas
- Trusted eco-friendly product range
Cost Impact:
- May require slightly higher consumption than Asian Paints
- Keeps overall budgets controlled for larger homes
Best for:
- Rental properties
- Budget-aware homeowners seeking reliability
Aapkapainter Insight:
With good surface preparation, Nerolac offers excellent value without compromising basic finish quality, especially for high-area projects.
Berger Paints – Strong Mid-Premium Performer
Price Range: Medium to High
Why homeowners choose Berger:
- Smooth application characteristics
- Competitive pricing in the premium segment
- Durable interior and exterior emulsions
Cost Impact:
- Labour effort similar to premium brands
- Slightly lower material cost compared to Asian Paints
Best for:
- Homeowners wanting premium aesthetics without top-tier pricing
Aapkapainter Insight:
Berger paints truly shine when applied by skilled painters — workmanship plays a crucial role in achieving the desired finish.
Birla Opus – Trusted Legacy, Powerful New-Age Entrant
Price Range: Medium (high value for money)
Why Birla Opus is gaining strong market trust:
- Backed by the Birla Group’s legacy of quality and reliability
- Modern formulations designed for Indian wall conditions
- Competitive pricing with improving coverage efficiency
- Rapid adoption in residential painting projects
Cost Impact:
- Optimised material cost compared to older premium brands
- Comparable finish quality when paired with proper surface prep
- Strong long-term value proposition as product range expands
Best for:
- Homeowners seeking trusted branding with smart pricing
- New homes and renovations aiming for balanced cost & quality
- Customers open to high-potential emerging brands
Aapkapainter Insight:
Birla Opus is not a budget compromise — it is a strategic value choice. When applied with correct primer, putty, and skilled labour, it delivers impressive results while keeping overall project costs efficient.
Brand Comparison at a Glance
| Brand | Paint Cost | Coverage | Finish Quality | Long-Term Value |
| Asian Paints | High | Excellent | Premium | Very High |
| Nerolac | Medium | Good | Good | High |
| Berger | Medium–High | Very Good | Premium | High |
| Birla Opus | Medium | Good–Very Good | Premium-Grade | High |
How Brand Choice Affects Labour Cost
Paint brands also influence labour charges:
- Premium paints require skilled painters
- Some paints need longer drying time between coats
- Smooth finishes demand more prep work
This is why Aapkapainter includes brand-specific labour planning instead of using flat labour assumptions.
Calculate Brand-Wise Painting Cost Accurately
Online estimates can be misleading if brand differences aren’t factored in.
Use the Aapkapainter Painting Cost Calculator to compare painting costs across brands and get a realistic budget estimate.
Our calculator factors in:
- Brand-specific coverage
- Paint type & finish
- Area-wise consumption
Aapkapainter’s Expert Recommendation
Choose your paint brand based on:
- Wall condition
- Usage (rental vs own home)
- Budget vs durability expectations
Avoid selecting paint brands purely on per-litre price — focus on total project cost.
Final Thoughts
Every paint brand has its strengths. The right choice depends on how you balance cost, finish, and longevity.
With Aapkapainter.com, you don’t just pick a paint brand — you get:
- Brand-neutral expert advice
- Accurate cost calculation
- Professional execution
👉 Start with the Aapkapainter Painting Cost Calculator and let our experts help you choose the most cost-effective paint brand for your home.