Wall preparation is at least as important, and often more important, than the paint brand. Even the most expensive paint will look bad on a poorly prepared surface. If walls are dirty, greasy, cracked, flaky or uneven, new paint simply highlights those flaws instead of hiding them.
Good prep means: cleaning off dust and grease, scraping loose paint, filling cracks and holes, sanding rough patches, and using primer where needed. This creates a smooth, stable base for the topcoat to stick to. The result is fewer visible imperfections, better colour consistency, and longer-lasting finish.
The brand still matters for durability, washability and richness of colour. But if budget is tight, you’re better off choosing a decent mid-range paint with thorough prep than a luxury brand slapped over rough walls.
Think of it like makeup on skin or polish on wood: the base condition decides how good the final layer can look.