Part of the issue with paint is that local, state, and federal governments keep changing "pollution" laws and restricting what is allowed to enter the atmosphere through use or manufacture. This requires paint companies to keep changing their formulation and/or manufacturing processes in order to continue selling paint as a livelihood. In many cases, the paint brand you bought and used 5-10 years ago, is not the same paint you can buy in the same can today. The formulation changes effect the way it is applied, the way it cures and the way it ages. Much of it has also not been tested for age and durability factors beyond a very short time from application.
The end result is that it becomes a "Buyer Beware" situation and the consumer becomes the guinea pigs and product testers. Many paint companies here in Kalifornia have moved out of state or simply stopped operating entirely because they can't make their product under the new EPA standards. However, the EPA laws seem to propagate to other states and locales over time. Already NY, PA, MD, DE, and NJ have instituted restrictions, with MN and NH following with legislation in process.
With distribution of product being the way it is, products made in these states get shipped to other states, too. So, don't think you are immune to paint can content changes where you live.
I used to get rattle can enamel paint from the local Hardware store that applied easily, was VERY durable after a couple weeks cure, and stayed glossy for years. Now the label looks the same (though the ingredients in small print have changed), it is very finicky to apply, even worse with other than ideal temps, Chips and flakes easily, and goes dull in about two years of outdoor exposure. Forget ANY rattle can clear, it either turns yellow in 6 mos or less, or it is like hard saran wrap where, if disturbed, it gouges and peels.
The rustoleum label hasn't changed. But, it sure has inside the can. And, the finish as suffered for it.
The only paints that still work like they did before are the 2 part catalyzed paints. These are much more expensive, and are also the paints that will kill you if applied without personal protective gear to keep it out of your lungs and off your skin. They also take several hours to harden, which means you need a sealed, filtered, ventilated booth, so bugs, dirt, leaves, etc, aren't encapsulated for all eternity in the painted finish.
As a result, such paints are "for professional use only" leave the average Joe with crappy paint that has to be redone often.
I don't think this is a coincidence. A professional business pays state and local taxes $$$. And, employees of these bisnesses pay state and Federal taxes. Further, the government gets more tax income from a high priced item than a low price item for the same application coverage of product.
But, I better stop now. As, I'm sure some of you are thinking this is a rant.
Cheers anyway,
