No matter how well you paint your exterior, it will eventually need a refresh. Weather events, wind, and regular wear and tear mean that, eventually, your paint will start peeling and fading. Luckily, with exterior paint, you have a few years before you need to think about repainting. Most exterior paint jobs last about five to ten years.
Five to ten years is quite a wide range. The longevity of your exterior paint job depends on a few different factors, including the type of paint, the painting process, and the conditions your paint will be exposed to. Here is how you can determine how long your paint job will last and how to extend its longevity.
How Long Do Exterior Paint Jobs Last?
Exterior paint jobs last a few years, about five to ten years. That is a little shorter than some interior paint jobs. The reason why exterior paint jobs have a shorter lifespan is that they are exposed to more wear and tear.
After five to ten years, the paint will start fading, which affects the appearance and curb appeal of your home. It will also start flaking and peeling, which means the material below the paint could be exposed to damage.
What Factors Affect How Long Exterior Paint Jobs Last?
There are a few important factors that can help you guess how long your paint will last.
- The substrate material. The material of your siding, on which the paint actually sticks, determines how long your paint job will last. Paint on stucco lasts the longest, while the paint on wood warps faster due to the warping of the material itself.
- The climate. This is one factor that you can’t really control. If you live someplace where your paint is exposed to direct sunlight often, it will fade faster. Lots of moisture, such as humidity, rain, or snow, will also cause your paint to deteriorate faster.
- The type of paint you use. When it comes to exterior paint jobs, it’s not worth scrimping on paint quality. Dedicated exterior paints are more expensive than regular acrylic paint, but that’s because they’re treated to withstand the elements.
- Your preparation work. This is one factor that is completely within your control. Preparing the surface is more important on exterior paint jobs than on interior paint jobs. Skip any steps, and your paint will fail faster.
How Can You Extend the Lifespan of an Exterior Paint Job?
The best way is to conduct the right preparatory work.
Start by cleaning the exterior surface thoroughly. Most professionals recommend using a power washer. This gets rid of any grime, grease, debris, and other factors that affect how the paint adheres to the surface. Patch up any cracks, scrape, and caulk the surfaces.
Make sure to go over your exteriors with a primer before painting. The primer smooths out the surface and makes it easier for the paint to stick.
You will need to touch up your exterior paint every five to ten years, but prepping will help you go longer in between full-scale painting.
Get the answers you need about how long your exterior paint job will last with help from New Age Painting & Coatings. We specialize in providing high-quality painting and coating services designed to last years. Call us today to learn more!
Hugo has always loved working with his hands. As a young boy, he loved to help his father paint their home. This led to Hugo starting his own painting business over 20 years ago. He takes great pride in his work and loves nothing more than seeing the smile on a customer’s face when they see their finished product. Hugo is a hard-working man who is proud of his Mexican heritage. He is a family man first and foremost and enjoys spending time with his wife and children.