Whether you are looking at renovations or new construction a very common question is how long will exterior paint last? As with many answers, the correct one is, “it depends”.
In general, a properly applied exterior paint in a temperate climate can last 5 -10 years. However, there are multiple factors that come into play such as the material of the structure, the climate that the structure is in, the type of painting technique and application utilized, the preparation of the surface, and the quality of the paint itself, which affect the longevity of the exterior paint.
Factors That Affect How Long Your Paint Lasts
While exterior paint generally lasts 5-10 years, there are a number of factors that may affect your paint’s longevity. Each gets discussed below in further detail.
An experienced painting company is a key partner to assist you in making the best choices for your unique needs and individual budget.
Surface Material
The longevity of exterior paint is directly proportional to the surface material that gets painted. In essence, certain materials hold paint better and longer than others. Wood, aluminum and stucco are the most common exterior paint surfaces.
- Wood surfaces generally hold their paint for 5-7 years.
- Aluminum siding tends to hold its paint for roughly 5 years.
- Stucco consists of cement, sand and limestone. It naturally holds color better than other materials and can last 7-10 years or longer.
- Paint on a brick exterior can last 10 or more years.
- Newer materials such as cement fiberboard are engineered to hold paint longer than 10 years.
Sunlight
It is a well-known fact that sunlight causes fading. In high and directly sunlit areas, you may notice fading, bubbling, and cracking well before shaded and protected areas.
Weather
Weather most certainly affects the longevity of exterior paint. High humidity and wind areas can cause fading, premature aging and aid in the growth of mold. Dust and debris from winds can also lead to paint chipping. Application of paint in inclement weather or extreme temperatures can negatively affect exterior paint longevity.
Home Material
Homes constructed with newer materials have been engineered to hold paint better than other surfaces. Older homes made from wood can change how well they hold their paint as the wood changes over time. Understanding the surface that will get painted and how to best prepare it significantly helps maximize the paint’s life.
Primer
While it might seem redundant to essentially “paint twice,” the use of a quality primer can extend the longevity of your exterior paint and save you money on paint.
A primer seals the grain of a wooden surface which allows the paint to adhere better. The better the paint adheres to the surface, the less the chances of premature aging, cracking, fading, and bubbling. Primer is also great to fill in rough surfaces or the pores of many materials to allow for smoother surfaces, leading to better paint adhesion and coverage. The better the coverage, the less the amount of paint required. The use of a primer in exterior painting can extend the life of the paint, and it can save time and money.
Painting Techniques
Painting on a poorly prepared surface or one that lacks proper preparation will likely lead to decreased longevity in exterior paint. Surface preparation techniques utilized by painting professionals include stripping, sanding, evening out of the surface, surface repairs, and cleaning and preparing ways to preserve and protect your pets, home decor, electrical outlets, and faucets, and landscaping. Techniques used when applying paint include hand painting (brush, roller, sponge), detailed measuring, taping for sharp lines and color separation, spray painting,
Kind of Paint
The kind of paint can affect longevity. When quality paint gets applied on a properly prepared surface, it lasts significantly longer than a lesser quality paint. Experts agree that water-based paints, also known as “acrylics,” are best for exterior surfaces due to their ability to expand and contract. That ability allows more flexibility and less chance of premature cracking and bubbling.
You shouldn’t judge the quality of paint on price alone, although a better product is generally more of an investment. The experienced team at Pizzazz Painting can best guide you to deciding on your exterior paint.
Helping Your Exterior Paint Last Longer
Making your exterior paint last longer and maintaining its beauty are consumer goals. While there is not a substitute for an experienced professional painting company, like Pizzazz Painting in helping you make the best decisions for your project and your budget, painting on a dry, clean surface and within manufacturer suggested paint application temperatures and conditions helps in extending your exterior paint’s longevity.
Painting on a Dry Surface
Dry is good. Painting on a moist or wet surface can lead to a failure in the paint adhering correctly. In addition to aesthetic concerns, the paint may prematurely fail and require an entire re-application. This can be extremely costly in both time and money.
Keeping Surfaces Clean
Clean is best. A dirty surface is highly likely to allow the paint to adhere in some locations and not in others. This leads to paint chipping, bubbling, cracking, and premature aging. A clean, primed, and even surface provides optimal conditions for proper paint adherence, resulting in increased exterior paint longevity.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight & Heat During Painting
The best time to apply paint to a properly prepared exterior surface is mid-morning after the sun dries the morning dew. This leaves just enough time left to allow the paint to settle before the sun sets. Too much direct sunlight or extreme temperatures can cause the paint to dry too quickly. This then leads to premature aging, fading, and chipping.
How Hiring a Professional Painting Contractor Helps
Experienced paint professionals like Pizzazz Painting guide you to make the best decisions for your home and your budget. They listen to your concerns, explain your options and provide top-quality painting services that are timely and with beautiful results. Our experienced painters treat your project like it’s their own and never take longer than needed to get the job done right the first time.
Summary of How Long Exterior Paint Lasts
Painting a house exterior requires a considerable amount of planning. In general, exterior paint can last 5-10 years. If completed in sub-optimal conditions or with less than quality products or preparation, the results may be incredibly disappointing, and the longevity of the paint greatly diminished.
At Pizzazz Painting, our experienced team of painters in Moorestown wants to help make your project a successful one. Call us today at 609-702-8200 or fill out our contact form here to learn more about our high-quality painting services.
