If you are wondering when the paint on the exterior of your house will need to be redone, you may want to know how long the paint should last. The length of time for the paint to last on the exterior of a house varies. Some of the main factors that affect the durability of a paint job include the material the paint is on, the climate for the geographic area, and whether a proper paint job was done before. The paint on your house is critical to the curb appeal. Next to the landscaping and yard upkeep, there are few things as important as the paint (and we’re not talking about the paint color).
Factors to Take Into Consideration
Generally speaking, a good paint job should last anywhere from 5 – 7 years, but again this depends on the factors mentioned before like weather patterns and building materials. For example, the paint on a stucco house in a temperate climate can last longer than the paint on a house made of wood in an extreme climate. As an overall guide, these are painting timeframes for different surfaces:
- Wood siding – needs repainting every 3-7 years, or every 4 years if it’s stained
- Aluminum siding – needs repainting every 5 years
- Stucco – needs repainting every 5-6 years
- New types of material such as cement fiberboard siding – needs repainting 10-15 years
- Brick – needs repainting 15-20 years
How Can You Tell You Need to Repaint?
You can tell when you need to paint by looking closely at the outside of your house. Is the paint peeling, cracking, or chipping? Does the paint look faded in places? These are tell-tale signs, but there are other things to look for that indicate it’s time to paint as well. Because painting the exterior of a house is a big job, you should hire a professional painter. A reputable professional painter will give your house a coat of paint that will look good and last as long as possible.
Best Practices for a Stellar Paint Job
Let’s look at some best practices that ensure a great paint job that lasts a long time.
Properly Prepping for the Paint Job
The preparation for painting is extremely important in achieving a long-lasting paint job. If the old paint is dirty, moldy, chalky, or flaky, the new paint won’t adhere to the surface well and, over time, will begin to chip and peel. Always scrape off the loose paint or strip the entire surface before applying the paint to ensure it bonds to the surface.
Type of Paint
The type of paint you use on the exterior of your house makes a difference in how long the paint will last. High-quality acrylic latex paints are the best as well as versatile because they can be used over either water- or oil-based primers. Acrylic paints don’t harden over time, which helps prevent blistering, and they don’t mildew as easily as oil-based paints. However, oil-based paints are preferable for certain types of projects because they repel water and resist wear. Steel and iron railings and areas that get walked on frequently, such as steps, stoops, and porches, can benefit from oil paint’s strengths.
Using a Primer
It’s important to use a primer beneath the topcoat of paint, especially when the old paint job is not in good condition and when the house is unpainted. Primer acts as a base coat, helps smooth out any surface imperfections, and improves paint adhesion. When using acrylic latex paints, you can apply either a water- or an oil-based primer, but be sure to only use an oil-based primer if you are going with oil-based paint for the topcoat.
Applying Thorough Coats
Paint should be applied correctly not only to look good but also to act as a protectant for the surface of your home. Since outdoor surfaces are exposed to the elements, you can’t scrimp on the number of coats. Best practice is to use a three-coat system, one coat of primer and two topcoats, to add an extra layer of protection.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Extreme Heat While Painting
Picking the right days to paint your house’s exterior can affect the number of years the paint will last! The weather and temperature, as well as the time of day when there is direct sunlight to an area being painted, make a huge difference in the longevity of a paint job. Painting parts of the house that are in direct sunlight will cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to visible seams, brush strokes, and unevenness. It is advised to paint an area that is on the other side of the house when sunlight is directly on one side. Also, the paint can dry too quickly when the temperature is extremely hot, so it’s best to paint on days when the temp is milder.
Avoid Painting Wet Surfaces
Check the forecast before painting to ensure no rain is due in the area while painting will be done or in the hours immediately following the application. Paint cannot properly adhere to damp surfaces, so wait a few days to paint following any washing or heavy rain. Even a few drops count as wet because of latent moisture that can affect your paint. If it just drizzles, it is typically safe to resume painting after 24 hours of drying.
Keeping Exterior Surfaces Clean
To maintain the exterior paint on your house, keep the surfaces clean. Features like patios and underneath overhangs should be hosed down at least once a year to help prevent dirt buildup. Also, plan to pressure wash your exterior approximately five years after the paint job. This washes away accumulated dirt or mildew that can make the paint look faded or discolored.
Call Osborne Painting for Professional Painting
Osborne Painting has a long history of performing beautiful, long-lasting paint jobs in the Triangle area. They employ best practices to maintain the quality and longevity you want for the exterior of your home. Contact Osborne Painting at 919-878-6611 for consultation and assistance when looking at the best for your next paint job!