Whether you’re painting a brand new house for the first time or repainting an existing one, you want a paint job that can withstand the elements and protect the exterior of your home. Fortunately, JXF Painting Service has been in the business long enough to know precisely how to do that paint job last—and keep it looking like it was just done!
The elements that go to a high-quality, time-tested paint job are complex. You can use the most excellent paint available, but your paint job will be terrible if your prep work is poor. This article will assist you in navigating the numerous pitfalls that await the unwary homeowner. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to know to get a ten-year-long paint job!
Exterior Paint Maintenance Tips
A regular maintenance plan is the surest strategy to maximize your outside paint job. JXF suggests performing the following seasonal maintenance:
- Regularly wash your house with detergent, a soft-bristled brush, and a hose.
- Repairing Chips, Cracks, and Rough Patches
- Remove Vegetation, such as Vines and Moss, from the Exterior
- Maintain Gutters (For Wood). Maintain Your Wooden Siding
What is the average lifespan of exterior paint?
An excellent exterior painting job should last between five and ten years. However, numerous things will determine whether your paint job is on the small or large end of the spectrum (or even outlast it entirely).
What Is the Best Exterior Paint?
Most experts agree that 100% acrylic latex paints are better for external use. Acrylic paint may easily stretch and compress without being damaged. Because of its relative elasticity, it is ideal for outdoor surfaces because it can withstand temperature and humidity fluctuations with little risk to its integrity. Furthermore, acrylic latex paints are more resistant to sun damage than non-acrylic paints, which means that the colour will last longer in acrylic latex paints than in other options.
How long does exterior paint last on average?
A good paint job on the outside should last between five and ten years. However, various factors will influence whether your paintwork is on the small or large end of the scale (or even outlast it entirely).
Which Exterior Paint Is the Best?
The vast majority of experts think that 100% acrylic latex paints are superior for usage outside. Acrylic paint can stretch and compress without breaking, which is excellent for outdoor surfaces because of its relative elasticity. It can endure temperature and humidity swings with minor damage to its integrity. Furthermore, acrylic latex paints resist sun damage better than non-acrylic paints, which means that the colour in acrylic latex paints will last longer.
Non-Paint Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Paint Job
Surface Finish
You may not have considered it, but the qualities of the surface you are painting directly impact how long your paint job will endure. Even though we live in the macro world,’ most of the enchantment of painting occurs at the molecular level. A good exterior paint is determined by how effectively the paint can bind to the surface of your property. Colours hold semi-porous materials such as brick and stucco better than non-porous materials such as aluminum or organic materials such as wood. You must consider the material if you want your paint job to endure as long as possible.
Climate Variables
The environment you live in is another aspect that influences the longevity of your painting work. If you reside in a temperate climate, your paintwork will endure longer. If your town encounters severe weather, considerable temperature swings, seasonal weather changes, or direct sunlight, your paint job will last less. Another climate element that might shorten the duration of your home’s exterior paintwork is high humidity.
The type of paint and painting techniques required for your home’s Exterior will be determined by the area you live in. Certain paints are more resistant to sunlight but less resistant to dampness, or vice versa. That is why a professional painter’s expert advice is essential.
Prep-Work
How you prepare your home for painting impacts how long your painting work will endure. If your home is dirty—coated in dirt, dust, pollen, or other particles—the paint will adhere to that rather than the surface of your home. This can result in surface flaws such as chipping, streaking, and breaking off. When your paint job chips, natural forces erode the area and enlarge the chip, compromising more of your paint job.
Ensure that the exterior of your home is thoroughly cleaned with detergent and a (not too short) power washer or by some other method. This step’s significance cannot be overstated!
Day-Of Conditions
Another crucial factor to consider when painting is the weather. The humidity should be minimal, and the temperature should range between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This produces ideal circumstances for the paint to ‘cure’ on the Exterior of your property. If the temperature is too high, too low, or too damp, the colour may dry unevenly, increasing the likelihood of chipping and breaking.
The wind is another factor to consider for the day. When it’s excessively windy, dust, dirt, pollen, and other particles, including insects, can become caught in the paint, resulting in uneven surfaces and an increased risk of chipping or cracking.
How Often Should You Paint Your House?
A house should be repainted every 7 to 10 years; however, this is a guideline rather than a necessity. As previously stated, there are numerous aspects to consider when considering whether or not to repaint your home.
If you live in an area that receives direct, intense sunlight most of the year, your paint will fade much faster than in a shady, temperate climate. Some materials are more prone to cracking and chipping than others, and wood, for example, expands and contracts more than stone and is more likely to need a fresh coat of paint.
Your eyes are the most accurate judge.
Use your discretion! Try a fresh coat of paint if your home no longer appears as colourful or bright as it once did. Inspect the outside paintwork on your home for cracking, chipping, moisture damage, and separation. If you see any of these signs, your home may require some “maintenance.”
Is Rolling or Spraying Exterior Paint Better?
It all depends! Both strategies are vital, and each has its own set of advantages. Depending on the surface material, one may make more sense than the other, and we sometimes conduct both in the same area — a procedure known as ‘back rolling.’ When the surface of a site is excessively rough or uneven, we ‘back roll’ it. We spray the area first, then manually roll it to guarantee complete coverage.
At JXF Painting, we do not favour one approach over another. Instead, we approach each project individually and examine all circumstances when determining the best strategy for painting a home’s Exterior.
How JXF Painting Maintains the Exterior Paint of Your Home
If this post hasn’t clarified, JXF Painting Service knows a thing or two about high-quality paint jobs. If you believe your home could benefit from a fresh coat of paint or have questions about our professional painting services, please call us at (647) 889-7967 or fill out our contact form.