How Long Does House Paint Last?
There are several variables that determine how long your exterior paint will last. Surface preparation, quality of paint, and weather extremes all play a part in the longevity of your paint. Paint manufacturer's guarantee their paints to last from 15 years to a lifetime. This guarantee only applies if you follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Does this Spark an idea?
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Unpainted Surface
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Surface preparation is an important step that will determine how long your paint will last. New surfaces must be primed to seal the wood and to provide a bonding surface for your top coat. If the surface is not primed, wood tannins can bleed through the paint and moisture in the wood can weaken paint adhesion.
Painted Surface
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A previously painted surface must not have cracks and peeling paint. Cracking and peeling paint will continue to push off of the surface and weaken the paint. Use a wire brush and a scraper to remove the peeling paint. For best results, sand the surface smooth after you have removed the loose paint. Use a primer on areas that have been scraped down to bare wood.
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Quality of Paint
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The quality of paint you use will also determine how long your exterior paint will last. Better quality paints contain more bonding materials than less expensive paints. The best paints will have a lifetime guarantee, and will cost $25 or more per gallon, depending on the manufacturer.
Hot Temperatures
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Paint should not be applied in temperatures above 90 degrees F. High temperatures cause the paint to dry too fast to stick or bond effectively to the surface. Latex paints form a film after the bonding process. If the temperature is too high, the film will form before the paint has had time to bond. This will cause your paint to weaken and not last as long as it was designed to.
Cold Temperatures
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You shouldn't paint when the temperature is below 50 degrees F unless you use a paint designed to withstand temperatures no lower than 35 degrees. When temperatures dip below 50 degrees, the moisture in the air increases. This is especially true late at night and through the early morning. Your paint must dry a specified amount of time before it can get wet. If it gets wet before the film has formed, the paint will weaken.
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