10 Tips for a Long Exterior Paint Life

Many homeowners want to make their home stand out. They might paint the exterior of their house a colour that is different from others in the neighbourhood, or they might choose a style like Victorian or contemporary. 

However, like other parts of your property, the paint of your exterior home might only last for a while, primarily if not appropriately maintained. Generally, the exterior paint's lifespan depends on some factors, such as paint grade, paint colour, and building material. For example, if you choose a builder-grade paint, it's less likely to last long because it tends to chalk, fade, and peel. Meanwhile, middle and upper-grade paints can provide long-lasting coverage.  

Exterior paints in light shades, such as whites, beiges, and earth tones, fade less quickly than darker colours. Also, the type of building material to be painted on may influence the lifespan of the exterior paint. For instance, if you have stucco, the paint will likely last 5 to 6 years. If you have bricks, the repainting may only happen between 15 to 20 years. 

Whatever you do and choose, it's important for your exterior paint job to last as long as possible to avoid costly repairs and replacements down the line! 

Here are 10 tips for making sure your exterior painting lasts as long as possible:

Tip #1: Choose the right paint. Not all paints are created equal, so it's important to choose a quality paint that will last. Look for a brand that is known for its durability. For a wider selection, you can buy paints online. Just make sure you purchase from a reputable seller.

Tip #2: Prep your surface properly. Make sure you clean and sand the surface before painting. This helps the paint adhere better and prevents peeling and cracking

Tip #3: Use a primer. Primer helps the paint adhere to surfaces and also covers any blemishes or flaws in the surface that might lead to chipping or peeling later on.

Tip #4: Use high-quality brushes or rollers. Cheap brushes and rollers can leave bristles or lint behind, which can cause problems later on.

Tip #5: Apply a top coat in between coats of paint to add additional protection and durability. Make sure you use an exterior grade, water-based polyurethane for your final coat. Avoid using oil-based products because they can damage the finish or cause peeling problems with subsequent layers of paint. 

To ensure you choose the right paint products, you should decide first which type of finish you like for your home's exterior. Thankfully, some tools can help you with this. For example, you can get some inspiration with Rockcote's exterior finishes tool. It allows people to choose what type of exterior finish they want, and then it shows what products are the best match. 

Tip #6: Don't rush! Take time when painting to avoid drips that might leave marks behind, and wait until each layer is completely dry before moving onto the next one. This process will take longer but it's worth it in the end! If possible, try not to do more than two coats at once so you don't trap moisture underneath too early and risk bubbling or peeling.

Tip #7: Clean up carefully when you're done painting to make sure no paint remains behind on the surface or surrounding areas where it can seep in and cause problems later on.

Tip #8: Choose a quality exterior house paint that's specially formulated for long-lasting durability. There are products that are known to provide beautiful colour, exceptional coverage and protection against cracking, peeling, blistering and fading—even after years of exposure to extreme weather conditions, including rain storms as well as extreme humidity, heat or cold.

Keep in mind that some things are out of our control. That's why it is important for homeowners who live near coastlines or areas prone to severe weather to use a paint that is specifically formulated to resist those elements.

Tip #9: Protect plants, structures and landscaping from paint drips. Cover plants or structures you don't want to get painted with a tarp when painting and water down grasses or other landscaping so they aren't damaged by dripping paint. If necessary, remove any greenery completely before starting your project.

Tip #10: Consider the weather before starting the exterior painting job. There are some paints that are best applied at specific weather conditions, including the level of temperature. To ensure your exterior paint's longevity, it's best to paint when it's not too cold or hot.  

Conclusion

The exterior paint life is a key factor in determining the quality of your home's appearance and its long-term value. If you want to get years of wear out of your house, make sure the exterior is painted with top-of-the-line products that are designed for outdoor use

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