How Long Does an Exterior Paint Job Last?

As a painting contractor, one of the questions we are most often asked by clients is, "How long will an exterior paint job last?" It is a natural question when you are spending thousands of dollars on a new exterior paint job; you want to know how long it will last. There are many factors that determine the longevity of an exterior paint job, including the type of surface being painted, the quality of the paint and the skill of the painting contractor.

Here in Northern California, the greatest threat to an exterior paint job is ultraviolet rays from the sun. This UV radiation breaks down the paint on homes here in Davis, causing it to eventually wear, chalk, fade and crack. On a stucco surface, homeowners can expect a good coat of exterior paint to last 10 years. Wood surfaces deteriorate more quickly, shortening an expected lifespan of 5-7years.

In order to get the most life from your paint job, quality is a vital consideration. First, the caliber of the materials in your paint will ensure a longer-lasting beauty and protection for your home exterior. Budget paints and primers have fewer of the elements that cause paint to bind solidly and hold color.  In other words, the cheaper the paint, the more likely it will peel and fade.  So make sure you are using quality paints and primers.  Your contractor should be spelling out exactly what paint they will use on your house.

Secondly, the experience of your professional house painter will have a significant impact on the lifespan of the job. If a painting contractor takes adequate time and care to scrape, sand, fill, repair, and prime where necessary, the exterior paint job will last much longer. Also, a knowledgeable painting company will be able to tell you when your home needs a second coat of paint, or if only one will do. Generally, two coats will provide longer-lasting results.

Whenever we are faced with a large bill, our immediate reaction is often to look for ways to cut the cost. Experience often shows us, however, that investing in a quality purchase at the beginning will save money in the long-term. This is true of exterior paint jobs. Spending the extra cash to get the job done well will ensure a more enduring paint job and fewer repainting cycles during the life of your home.  So make sure that you hire an experienced contractor with a great reputation that uses quality paints.