How Long Will Your New Paint Job Last?

Perhaps you’ve spent a considerable amount of your budget painting your house, and you’re wondering how long your paint job will last. Whenever you’re thinking about longevity, keep in mind that a major factor is whether the paint job is interior or exterior. 

Typically, if you have a quality paint job then it will last for a minimum of ten years. Still, certain factors can lead to faster degradation.

Internal

A. The Quality of your Paint

If you want a long-lasting paint job, then it’s better to go for something a little more expensive. Cheap paints are more likely to peel and fade away.

When measuring the quality of the paint, there are some features which are essential to know.

• The degree of splatter: The lesser the degree of splatter the better the quality of your paint.

• The abrasion resistance: The more abrasion resistance, the better.

• Choose a Manufacturers Premium Range of paints, not their trade-line or budget range, as generally their premium ranges have all the ingredients & qualities required to perform the best. You may consider Dulux - Wash & Wear for Interior or Weathershield for Exterior, Taubmans - Endure range for Both Interior & Exterior and Wattyl – Interior Design i.d range for Interior and Solagard for Exterior.

Are you confused about whether you should go for oil-based, water-based or latex based paint? Let us help you by giving a brief overview of each.

Oil Based Paints:

Known for their high durability, oil-based paints are preferred by many. Keep in mind that the drying time is about 6-8 hours and if you plan to recoat, then a total of 24 hours is required. If you want to clean up the paint, then mineral spirits or turpentine will be required. Many oil-based paints have been restricted owing to the high level of VOC.

Water Based Paints:

Also known as alkyd based paints, these are a good alternative to the high level of VOC in oil-based paints. Water based paints are more environmentally friendly and safer for your health. People often choose these paint because they are both sturdy and less expensive.

Latex Based Paints:

If you live in an area where rain is frequent then latex based paint is a good choice. Paint needs time to dry, but latex paints take the least time to do so. Later based paints are a good choice for your walls and ceilings. One thing that you have to keep in mind is they are less durable than other types of paint.

B. The Condition of the Surface

The longevity of your paint will vary based on the surface on which it is applied. Keep in mind that for a paint job to last long the paint has to adhere to the surface properly. If your surface is dirty, fungus has grown on it or it is covered with chalk then the surface’s ability to adhere reduces. This will end with a paint job that will likely chip away and flake.

C. The Condition of your Room

The interior of your room maybe safe from adverse weather conditions, but there are still indoor conditions which can affect your paint job’s life expectancy.

These conditions depend on the purpose of the room. If you have a playroom for small children, then you can be sure that longevity will be reduced by several years. Be sure to apply paints which resist abrasions. Similarly, in an office where a large number of people come through, there is a greater chance that your paint will start chipping.

If you are living in or around Sydney and looking for an interior painting quote, Premier Painting Company can provide the best-quality service within your budget.

External

A. Ultraviolet Radiation 

UV rays coming from the sun have a massive impact on your paint job. The radiation causes colour to wear and paint to crack, chalk and fade. Houses with wooden surfaces deteriorate within as short a span as 5-7 years, compared to those with a stucco surface whose expectancy is 10 years.

B. Choosing the Right Paint

Keep in mind that conditions for external and internal painting are entirely different. When giving your outdoor areas a new paint job, there are many more adverse conditions that your paint must face.

You may consider acrylic latex paints when painting your outdoor areas, as they are applicable over oil based or water based primers. Unlike oil-based paints, they don’t harden with time which helps in preventing blisters. Also, the low VOC level in acrylic latex paints makes them environmentally friendly. Still, if your top priority is to repel water and wear, then oil-based paints can be an option.

C. Rapid Changes in Weather and Temperature

Rapid fluctuations are never good for paint jobs. If your paint faces extreme heat one day and sudden cold some days later, this will cause it to deteriorate.

D. Using the Right Primers

Using primers will help your paint to stick smoothly, but keep in mind that your choice of primer will depend on the type of paint you will be using.

If it is acrylic latex paint, then you can go for either water or oil based primers. But, if using oil-based paints, then oil based primers are a must.

E. Three Coat System

You want your paint job to last for a long time and also act as a barrier that can protect your home from outside elements. The best way to achieve this is by applying the three coat layer system.

In this system, the first coat will be the primer. Then apply your first layer of paint. The next step is to add another layer of paint as protection. This system increases the longevity of your paint job, helps to retain the colour of your paint and can prevent weathering, mildewing and rotting.

F. Painting Schedule

Applying good quality paints is not the only factor which can guarantee that your paint job will last longer. Another critical element is when you are painting. A proper paint job requires you to know when you should avoid painting.

Here’s what you should avoid;

• High Temperatures and Direct Sunlight

If your paint dries too quickly, then the brush strokes will be visible along with the seams and your surface will become uneven. That’s why you should be sure you are avoiding direct sunlight and you’re painting when the temperature is mild. Start by painting in the opposite direction from where the sun is facing.

• Chance of Rain

Always keep in mind that you want your paint to adhere properly. If the surface of your paint job is damp and wet, then your paint cannot stick to it properly.

Check the weather forecast for any chances of rain over a range of 24 hours. Your paint may dry within 4-6 hours but a curing time is still required, so a 24-hour window is necessary. If rain strikes, then make sure to give your paint enough time to dry properly. Stop work for a full day to be on the safe side.

Oil-based paints will require the longest time to dry. On the other hand, latex and acrylic paints dry comparatively quickly.

• Level of Humidity

It might not have rained within the last 24 hours but be sure to check the humidity level. High humidity will prevent your paint from drying and curing. An excess level may even lead to paint melting! 

G. Keep a Clean Surface

To help your paint job last longer you need to take care of it. Rainwater can help in cleaning the surface, but it is not enough to combat dirt build-up on its own. You also have to clean it yourself to get more from it. This does not have to be on a regular basis. You can give it a clean after 5 years of doing your paint job.

H. Quality of your Previous Paint Job

Your present paint quality might be excellent, but if your previous one was bad, then it won’t last long. Make sure that your prior paint job had the surface prepared adequately. If not correctly scraped, filled, primed, sanded and caulked the durability of all your next paint jobs will be abridged.

I. Choosing the Right Colour

It might seem trivial but, in truth, the colour you choose can affect your paint job. No colour is perfect in every situation. Colour should be selected based on the area you are in.

If the temperature is always high in your local area then applying a darker colour will attract the rays of the sun. It will impact the paint job and make them faded faster than usual, which will lead you to need a new paint job quite soon.

When having a paint job done, your priority should be on making it last as long as possible. Keep our tips in mind and you can decorate your property with a perfect colour combination; one which will provide you with serenity!