The longevity of an exterior paint job is determined by a few key factors. A successful project depends on the siding material, preparation, paint quality, and painting process. There are ways to extend the life of your paint job, so it will look beautiful for years to come, whether you choose a neutral palette or want to make your home stand out.
The Advantages of Painting the Exterior of Your Kansas City Home
A good exterior house paint job will not only extend the life of the paint, but it will also help to increase curb appeal and keep your home looking clean and well-maintained. By making cosmetic improvements, a new color palette can help you fall in love with your home all over again.
This home improvement project is also a great way to revitalize the style of your home while improving the architecture. Our area has both lovely new homes and lovely older homes, and a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home allows you to appreciate its value while also adding your own personality.
What to Know Before Painting the Outside of Your House
These factors all play a role in determining how long an exterior paint job will last:
- The life expectancy varies depending on the material and color.
- It is critical to plan ahead in order to succeed.
- It makes a difference to use the right paint.
- You’ll need to use the appropriate painting method.
The Lifespan of Exterior House Paint Varies by Material and Color
The exterior of your house largely determines how long the paint job will last. Wood surfaces typically last only five to seven years before deteriorating, whereas stucco surfaces typically last ten years.
Bright colors fade faster than neutral tones and will need to be repainted sooner. Some homeowners prefer bold colors (which we think is a lovely result), but be prepared to repaint more frequently than if those who chose a neutral color scheme.
Choosing a neutral color for your home’s siding and bright trim is one way to get the best of both worlds. You’ll still have to repaint, but it won’t be as often, and if you ever plan to sell the home a neutral color scheme will appeal to all buyers.
A Long-Lasting Exterior Paint Job Requires Preparation
Proper preparation is required to improve the appearance of your home’s exterior paint. It can be more time-consuming than painting if done correctly! The paint underneath is the most common cause of new paint chipping or peeling. The importance of creating a smooth, clean surface cannot be overstated.
Sanding and scraping, as well as the removal of mold and mildew, are the first steps in the preparation process. These steps aid in the adhesion of the paint to your home’s siding. The area is then primed, which is one of the most effective ways to prolong the life of your home’s exterior paint.
Primer can help hide small flaws and even out the surface while also reducing the amount of paint absorbed by the surface. When you use the right kind of paint primer, each layer of paint adheres to your home’s exterior properly.
Caulking all trim, windows, cracked siding, and damaged wood is another crucial step. As a result, you’ll have an even, lovely final product.
If your home was built before 1978, your paint crew must scrape the old paint away using all lead safety precautions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifies the necessary precautions for contractors, ensuring your family’s safety.
It’s time to paint the exterior after it’s been properly prepared. However, not all paint is created equal. A long-lasting paint job necessitates the use of the proper paint and application techniques.
The Right Paint Can Help Exterior Paint Jobs Last Longer
You should use high-quality acrylic latex paint for long-lasting paint that can withstand the elements. A high-quality acrylic paint has several advantages:
- Acrylic paint adheres to a variety of surfaces when properly primed, making it a versatile option for your home.
- Acrylic also expands and contracts without cracking, making it ideal for use in a variety of environments. Water can seep into the material below if paint cracks, destroying adhesion. This is especially detrimental to wood siding.
- Anti-mildew chemicals are being added to acrylic paint by some manufacturers, increasing its mildew resistance. This is crucial for outdoor projects!
- Acrylic paints retain their color better than oil-based paints, which is beneficial for paint that will be exposed to the sun.
- The sheen will last longer, preserving the look of freshly painted walls.
- Because of how quickly it dries, you can apply a second coat sooner. This improves the efficiency of the painting process.
- While odor is less of a concern when painting the exterior of a house, acrylic paints have a lower VOC than other options.
When it comes to your budget, choosing the right paint for your home’s exterior is also crucial. This is not the time to try to save money because it will end up costing you more in the long run. Long-lasting paint is provided by ultra-premium paint, as determined by the paint manufacturer.
You can ensure a paint job that will look great for years to come by choosing a high-quality paint and applying it properly.
Paint’s Longevity is Affected by the Painting Process
The exterior of your home is subjected to a variety of weather conditions. This is especially true in Kansas City, which experiences both wet and dry seasons. It’s critical to apply multiple thick coats of paint to your exterior paint job if you want it to last.
Some painters try to use as little paint as possible, but this results in the wood, siding, or stucco not being properly protected. Instead, it’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when painting each layer. These thick layers of paint mean you’ll use more paint, but they also mean your home’s exterior paint job will last longer.
We’ll usually apply two full coats of paint to every exterior painting job we do. This will ensure that your home is well-protected from the elements and that it retains its curb appeal.
Painting according to the manufacturer’s instructions also ensures that your home’s edxterior house paint is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. When painted to their specifications, Sherwin-Williams, for example, provides a seven-year warranty on every project.
While painting, the changing temperatures are also a factor. The paint will not dry properly if the temperature is too hot or too cold while applying each coat. Direct sunlight can cause paint to dry too quickly, resulting in visible seams, uneven brush strokes, and a lower-quality final product.
Whether you’re planning an exterior house painting project or just want to change the color in your kitchen, we’ve got you covered. Contact us here to discuss your exterior painting project and how we can help.
