How Long Should Your New-Home Builder’s Paint Last?

Five – ten years is my first answer…but that is not my final answer. There are many factors that determine the lifespan of a paint job. Beyond the obvious variables, like climate and damage caused by moisture, there are other considerations.

The sun does play a big part in the breakdown of a coating. The sunny sides of the house (southern and western sides) will wear at a faster rate than the shady sections. The type of surface also is an important factor. Painted stucco usually holds up better than wood. Wood can actually be one of the toughest surfaces to keep paint on, especially “new growth wood” like that which most new homebuilders use. Wood from “old growth forests” is no longer available. That wood was denser and more stable and the paint job lasted longer.

Quality acrylic resin-based paints have come a long way. They don’t fade as fast, are more flexible, and breathe. A two-coat job is almost always better than one coat. Probably the most important aspect to a long-lasting paint job is a good prep job. This involves aggressive scraping and sanding, as well as intensive caulking and filling to lock out moisture. We place a high priority on prep work at A. Albright Painting, and we only use the highest quality materials. Anything less would be a waste of time.

Do what it needs! At ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING Painting, we keep track of your paints and colors and can blend in areas to match throughout your home when using our paint. We would be happy to break down a project proposal to cover only what needs to be done and skip areas like the stucco or shady areas that are still in good shape if money is tight.