Most painted outdoor surfaces see significant paint discoloration between one and seven years. This discoloration usually occurs gradually, so you may not even notice it, unless you move an image or close the shutter, or when a spot that isn't exposed to direct sunlight lights up. Homeowners can expect the paint in their interiors to fade within five to ten years. They can expect the exterior paint to fade within five to seven years.
Exterior paint discolors faster due to direct exposure to sunlight and UV rays. Light or dark? The reality is that lighter colors last longer and fade less than darker colors, since the latter absorb more sunlight, accelerating discoloration. Therefore, if longevity is the goal of a paint job, choosing a lighter shade is the best option. The colors fade slightly when exposed to strong sunlight. As the coating ages, discoloration may become more noticeable.
A slight discoloration is acceptable, as long as it is gradual and uniform so that it is not noticeable. Excessive use of chalk in the paint film will make colors appear lighter. Have you ever moved a bookcase or painting and found that the bottom of the wall is darker? Any room with natural light suffers from paint discoloration due to UV rays. This intense sunlight hits the paint.
Low-quality paints can quickly discolor under these strong rays. Exterior paints suffer the most under ultraviolet light. UV rays break down the pigment in the paint. Even the best quality paint fades over time in bright sunlight. There are measures to prevent paint from fading in order to preserve the true color of the paint.
Repainting the exterior of your home can completely change your aesthetic. Selecting the right paint colors can transform your home from worn-out or outdated to a renovated, new and vibrant one. The exterior color is exposed to the elements: wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail and constant sun. It also comes into contact with other gases and with much more dirt than the paint inside the house. This exposure causes the quality and depth of the pigment to decrease, causing faster discoloration compared to other types of paint.
If you are thinking of investing in exterior paint, you should make sure you apply a durable product. Now that you know what to avoid, you might be wondering which colors are the most resistant to fading. In general, lighter earth tones, such as beige and tan, are the most stable for outdoor applications. As a general rule, more vibrant colors are likely to fade faster, while more neutral tones hold their color best.
When it comes to the most durable paint colors, colors such as light creams and earth tones are the best choice, as they resist fading. While many high-quality paints are designed to look good with a single coat, the color will last longer if you use multiple coats. Their experienced hands know the tricks of the trade with each type of paint to reduce discoloration and possible peeling and increase effectiveness. By guiding your clients or property owners to choose the right colors, you can not only extend the lifespan of your exterior paint jobs, but also expand your reputation as a dedicated and valuable painting professional.
Even so, quality paint products have stronger compositions and therefore better withstand various environmental pressures than their counterparts. Likewise, exteriors can be composed using a variety of materials, such as wood, brick, stucco, vinyl, metal, and more. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and repainting as needed, can also help prevent premature paint failure. Due to their organic composition, they are not very resistant to UV rays and fade faster than synthetic paint. However, the only disadvantage of choosing lighter exterior colors is that dirt becomes much more visible thanks to the contrast.
Usually, paints available a decade ago used to maintain their elasticity for only about seven to ten years. Quality paints are formulated to withstand different weather conditions, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. For homes that use water-based acrylic paints, intense discoloration of the paint requires complete repainting, a simple process that can return the intense shine and color. By properly priming the exterior surfaces before painting, a more responsive and durable substrate is obtained to which the paint adheres.
If you're thinking about painting the exterior of your house or building, it's important to plan for the long term. The first two are self-explanatory, but the way in which paint is created and mixed is also a factor that influences discoloration of the color.
