How Long Does Exterior House Paint Last?

While a home renovation DIYer can paint the exterior of a house, this article is focused on the longevity of the paint job. With that in mind, the best decision is to hire an experienced painting contractor.

Painters who have years of experience, like the ones on our team at Mr. Happy House, know how to ensure the exterior paint will last for years. An experienced contractor is aware that the exterior of a home needs to be pressure washed before applying new paint. By pressure washing the surface, the contractor is creating a clean surface that will allow the paint to properly adhere to the siding. 

Established painting contractors also know how to cover up windows, doors, decorations, etc. Keep in mind that homeowners will get what they pay for in terms of quality contracted work. The cheaper contractor may not have the experience to know how to properly cover up doors and windows.

Another perk is that an experienced painting contractor will know to apply multiple layers of paint. The additional layers of paint add protection against environmental elements. The contractor will also ensure the additional layers are properly applied. When a new coat of paint is applied on top of wet paint it can increase the risk of bubbling and blistering. 

Many homeowners like the idea of painting the exterior of their houses because it is cheaper than hiring a contractor. However, they often become impatient and will apply a new coat of paint before the other coat is fully dry or they may skip over corners and trim leaving the paint more susceptible to outside elements.