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Tips To Avoid Early Paint Fading On Your Home Exterior

Holland, PA

09/25/2024 07:35 AM

Tips To Avoid Early Paint Fading On Your Home Exterior in Holland, PA

One of the challenges of maintaining your home exterior’s overall appeal is preventing early paint fading.

This will not only diminish the overall look and appeal of your home but also indicate a problem in your painting process, from when your exterior was first painted.

So, if you’re about to embark on a painting project to try and restore your home exterior’s overall appearance, here’s a must-read for you!

Here is a list of Tips to Avoid Early Paint Fading on Your Home Exterior.

1. Use High-Quality Paint

To avoid early paint fading on your home exterior, you have to start with the right foundation: using high-quality paint.

Since you are painting your exterior, which is constantly exposed to tons of external elements that will contribute to the gradual deterioration of your coat of paint, it's important to choose a durable option that will hold up for a long period.

Opting for high-quality paint, specifically designed for exterior use, will offer better resistance to weather, UV rays, and other environmental factors that cause fading.

Look for paint that contains higher levels of pigments and binders, as these components provide better color retention and adhesion.

Acrylic latex paint is highly recommended for most exterior applications because it’s flexible, durable, and resistant to fading.

Be sure to choose paint from reputable brands that specialize in exterior coatings and have products designed to withstand your local climate.

While yes, high-quality paint will cost more money upfront, it will essentially save you more money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent touch-ups or repaints to address common paint problems, such as paint fading.

2. Proper Surface Prep Before Painting

Proper surface preparation before applying your fresh coat of paint is also crucial to avoid early paint fading on your exterior.

Paint that is applied to a poorly prepared surface will not only fade more quickly but may also crack, peel, or blister.

So, before starting your paint job, make sure to thoroughly clean the surface to remove all traces of dirt, mold, mildew, and/or loose paint. To do this, you can:

Pressure Wash: This will be a quick and effective way to clean your exterior walls and remove all traces of contaminants that might interfere with adhesion.
Scrub The Walls: If acquiring a pressure washer for your project is challenging, you can still opt for the traditional scrub method. You can use a brush and some form of cleaning solution for this.
Inspect and Repair: After cleaning your exterior, you should inspect it for any signs of damage and repair them accordingly. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and to provide a smooth, clean surface for painting.

3. Use UV-Resistant Paints and Finishes

Sunlight is one of the primary causes of exterior paint fading, particularly in areas with strong, direct sunlight.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays break down the chemical bonds in paint, causing it to lose its color and durability over time.

This is why it is important to get paint specifically made for outdoor painting since they are specially formulated with UV-resistant properties.

In addition to UV-resistant paint, consider using a protective finish or topcoat that offers an extra layer of protection against the sun’s rays.

While this extra step may seem fussy, it can significantly extend the life of your paint job, especially if you live somewhere particularly sunny!

4. Consider the Climate and Environmental Factors

The climate and environmental conditions in your area play a significant role in how well your exterior paint holds up over time.

Homes in areas with extreme weather conditions—such as intense heat, heavy rainfall, or high humidity—are more prone to premature paint fading.

To avoid this, select paint specifically formulated to withstand the unique challenges of your local environment.

For example, if you live in a region with high humidity or frequent rain, opt for moisture-resistant paint that prevents mildew and mold growth.

If your home is exposed to intense sunlight, as mentioned earlier, UV-resistant paint will be a better choice. If you're in a coastal area, consider paints designed to withstand salt air and corrosion.

Catering to the climate in your area poses upon your home would ensure better durability, which also reduces the emergence of common paint problems such as paint fading.