29 Sep Why Is My Exterior Paint Fading?
It seems like it was just yesterday that your house was painted. But over time, the exterior has faded considerably; it’s almost a completely different colour now.
As time goes on, colours lose their vibrancy. We notice it with hair dye, cars, and clothing. The same thing happens to the exteriors of our homes. Even high-quality paint is subject to fading, especially when it’s exposed to outdoor elements.
What factors cause exterior paint to fade too quickly? And what can you do to make your paint look better for longer? We’re going to dive into the basics of why paint fades, and what you can do to preserve it:
Your House Faces the Sun
You’ve seen what UV rays can do to our skin. It only makes sense that sunshine will fade exterior paint, too.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about the location of your home—you can’t exactly pick it up and move it somewhere else. You also can’t stop the sun from shining (nor would you want to)!
However, to prevent this issue, you can invest in high-quality paint with UV resistance. A professional painter will know which type of paint will work best for your application.
The Colour is Dark
If you’ve ever worn a dark shirt in the sunlight, then you know how darker colours attract more heat. A house with a dark exterior will be even more prone to fading.
To prevent this, you might want to choose a lighter paint colour for the exterior. But if you have your heart set on a dark colour scheme, you don’t have to change it! Just be prepared for a bit more upkeep.
Low-Quality Paint
When it comes to the quality of paint, you get what you pay for. The discount buckets you find at the hardware store won’t perform as well as a professional-grade product.
Extreme weather conditions will put those differences to the test. When you purchase UV-resistant paint, its chemical components offer protection against sun damage and fading.
If you’re painting the exterior yourself, you might unknowingly choose the wrong type of paint. A product that’s intended for interior walls won’t hold up well outdoors, especially under intense rain or wind. Paint that’s too thin might lack durability, and paint that’s too thick might not adhere properly.
There are so many factors to consider when choosing the right type of paint to use—it’s best to leave this task to a professional.
A Lack of Prep
You’ve bought the right paint. You’ve chosen the perfect colours. But if the paint itself isn’t applied properly, it will fade sooner than later.
A few of the most common materials used for house exteriors include bricks, stucco, and wood. Each of these surfaces requires different prep work before painting.
Before any product is applied, a professional painter will start by cleaning the exterior. They may use a pressure washer, as long as it won’t cause any damage. Then, they’ll apply a primer that helps the paint adhere to the surface. Once the paint is applied, they’ll finish it off with a topcoat that enhances the durability and UV resistance of the paint.
Need a hand with exterior painting in Winnipeg? That’s what we’re here for. At Pinnacle Painting, our services include everything from residential to commercial painting. Call us today to learn more.