How long exterior paint lasts is a common question for Richmond homeowners, especially in a climate with long wet seasons and plenty of humidity. There is no single number, because the life of an exterior paint job depends on the surface, how much sun and rain it gets and, above all, how well it was prepared. Here is what to expect and how to make a repaint last longer.
First Response Painting provides exterior painting in Richmond and across Greater Vancouver, and we plan every exterior job around the conditions that make paint last.
What a typical exterior paint job lasts. A properly prepared and painted exterior commonly lasts many years before it needs a full repaint. Siding usually holds up longer than trim, and trim lasts longer than decks or horizontal surfaces that take direct rain and foot traffic. Stained wood generally needs attention sooner than painted siding.
Sun exposure. South- and west-facing walls take the most UV, and they fade and chalk first. It is common for one side of a house to need work before the others.
Rain and moisture. Richmond and much of Greater Vancouver sit at sea level with high humidity. Paint applied to damp wood, or a home with poor drainage and gutters, can blister and peel early. Moisture getting behind the paint is the most common reason exterior coatings fail here.
Surface type. Wood siding, fibre cement, stucco and metal all hold paint differently. Each needs the right primer and coating, and a product that works well on one surface can fail on another.
Preparation. Washing, scraping loose paint, sanding edges, replacing soft wood, caulking gaps and priming bare spots all add years to a paint job. Skipping prep is the fastest way to shorten it, no matter how good the paint is.
When it was painted. Exterior paint needs dry, mild weather to cure properly. Read more in our guide to the best time for exterior painting.
Signs your exterior needs repainting:
Do not wait for bare wood. Once paint has failed and wood is exposed, moisture gets in and the repair grows from a repaint into wood replacement. Painting while the existing coating is only faded or chalky is usually simpler and costs less.
How to make exterior paint last longer. Keep gutters clear, trim plants back from siding, wash the exterior every year or two, and touch up small chips before they spread. Inspecting the south and west walls each spring catches problems early.
Planning an exterior repaint? See our exterior painting service and request a free estimate. We will check the condition of your siding and trim and explain exactly what prep your home needs.
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