by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024Table of Contents
Have you noticed your house paint starting to look dull and faded? The sun and weather can do a number on exterior paint over time. Don't just shrug your shoulders and accept the faded look - you invested good money in that new coat of paint, so take some easy steps now to keep it looking fresh for years to come. Protecting your paint from damage will save you from costly touch-ups down the road. A little prevention goes a long way.
Introduction: The Causes of Paint Fading
The sun and weather can wreak havoc on your home's paint job over time. To prevent fading, you need to protect your paint from these environmental stressors.
1. Shield from Direct Sunlight
Place your house so that the sides with the most windows face east and west, not south. This minimizes intense, prolonged sun exposure. Plant trees or bushes near the house, especially on the south side. Their shade helps block UV rays that can fade paint.
2. Use Exterior Paint with UV Protection
When repainting, choose a high-quality exterior paint that contains UV absorbers and stabilizers. These additives help prevent the sun's ultraviolet light from breaking down the paint pigments and causing fading. Look for paint with a Light Reflective Value of at least 50 percent. The higher the LRV, the more UV protection it offers.
3. Apply a Clear Topcoat
For the best protection, apply two coats of paint and then finish with a clear topcoat like polyurethane or acrylic sealant. The topcoat acts as a barrier, protecting the paint from weathering and moisture while allowing the color to show through. Reapply the topcoat every few years to maintain protection.
4. Wash and Wax
Regularly washing and waxing your home's exterior helps prevent fading in two ways. Washing removes dirt and debris that can trap moisture against the paint. Waxing protects the paint surface and seals small cracks to block out water. For the best results, wash and wax your home once a season or at least twice a year.
With the proper precautions taken, you can keep your home's paint job looking fresh and fade-free for years to come. Protecting it from the start will save you from having to repaint prematurely. Your house and your wallet will thank you!
Use High-Quality Paints and Primers
If you want to prevent your home's paint job from fading prematurely, you need to start with high-quality, fade-resistant paints and primers. Look for paints specifically meant for exteriors that contain UV-protective additives. These help block damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun. For the primer, use a stain-blocking primer that also shields against UV light.
Use a Topcoat Sealant
Apply a clear topcoat sealant over the final coat of paint. This adds an extra protective barrier against sunlight, moisture, and temperature changes. Reapply the sealant every 2-3 years to maintain protection.
Limit Sun Exposure
Install exterior shutters, awnings, trellises or shade sails to shield walls from direct sun. This is especially important for south- and west-facing sides of the house. Planting trees or bushes near the house will also provide shade and help cut down on sun exposure.
Clean and Inspect Regularly
Dirt, grime and mildew can accelerate fading and damage. Clean exterior surfaces once a year or more often if needed. Scrub off any stains and rinse thoroughly with a hose. While cleaning, inspect the paint for any signs of fading, cracking or peeling. Touch up as needed to prevent further deterioration.
Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Fluctuating temperatures can cause paint to expand and contract, eventually leading to cracks, chips and peeling. Installing attic vents, insulation and using a programmable thermostat helps regulate interior temperatures. This minimizes temperature changes inside and out.
By choosing the right paints, adding protective sealants, limiting sun and weather exposure, cleaning and inspecting regularly, and maintaining even temperatures, you can significantly slow down fading and keep your home's exterior looking fresh for years to come. Protecting your paint job from the start will save you from costly touch-ups and repairs down the road.
Pay Attention to Sheen Level
The sheen level you choose for your paint job will directly impact how well it withstands sun and weather damage. Matte or flat paints have little to no sheen, while glossy paints have a high-sheen finish. For outdoor surfaces like siding or trim, a mid-range sheen is usually the most durable option.
Eggshell or Satin Finish
These provide a slight sheen while still hiding imperfections well. The smoother surface is less porous than flat paint and more resistant to stains, water damage and fading. Satin or eggshell paint contains more resin than flat paint, protecting the pigments better from the sun’s UV rays. For most exteriors, satin is an excellent choice for durability and appearance.
Semi-Gloss
As the name suggests, this has more gloss than satin but less than full gloss paint. It contains even more resin, creating an almost impermeable seal over the surface. While not as reflective as gloss paint, it will still highlight surface imperfections. Semi-gloss is a good option if you want maximum protection in areas of high humidity or extreme weather exposure. It is also easily cleaned and stands up well to scrubbing.
•Avoid flat paint unless necessary for an ultra-smooth look. It offers little protection from the elements.
•Darker, more saturated colors fade faster than lighter shades due to absorbing more heat.
•For the most sun-resistant color, choose a paint with a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of at least 50%. The higher the LRV, the less heat is absorbed.
•Re-paint every 3-5 years to maintain protection as paint breaks down over time.
•Consider using a paint with built-in primer for the best coverage in one coat.
Choosing a paint with at least a satin finish and a higher LRV will create a durable shield over your home’s exterior. Combined with routine maintenance like washing, re-painting and touch-ups, you can keep your paint job looking fresh for years to come. The extra effort will save you from having to do major repairs down the road.
Strategic Use of Awnings and Shade Structures
Using awnings, pergolas, trellises and other shade structures around your home is one of the best ways to protect exterior paint from sun damage.
Position fixed or retractable awnings over windows, doors and siding that get the most direct sun exposure during the peak UV hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. Awnings can reduce sun exposure by up to 95% while still allowing some filtered light into your home.
Build a pergola or trellis and train shade vines or climbing plants over areas where you want protection from the sun. Plants like grapes, wisteria and honeysuckle create dense shade coverage once established. Their foliage will help shield paint from sun damage during the growing season.
Use shade sails, mesh tarps or lattice panels over decks, patios and play areas. These provide shade while still allowing air flow and visibility. They can also be taken down in cooler weather when you want more sun exposure.
Plant shade trees strategically around the house, especially on the south and west sides where the sun is most intense during the day. As the trees mature, their canopy will cast shade over walls, siding, trim and other painted exterior surfaces. Deciduous trees that lose their leaves in fall will provide shade in summer while allowing sun through in winter.
For maximum protection, you may want to combine multiple shade solutions, such as awnings over windows and doors, a pergola over a deck, and shade trees along the foundation. Any steps you can take to limit direct sun exposure, especially during the peak UV hours, will help prevent paint fade and keep the exterior of your home looking fresh.
Using shade structures and plantings are natural, environmentally-friendly ways to protect your home's paint job for years to come. By reducing sun damage, you'll avoid the need for frequent repainting and keep your home's curb appeal and value high.
Install Window Films to Filter UV Rays
One of the most effective ways to prevent sun damage to your home’s paint is by installing window films that filter out UV rays. UV radiation is the biggest culprit behind paint fading and damage. Window films act as a protective barrier, blocking up to 99% of UV rays from passing through your windows while still allowing plenty of natural light in.
Types of Window Films
There are a few options for window films that can help prolong the life of your paint:
- UV blocking films specifically designed to filter out ultraviolet radiation. These provide the highest level of UV protection for your paint.
- Infrared blocking films that also reduce heat transmission through windows. In addition to blocking UV rays, these films can help lower your energy costs by decreasing the load on your AC in the summer.
- Privacy films that make windows opaque from the outside while still transparent from the inside. These films block not only UV rays but also prevent sunlight from entering entirely, providing the most comprehensive protection for paint. However, they do reduce the amount of natural light indoors.
- Combination films that block both UV and infrared rays for maximum protection and energy efficiency. These provide a good balance of paint protection and natural lighting.
Professional Installation
For the best results, consider hiring a professional to install the window films. They have the proper training, tools, and techniques to apply the films neatly and securely to your windows. Professionally installed films also come with product warranties for up to 15-20 years.
Do-it-yourself installation kits are available but can be difficult to apply evenly and securely, especially on larger windows. Improper installation may lead to the film peeling away from the glass over time, reducing its effectiveness at blocking UV radiation and potentially damaging the window seal or glass.
Window films are a simple but highly effective solution for reducing sun damage to your home. By blocking UV rays before they even reach your paint, you can keep your home's exterior looking fresh for years to come.
Wash and Repaint Faded Surfaces Regularly
To stop paint fade in its tracks, frequent washing and repainting of weathered surfaces is key. As paint ages and weathers, its ability to protect the underlying surface diminishes. By regularly cleaning and refreshing faded paint, you can prevent damage before it's too late.
Wash Faded Surfaces
Use a pressure washer or scrub brush to wash faded paint at least once a year or whenever you notice fading. Pay close attention to areas that receive the most sun exposure and weathering like south-facing walls. Scrub away loose paint chips, dirt and grime to provide a clean surface for new paint to adhere to.
Touch Up Bare Spots
Inspect washed surfaces for any bare wood or primer showing through. Use a small angled brush to touch up these spots with matching paint. For larger areas of fading or peeling, you may need to do spot priming first. It’s best to use the original paint color, if known, for the most seamless touch up.
Repaint Every Few Years
No matter how well you wash and maintain exterior paint, it will still fade and break down over time due to sun and weather exposure. As a general rule of thumb, repaint every 3-5 years to keep your home’s exterior looking fresh. For darker colors that fade more quickly in the sun, repaint every 2-3 years. When repainting, clean the surface thoroughly, do any necessary repairs or priming, then apply at least two coats of quality exterior paint for the best protection.
Consider a Paint With Built-In Protection
For the most durable, fade-resistant paint job, consider a premium exterior paint with UV protection and weather-resistant technology built right in. These specialized paints are formulated to stand up to sun and rain, keeping surfaces looking newer for longer. While more expensive up front, they can save you money and time in the long run by prolonging the time between repaints.
By routinely washing, touching up and repainting exterior surfaces, you can stop paint fade before significant damage occurs. Protecting paint from the elements may require an initial investment of time and money but will pay off through lower maintenance and a home exterior that always looks its best.
Control Moisture With Proper Ventilation
Controlling moisture and humidity levels around your home's exterior paint is key to preventing fading and weather damage. Too much exposure to water and humidity can speed up the breakdown of paint, causing it to fade, peel or blister.
Ventilation
Make sure there is adequate airflow and ventilation around the areas you've painted, especially those that may trap moisture like under eaves, porches or decks. Installing vents, exhaust fans or attic fans can help circulate the air and prevent buildup of hot, damp air. This is especially important in humid climates or if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain.
Gutters and Downspouts
Well-maintained gutters and downspouts are important for controlling rainwater and moisture around the foundation of your home. Clogged or leaking gutters can't properly divert water away from the house, causing excess moisture to build up in the soil next to the foundation. This "rising damp" can then seep into the lower areas of walls, causing paint to blister and peel. Clean out your gutters at least once a year and fix or replace any leaky or damaged sections.
Sealing and Caulking
Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, siding, trim, pipes or wiring and seal them up with a waterproof caulk, sealant or weatherstripping. Even small holes or cracks can let in surprising amounts of water that leads to moisture damage. Re-sealing and re-caulking every few years is a good rule of thumb.
•Avoid pressure washing - Although pressure washing can be useful for cleaning some areas, it can also damage paint by forcing water into tiny cracks and crevices. Limit pressure washing painted surfaces or avoid it altogether.
•Slope soil away from foundations - Make sure the soil around the foundation of your home slopes away from the walls at a rate of at least 1 inch per 4 feet. This helps ensure that rainwater and water from sprinklers flows away from the foundation instead of pooling next to the walls.
By taking some preventive measures to control moisture and improve ventilation, you can help your home's paint job last longer and prevent fading from sun and weather exposure. Keeping water out and allowing air to circulate will help ensure your paint is around for years to come.
Apply Protective Clear Coatings
To prevent fading and weather damage to exterior paint, applying a protective clear topcoat is key. These sealants shield the paint from harmful UV rays and environmental exposure.
Clear Polyurethane
A popular choice is polyurethane, a plastic material that comes in both oil-based and water-based forms. Oil-based polyurethane tends to offer better protection, but has strong fumes and longer drying times. Water-based is more environmentally friendly but may require more frequent re-coating. Either type can work well to protect paint, so go with what fits your needs and skills. Apply 2-3 coats, waiting at least 2 hours between coats.
Acrylic Sealant
Another option is an acrylic sealant, which provides a durable and flexible protective coating. Acrylic sealants are water-based, non-toxic and easy to apply. They protect well against moisture, stains, and fading. Apply 2-3 coats for the best protection, waiting 30 minutes between coats. Acrylic sealants offer good protection at an affordable price.
Epoxy Coating
For high-traffic or commercial areas that see more extreme weathering, an epoxy coating is a great choice. Epoxy creates an extremely durable plastic coating with strong adhesion to the paint below. It takes some skill to apply but offers superior protection for up to 10-15 years. Epoxy coatings do have strong fumes, so proper ventilation and protective gear are must-haves.
Wax or Sealant Paste
For small touch up areas or spot treatments, a wax, sealant paste or touch up paint pen can work well to seal and protect fading paint. Look for a product specifically designed for sealing and protecting exterior paint. Apply as directed, then reapply every 6-12 months to maintain protection.
By applying a protective clear topcoat to your exterior paint, you can help prevent fading and weathering damage for years to come. Re-coating and touch-ups will be needed to keep protection at its best, but your home's paint job will stay looking fresh and vibrant with the right sealant in use.
FAQ: Common Questions About Preventing Paint Fading
Will the paint fade if left outside?
Yes, paint exposed to direct sunlight and weather will fade over time. The UV rays in sunlight are the biggest culprit behind paint fading. They break down the chemical bonds in paint that give it color. The more sunlight, the faster the fading.
How long does it take for paint to fade?
The time it takes for paint to noticeably fade depends on several factors:
- The quality and type of paint used. Higher quality, fade-resistant paint formulations will last longer. Latex or acrylic paints typically fade faster than oil-based paints.
- The color of the paint. Darker colors absorb more UV radiation so they tend to fade quicker than lighter shades. Reds and yellows are also more prone to fading.
- The amount of UV exposure. Paint exposed to direct sunlight for long periods each day will fade much faster than paint in shady or partially shaded areas.
- Environmental conditions. Harsher, more extreme weather speeds up fading. Lots of heat, humidity, and pollution accelerate the breakdown of paint.
On average, you can expect quality exterior paint to start showing signs of fading after 3 to 5 years. To minimize fading, choose a fade-resistant paint and primer formulated for your climate and reapply a fresh coat every 3-5 years.
What can I do to prevent paint from fading?
There are several effective ways to prevent or slow down paint fading:
- Use a high quality, fade-resistant paint. These paints contain special UV-protective additives to help them last longer.
- Apply a fade-resistant primer before painting. Primers provide an extra protective layer between the paint and the surface.
- Reapply a fresh coat of paint every 3-5 years. Adding another layer of protection will significantly slow fading.
- Avoid dark colors when possible, especially reds and yellows which fade the fastest. Lighter, more neutral shades are more fade-resistant.
- Paint areas that get lots of sun exposure more often. South and west facing sides of buildings tend to need repainting sooner.
- Consider using paint with a matte or satin sheen rather than a glossy finish. Glossy paints tend to fade slightly faster.
- Wash painted surfaces regularly to remove dirt and grime. Pollution clinging to the paint speeds up fading and deterioration.
- Consider using paint sealants or protective clear topcoats, especially on trim and railings. These add an extra UV-protective barrier.
Following these preventive measures can significantly slow down paint fading and keep the exterior of your home looking fresh for longer. With regular maintenance, you can expect quality paint to last 7
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a few easy ways to help prevent paint fading and keep your home's exterior looking fresh. By taking some simple precautions like applying a UV-protective sealant, keeping gutters clear, and washing exterior surfaces regularly, you can avoid damage from sun and weather exposure. It may require a little extra effort upfront but will save you time and money on repairs down the road. And the best part is you get to enjoy your home's curb appeal for years to come. Take action today and stop paint fading in its tracks—your home will thank you for it!