There’s a misconception that we try to correct whenever we have the opportunity. This misconception leads to local homeowners wasting a huge amount of time, resources, and creating a lot of frustration for themselves in many cases, too.
Simply put, the misconception is that painting is easy.
While slapping paint on a surface may be easy, doing it well and in a lasting, value-adding way is not. It requires time, knowledge, dedication to doing the job right, attention to detail, and the proper tools. The result of high-end, expert painting is a flawless finish that really lasts, and one that brings tangible value to both your home and your daily life.
With that said, let’s take a look at a common question we hear this time of year.
“Why Is My Exterior Paint Failing?”
There are a number of reasons that could be lurking behind your chipping, flaking, failing paint, but here are a few of the top culprits:
- Poor Surface Preparation – You could have the most expensive paint, excellent equipment, and best intentions, but if the surface you’re painting isn’t solid, healthy, and prepped, you’re building on a crumbling foundation. Rot repair, scraping, sanding, priming, and cleaning are all part of the successful paint equation. Non-negotiable.
- Poor Quality Paint – Bargains are attractive, but bargain paint typically isn’t (for long, anyway). It truly is worth investing in higher-end options, guaranteeing a longer life, better adhesion, more durability, and color retention.
- Painting In the Wrong Conditions – Painting between rain storms or in bitterly cold weather can be detrimental, but did you know that painting in hot, direct sunlight can be as well? If your paint can’t successfully dry and cure (hot weather dries it too quickly!) it won’t bond with the surface as it needs to.
- Rushing the Process – If you’re working on weekends and trying to just get the job done, it’s easy to rush the process. Minimizing coats, skipping primer, not letting coats fully dry… It may feel good to get to the finish line, but is it really worth it if your paint job only lasts a few years?
- Using the Incorrect Paint – You can’t paint latex over oil-based, for example, without the right prep techniques. It’s essential that you make sure you know what kind of paint was used before, then knowledgeably move forward.
Talk To a Professional Exterior Painter
There is just no substitute for contacting your local house painter, receiving an estimate, and discussing the scope of the work that needs to be done. Even though paying more for professional services might not sound appealing up front, the return will compensate you over and over again.