Painted surfaces will eventually blister, peel, flake, and crack, as no paint job will last forever, no matter how perfect the original application was. We want the paint to last as long as possible after we commit to repainting, especially if it is a color we adore. Both interior and exterior paint is susceptible to wear and tear, however, the exterior paint is exposed to UV rays, extreme and varying weather conditions, climate changes, and other elements. We at McKay’s Painting would like to list some suggestions and tips to help extend the life of your paint in the right conditions.
Prime Before Painting
The paint is less likely to last, and the results are of poor quality when the primer is skipped, and too many are guilty of doing so. Make sure to select the right primer for the surrounding circumstances to optimize the results.
Use Flexible Paint
Having the greatest flexibility, which allows the paint to breathe, latex or water-based paints that are manufactured with 100% acrylic resin will experience lesser blisters, cracks, and peels. Oil-based paints are more likely to deteriorate faster as they have limited flexibility. Make certain that the paint you select for the interior or exterior are of high-quality and that it is ideal for your specific climate.
Don’t Use Too Many Coats of Paint
Also, too many coats of paint will easily fall apart due to the weight and under the stress of the different weather conditions, thin coats have a tendency to crack. the durability of paint is greatly affected by the changing temperatures and the impact of varying weather.
Surface Preparation for Painting
Because it lacks a solid surface to properly attach, paint does not adhere to weathered wood. To ensure the paint is properly applied onto wooden surfaces, it is highly recommended that the wood is stripped and sanded. Leaving the paint film to erode and the results to look sloppy and choppy, painting over dirt and mildew is another mistake commonly made. If any mildew is present, be sure to scrub it well with one-part bleach and 3 parts bleach and make sure the surface is completely dry before painting. Pressure washing is another ideal application. To see if you can simply prime and paint over the old paint, perform a test. Firmly stick a strip of a duct tape and rip it off quickly from the old painted surface. If the paint remains true, priming it and painting is an acceptable option, however, if the old paint chips off with the duct tape, the old tape will need to be stripped off first.
Avoid Painting in Direct Sunlight of Too Much Moisture
Within 24 hours of a painting application, heat can make the paint blister as it dries. To avoid the excessive heat, professionals make certain there is no direct sun on the area of the house being painted. Paint the south side early in the morning, the west side around noon, and the north and east sides later in the day should you take on the exterior painting project yourself to avoid the blistering as the paint dries. The paint can potentially blister and peel when exposed to too much moisture or humidity. Be sure to repair any exhaust vents or leaks and use dehumidifiers to remove the humidity before painting any interior walls. Once the walls are fully dry, only then paint the walls as you still avoid humid conditions. Paint will likely pucker if you paint exterior surfaces within 48 hours of the last rainfall. Tilt the windowsills slightly downward to avoid retaining moisture and prevent collecting water by having a wide roof overhangs to protect wall boards.
Interior & Exterior Painting in Ventura, Ojai, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills & Santa Barbara California
Painting can be more challenging and time consuming than you may suppose, especially if you want it to last as long as possible. Call McKay’s Painting and let our certified experts ensure your painting project is completed with efficiency. Contact us today!
