Painting is a big job. When you hire professional painters, you’ll want it to stand the test of time. But how long does interior paint last? Our painting pros from Ellison Painting discuss how long your paint job will last and offer some helpful advice.
How Long Will a Fresh Coat of Interior Paint Last?
When you invest in repainting a room or your whole home, you’re probably wondering when you’ll have to do it all over again. Depending on several factors, you can expect interior paint to last up to around ten years. Though, when you decide to repaint is up to your discretion. Hiring a professional is your best bet for a paint job that lasts as long as possible.
Some factors that determine how long your paint will last are:
- The type of paint
- How many coats have you applied
- If you used primer
- What room you painted
- Amount of sunlight
In this post, we’ll review some of these determining factors and help you make the most of your interior paint.
What Paint Should I Use?
The first question to ask yourself before you begin painting is which type of paint you’ll use. There are two different styles of coating most used for indoor painting: oil-based paints and water-based paints.
Here are some of the most notable differences between the two:
Water-Based
- Best for interior paint jobs
- More environmentally friendly
- Quicker to dry
- Less odor
- Often more expensive
Oil-Based
- Slower to dry
- More odor
- Usually less expensive
- Longer lasting
- May yellow over time in direct sunlight
It’s mostly up to personal preference on which paint to use. However, if longevity is your main concern, oil-based paints tend to last longer. Any quality paint should last for some time.
How Do I Make My Paint Last Longer?
The kind of paint you choose is relevant when determining its durability. But there are many other things you can do to increase the lifetime of your paint job.
One of the most important factors is how many coats you apply. Multiple coats create a vibrant, consistent color and prevent your paint from peeling and last longer.
Preparing a wall for paint goes a long way in making it last. Primer is one of the best ways to ensure that a wall is smooth and ready for its first coat. The smoother your wall is, the better your paint will adhere, which means longer-lasting paint jobs.
Not all interior paints stand up to direct sunlight. If you have a dark coat of paint in a room that gets a lot of sun, you’ll notice that it fades much more quickly. You can help your interior paint last longer by installing blinds and shades to prevent sunlight from fading your room’s paint.
When Is The Best Time to Repaint?
There is no firm rule for deciding when to repaint, although interior paint can last ten years or more. For most people, paint needs a new coat once the old layer starts to peel or fade. Some rooms may need paint earlier than others, especially if they get direct sunlight.
Whether you want a new color or to freshen up the paint, it never hurts to do it ahead of schedule before your paint starts to look visibly damaged.
Should I Repaint All My Rooms?
Over time, you may notice that paint doesn’t hold up as well in some rooms as in others. Generally, rooms with a lot of activity, such as the kitchen or bathroom, tend to wear down paint faster with spills, knicks, and other damage. A living room or bedroom paint job will often last somewhat longer.
Is it worth repainting all the rooms at once? Maybe. It depends on how much time and money you are willing to commit to repainting the whole house versus painting a few rooms. If you want to keep a uniform look for as long as possible, go ahead and paint it all.
Call Today for Your Free Interior Painting Quote
The best way to ensure that your interior paint lasts as long as possible is to let professional painters do the job. If you want the job done right, look no further than Ellison Painting in Oakwood, Michigan. As an owner-operated company with ten years of experience, we offer you the best service possible on every paint job.
Give us a call at (248) 817-1761 and get a free quote to start the painting process today. Let us provide you with the top-tier service your home deserves.
