Not all paint jobs are created equal.
Maybe you’ve noticed this, but sometimes homes that have been painted at similar points in time within a neighborhood age very differently. One house looks great after five years while another looks a little like it’s weathered a sandstorm.
What causes this?
It’s important question to ask, especially since investing in exterior paint is not a small matter. You want to be sure you get the maximum result and value out the process, and that your paint lasts just as long as possible.
What Causes Exterior Paint to Fail?
While every situation is unique and has its own set of factors to consider, more often than not one or more of these issues is at the root of the problem:
- Poor Surface Preparation - Your new paint is only as strong as its foundation. Because of this, it’s crucial to invest the time in sanding, scraping, washing, and r epairing the surface as needed. Skimping on this may be appealing at first, but it certainly won’t be a few years down the road.
- Poor Quality Paint - Yes, paint quality really does matter. Name-brand products have higher quality ingredients, translating to better color retention, longevity, adhesion, and ease of application. We all love a bargain, but it’s important to not jump on a particular paint just because of a lower sticker price.
- Poor Quality Application - Rushing the process or painting in less than ideal conditions can contribute to a shorter lifespan too.
Make Sure to Completely Understand Your Painting Estimate
A quality professional painting company will ensure that the work is done well, but there are, unfortunately, many operations that are more than happy to do minimal prep to increase their profit margins. Make sure you research your painter, and ask specifically what surface preparation techniques they will use and suggest.
If you need a reputable painter here in the Central Valley, we hope you’ll reach out to us at Lancaster Painting ! It would be our pleasure to serve you.

