The market for exterior paint is worth over $11.15 billion. Interior paint may fly off the shelves quicker, but both require careful paint maintenance.
Another element both types share is that they do more than affect your home’s appearance. Exterior paint boosts your home’s resale value by protecting the siding and interior surfaces, preventing pest infestations and wood rot, blocking UV rays, and much more.
Read our paint maintenance guide to learn how to make your exterior paint last as long as possible.
Use the 3-Coat Paint System and Do Touchups
When you first paint any area of your home, use the three-coat paint system. Apply a primer and then two coats of paint. It’s a preemptive form of paint maintenance that provides an extra layer of protection against weather conditions.
The number of touchups you’ll need to do on each area of your home depends on how much sun and wind they’re exposed to, what type of substrate they have, and their coatings and treatments. Try to develop a schedule for touch-up painting on the most vulnerable areas every year or two.
Pressure Wash
Pressure washing the exterior of your home extends the lifestyle of the paint while removing any dirt or grime. It can take care of:
- Dust
- Mud
- Hard water
- Bugs
- Bird droppings
- Mildew and mold
Make sure to do it at least five or six years after the first paint job. If you don’t have a pressure washer, use a long-handled scrub brush and a garden hose at least once a year.
Manage Your Plants
Landscaping is another way to improve your home’s value by up to 20%. On the other hand, it can harm its value and ruin your paint if not properly managed.
Cut any plants along the side of your home that could damage it, press against it, or be a home to pests. These include:
- Branches
- Vines
- Bushes
- Shrubs
- Dead leaves
Move any sprinklers that are hitting the side of your home as well. You’ll get better airflow and sunlight around your home and prevent issues such as moisture damage and wood rot.
Clean Your Gutters
Water from clogged gutters can leak onto your home paint and create stains that are difficult to remove. Make sure you keep them free of debris at all times.
You should also check the downspouts. They channel water away from your home and protect your paint. They’ll damage exterior paint and the surfaces beneath it if they’re not working correctly.
Hire a Professional
Painting professionals will give you better, longer-lasting results. They know the order that each step needs to be completed. They’ll start by preparing the surface, sealing the area with caulk, priming it, choosing paint, applying it, and finishing off with any necessary detailing.
They have all the equipment for the process on hand and ready to use. They have enough experience to get the job done well and insurance if you’re not satisfied or anything goes wrong. They may even be able to pass on a few valuable paint tips.
Where to Find a Paint Maintenance Professional
Exterior paint maintenance is one of the most important ways to keep your home looking its best. It starts with a 3-coat system and regular touchups.
After that, make sure to prevent anything that could damage the paint. This means cleaning your gutters, pressure washing to remove dirt, and managing nearby plants.
A-Choice Painting has the equipment and experience to keep your exterior paint looking its best for years to come. Contact us for help today.