How many years should exterior house paint last?

Author: Dr. Susie Quigley DVM  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

Exterior house paint can last anywhere between 5-12 years. However, several different factors can drastically impact the longevity of your home's exterior paint job.

How often should you repaint your house exterior?

It's generally recommended to repaint a house's exterior every 5-10 years, but this can vary depending on factors like climate, quality of previous paint job, and type of siding. Regular maintenance and inspections can help determine when it's time for a fresh coat.

Is 7 year old paint ok to use?

Usually, about five years or more is fine . Paint in a sealed, metal paint can might last fine for well past 15 years , or more . I have seen it many times.

How long does exterior paint on a house last?

How Long Does Exterior Paint Usually Last? A decent exterior paint job will generally last anywhere from five to ten years. However, many factors will influence whether or not your paint job will be on the smaller or larger end of the range (or even outlast it entirely).

What exterior paint lasts 10 years?

A well-applied coat of acrylic exterior paint generally lasts 5-10 years, while latex and oil-based paints don't hold up as long.

Painting a House Exterior - PRO tips

How do I know if my exterior paint is still good?

Just like rotten food in your refrigerator, there's usually a harsh smell that accompanies an old can of paint that has gone bad. Physical changes. You might notice the consistency of your paint has changed. There may be a “skin” on the surface or lumps that won't stir out.

What is the longest lasting exterior coating?

High-quality 100% acrylic latex paints like Sherwin-Williams Duration and Rhino Shield offer the best protection against fading, cracking, and peeling. These brands are known for their durability in harsh weather conditions.

Is expensive exterior paint worth it?

Because cheap exterior paint is made to be lower-quality, it will not last very long or protect your home's exterior. A high-quality exterior paint with a professional application may be more expensive, but it will perform at a higher quality, protect your home, and last.

What exterior paint lasts 25 years?

Rhino Shield's advanced formula and impressive ASTM test results establish it as the market's longest-lasting exterior paint. With its ability to resist cracking, chipping, warping, or peeling, Rhino Shield is guaranteed to maintain its integrity and appearance for 25 years.

How many coats of paint should you put on exterior house?

Generally, two coats suffice for the majority of exterior house painting projects. The first coat acts as a base, while the second ensures an even, consistent finish. However, a third coat is sometimes needed for darker colors or if the surface is poorly shaped.

Is 20 year old paint still good?

Typically, you might get 5-10 years from latex paints and 10+ for oil paints. Anything more than that and you'll likely need to buy new paint. If you need to dispose of old paint, contact your county for further details. If you need some help with your paint project, give us a call.

How long does unopened exterior paint last?

Reusing old paint is helpful for touch-ups and budget-friendly projects, but does paint go bad? Opened cans can go bad in a couple of years and unopened paint expires in about 10 or 15 years.

What is the average lifespan of house paint?

A general rule of thumb is that a well-done interior paint job will last between 5-10 years, and potentially even longer. However, your paint's longevity is based on a bunch of different factors.

What is the best exterior house paint?

10 Best Exterior House Paints for 2024
  • Sherwin Williams Emerald Exterior. ...
  • Benjamin Moore Element Guard. ...
  • Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior. ...
  • Benjamin Moore Aura. ...
  • Sherwin-Williams VinylSafe SuperPaint. ...
  • Benjamin Moore Revive. ...
  • Sherwin-Williams Rejuvenate. ...
  • Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior.

Can you paint over old paint exterior of house?

Conclusion. To sum up, it is generally okay to paint over old paint as long as you prepare your surface correctly. This involves assessing the condition of your old paint, cleaning and sanding your wall, applying a primer, selecting the right type of paint, and finally, applying your new paint.

Can exterior paint last 20 years?

Exterior house paint can last anywhere between 5-12 years. However, several different factors can drastically impact the longevity of your home's exterior paint job. When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, the adage of proper preparation prevents pour results is the main key to your success!

Can you use 10 year old exterior paint?

Open cans of paint don't last as long, but if the can is sealed after painting and stored in a cool, dry location, such as a heated garage or a basement, the paint can last for years. On average, paint lasts about ten years before it needs to be tossed, although some paint products may last up to fifteen years.

Can paint last 15 years?

Oil-based paint is usable for up to 15 years. Latex paint remains usable for up to 10 years, assuming it has never been exposed to freezing and thawing. At some point, most of us end up with extra paint.

How often should you repaint exterior?

Because of natural elements, exterior paint tends to wear more quickly and often needs to be repainted every 5 to 10 years.

Why is exterior house painting so expensive?

There is more labor involved in moving furniture and painting more surface area on the interior (all the walls and ceilings). However, exterior painting may require more work time and ladders. In addition, exterior paint is more expensive because it must resist the environment.

Is a 100 good exterior paint?

With a 100% acrylic formula that covers well and lasts, A-100® Exterior Latex Paint is a proven performer that meets your expectations and your need to keep an eye on the bottom line.

How long will duration exterior paint last?

For starters, Duration can be applied on a handful more surfaces than SuperPaint – such as steel, aluminum, vinyl and wood siding and trim. It typically lasts for about 8-10 years as well, depending on the same factors as above. Duration is great if you are looking for a self priming, one coat coverage type of paint.

What is the most durable exterior finish?

Epoxy finishes provide the most protection of all outdoor finishes, creating a thick, plastic-like, water-impermeable barrier on the surface of the wood.

What color exterior paint lasts longest?

Here are the colors that last the longest on exterior
  • Beige.
  • Tan.
  • Light brown.
  • Light blues.
  • White.
  • Light green.

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