What is the life expectancy of exterior paint?

Author: Viva Kiehn  |  Last update: Thursday, June 25, 2026

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!

How many years should exterior house paint 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).

Can you use 10 year old exterior paint?

Exterior paint can last 5 to 10 years, depending on the type of paint you use and the surrounding environment. Therefore, you can lengthen the time that a finish will last by prepping the surface properly and investing in a paint that matches the type of exterior that is being repainted.

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.

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.

What Exterior Paint Covers the Best

How long does Sherwin Williams paint last?

“We do not have expiration dates on [Sherwin-Williams] paint but we do give it a shelf life of three years (most architectural coatings) from the time of manufacturing,” says Sherwin-Williams' Director of Product Excellence Dennis Fiorilli.

What happens if I use old paint?

For one, the expired paint will have adhesion issues. More importantly, it can be hazardous by giving off excess VOCs or paint fumes. In this case, it's best to get new paint. However, the paint may still be good if the water has separated from the solids.

What is the best exterior paint that lasts?

Sherwin-Williams Duration is the longest-lasting exterior paint brand, according to Consumer Reports. This wonderful 100% acrylic latex paint resists fading, cracking, and peeling while offering the added benefit of being self-priming.

Can you paint over old exterior paint?

You can go right to the paint if the existing wall is smooth, spotless, and painted with the same material. Firstly, Clean the surface using a pressure washer or a solution of water and trisodium phosphate (TSP). Secondly, if the old paint is glossy, you'll need to scuff sand it to help the new paint adhere better.

How can you tell if an exterior paint job is bad?

In conclusion, recognizing a bad paint job involves identifying signs such as air holes, cracking or peeling, and blisters on the walls. Issues with an exterior paint job can stem from watered-down paint, shady business practices, and insufficient prep work.

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.

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 to tell if paint has gone off?

While you may not love the smell of fresh paint, spoiled paint has a scent that's much worse. "Paint that is beyond its shelf life can develop a rancid, sometimes rotten-egg odor," says Edrosa. If you open a can and find either of these problems, dispose of the paint and buy new.

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 time of year is best to paint exterior of house?

So, what is the ideal weather for exterior painting? Early summer and early fall usually offer up the best weather conditions, with minimal rain and minimal fluctuations in temperature from day to night. This will ensure the paint goes on smoothly and has the chance to dry and cure properly.

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 it better to paint over or remove old paint?

If you don't remove the paint that is currently on the wall then the finished look of your decorating project won't be professional. More often than not, when painting over layers of old paint, the new top layer of paint will be bumpy.

What happens if you don't sand before painting?

Sanding is often a crucial step for ensuring that your surface is ready to be painted. If you don't have a properly sanded surface, paint may not adhere to certain items properly. You can oversand, undersand and often people underestimate its importance. But, you don't have to be a pro to sand a surface.

What happens if you don't prime exterior paint?

Brand new surfaces should always be coated with primer before being painted. This is because most bare surfaces feature pores and/or numerous imperfections that will result in uneven paint coverage and poor adhesion. By priming the surface ahead of time, the paint will have a smooth, receptive plane on which to rest.

Which is better exterior Behr or Sherwin Williams?

Overall, when comparing Sherwin Williams products and Behr products, Sherwin Williams comes out ahead on coverage, color consistency, in-store assistance, and long-term value.

How many years does Sherwin Williams exterior paint last?

It has technology to allow us to paint in cooler temperatures and will typically last about 5-7 years. Of course the amount of time that any paint will last depends on a lot of factors – two of the most important being weather conditions and pre-existing conditions.

What paint holds up best outside?

Acrylic paint is one of the best types of paint to use on your home's exterior. It's a durable paint that is also heat- and cold-resistant. While oil-based paint is also durable, it's prone to fading, making it not as good of an option if you live someplace with extremely high heat.

How many years does it take for paint to go bad?

Most paints last one to two years in an open can. Latex paints can last an average of 10 years in an unopened can. Oil-based paint lasts up to 15 years in an unopened can. The paint goes bad by hardening or becoming rancid when air or debris gets into a can that isn't sealed well.

What is the shelf life of Sherwin Williams paint?

In most cases, an opened can of paint lasts between two and five years. If stored carefully, it may last even longer. However, the storage environment, temperature changes and other factors can impact the shelf life.

How long does exterior paint last in a bucket?

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.

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