Come spring, for many, the honey-do lists are in full swing. One of the biggest undertakings a residential and commercial customer can take on revolves around the house or business exterior. From lawn maintenance to pruning, replacing siding, to updating worn paint, the season is about enhancing curb appeal. Although some of these projects seem a bit daunting, investing in a team of highly experienced exterior house painters can relieve the stress.   With a professional team by your side, like ours at Painters Etcetera, you can have peace of mind that your house or business is in the very best hands. Beyond the process of painting, our team understands that prepping the surface is equally as important. From chipped paint to mold, unattended items can leady to costly structural damages. Our professionals take the time to prepare and execute your exterior painting project, so your structure is left looking great for years to come. Which leads us to one of the most frequently asked questions. How long does exterior paint last?   The length of time that exterior paint will last depends on where you live. For example, stucco homes will have longer-lasting exterior paint in cooler temperature climates, while wood homes require more frequent attention. Wood trim or siding on a house typically fades within three years due to sun exposure. The darker the paint color, the more sun and heat it absorbs, which causes fading to occur. Likewise, lighter colors will last longer.  

The average home requires repainting of some measure every 7-10 years based on building materials and weather patterns.

  One of the biggest causes of paint to peel or chip is if the fresh paint is applied over already painted surfaces. The old paint can divide or become divided into layers under the new paint. Thus, peeling occurs. By painting over dirty, flaky, or moldy surfaces, the paint's ability to adhere to the surface is weakened. These imperfections leave an uncertain future, prone to flaking and chipping.    

Surface preparation is one of the most crucial steps for exterior house painters. Overlooking or rushing through the process may compromise the integrity of the new application.

  The labor involved in preparation depends on the home’s condition. However, there are general steps that most homes require. First, loose paint should be scraped off or stripped, and a primer should be utilized. Using a primer beneath the topcoats of color acts as a base coat which helps to smooth any surface imperfections. Furthermore, the primer also improves paint adhesion, making paint less prone to bubbling, flaking, or chipping. After your prep is adequately completed, several coats of paint should be applied to help for a longer-lasting finish.    

Compromised paint leaves your home susceptible to rot, insects, water damage, and other costly events.

  By hiring a team of experienced, professional exterior painters, you can have peace of mind that your new paint application is in good hands. Why is this so important? Correctly applied paint acts as a barrier between your home or business and, well, everything else outdoors. Unpainted or exposed areas of your structure are vulnerable to damage such as rotting, mildew, and weathering.  

If your home could use a little TLC this year, call the best exterior house painters in Massachusetts, Painters Etcetera, at (978) 443 - 3673.