Maintaining Your Exterior Paint Job Secrets You Can Use. After 20+ years of painting homes across the region, I’ve learned a thing or two
about making exterior paint jobs last. “We paint so you don’t have to”, but I’ll let you in on some industry secrets about maintaining that beautiful finish we create.
The Truth About Exterior Paint Maintenance
Let’s get real – a quality exterior paint job isn’t cheap, and you want that investment to last. I’ve seen perfectly good paint jobs go south just because homeowners didn’t know these maintenance tricks we use in the trade.
Regular Cleaning: Your First Line of Defense
Here’s something most painters won’t tell you – about 70% of premature paint failure comes from letting crud build up on your walls. No joke. At Leggett and Sons Painting, we recommend cleaning your exterior walls at least twice a year, but here’s the kicker – you gotta do it right.
Don’t blast your walls with a pressure washer on full power – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen folks strip their paint right off doing that! Instead, use a gentle garden hose spray and a soft-bristled brush with some mild detergent. Work from bottom to top (yeah, I know it seems backwards, but trust me on this one) to prevent streaking.
Touch-ups: The Art of Spot Fixing
Listen, even the best paint jobs might need a touch-up here and there. We keep detailed records of every paint color and finish we use at Leggett and Sons Painting, but here’s what you can do:
- Store leftover paint in a sealed container in your garage (not your basement – too much moisture)
- Label everything with the date, room/area, and sheen
- Check your touch-up paint every 6 months – if it’s getting chunky, it’s time to replace it
*Pro tip: Don't just slap paint on the spot when doing touch-ups. Feather it out at least 6 inches in all directions. And for heaven's sake, use the same application tool we used originally - if we rolled it, don't brush the touch-up!
When to Pull the Trigger on Repainting
Here’s the straight scoop on repainting timing. Most exterior paint jobs should last 5-7 years, but I’ve seen some need it in 3 and others go 10+ years. It depends on:
- Sun exposure (south and west faces typically need repainting first)
- Local weather conditions (we see more wear in areas with extreme temperature swings)
- Original paint quality (this is why we only use premium paints)
- Previous preparation (another reason we’re sticklers for proper prep)
Watch for these warning signs that scream “repaint needed”:
- Chalking (rub your hand on the wall – if powder comes off, that’s chalking)
- Cracking or peeling (especially around windows and doors)
- Color fading (compare a sheltered area to an exposed one)
- Wood rot or splitting (catch this early to save big bucks)
Don’t forget to give Leggett and Sons Painting a call when you’re looking to have your home professionally painted.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining your exterior paint isn’t rocket science, but it does take some know-how and elbow grease. At Leggett and Sons Painting, we’re always happy to come out and do a free inspection – better to catch issues early than wait for major problems to develop.
Remember our motto: “We Paint So You Don’t Have To,” but when it comes to maintenance, a little effort goes a long way. Got questions about your exterior paint? Give us a call – we love helping folks keep their homes looking sharp.