How Often Do You Need to Paint Your Walls?

Martzall's Custom Surfaces' customers often ask, "How often do I need to paint my walls?" Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question, but when walls are properly prepared and high-quality paint is applied correctly, the paint on your walls can last for a long time – ten or more years (depending on many factors – see below).

However, personal decorating styles and tastes can evolve, and decorating trends often change more frequently. Therefore, if you tell us that you like to change things up, your decorating style changes frequently, or you want to keep up with the latest decorating trends, we might suggest medium-grade paint that is more affordable and allows you to repaint more often.

This is one of many details our experienced interior painting experts consider before painting a wall, cabinets, or any other surface in your home, and it's one of the things that sets Martzall's Custom Surfaces apart from average painting companies and DIYers.

7 Factors That Influence How Often You Need to Repaint Your Walls And Other Surfaces:

1.    Type of Surface 
The surface being painted (walls, ceilings, fireplaces, etc.) could be plaster, drywall, wood, stucco, brick, stone, cement, etc. Paint doesn't last as long on certain surfaces (such as wood) as on other surfaces (such as drywall). Furthermore, different paints are specifically formulated for different surfaces, so if you use the right paint for the surface type, it will last longer.

2.    Preparation 
Proper preparation can make a huge difference in a painted surface's look and durability. Depending on the project, preparation may include removing old paint, repairing imperfections, sanding and cleaning the surface, priming, etc. Proper preparation helps ensure good coverage, a nice finish, good adherence (preventing peeling and flaking), and more durability.

3.    Paint Quality 
There is a reason one can of paint can cost $25 and another cost $110. "High-quality paints have higher quality pigments that deliver better coverage," Sherwin-Williams explains. "In addition, some pigments help improve durability and color retention."

4.    Paint Sheen 
There are four different paint sheens – flat or matte, eggshell (low-gloss, low sheen, satin, velvet), semi-gloss (pearl, medium luster), and high-gloss (gloss) – that provide different levels of shine and can affect the life of your painted surfaces. Some are more durable than others – although new technology is bridging that gap.

5.    Paint Color 
Darker colors may fade faster than lighter colors when exposed to a lot of light, and sometimes lighter colors can show the dirt more quickly.

6.    Wear and Tear 
Rooms frequently used (such as kitchens) and rooms exposed to moisture (like bathrooms) receive more wear and tear and will need to be painted more often than other rooms, like guest bedrooms. Children and pets can also be hard on walls and other interior surfaces. In these situations, we typically recommend highly washable and durable paint.

7.    Styles, Tastes, and Decorating Trends
If you are no longer happy with a color – for whatever reason, it may be time to repaint and freshen up your living space.

5 Signs It's Time to Repaint a Room

Here are five signs it might be time to repaint:

1.    Cracked or Peeling Paint 
If you see cracking or peeling paint, it's probably time to repaint. However, it's crucial that you rule out and/or fix foundational issues to prevent future cracks.

2.    Faded Colors 
Colors, especially walls exposed to a lot of sunlight, can fade and begin to look dull or dingy.

3.    Wear and Tear 
Suppose you have a chair that repeatedly scrapes against a wall, a daughter who likes to frequently change up the pictures in her room (constantly removing nails and creating holes), or a mudroom wall that is continually being hit with dirty boots and shoes. In that case, your walls may show signs of wear and tear.

4.    Water Marks 
A leak in your roof, a burst pipe, or even an undetected drip can create watermarks on your ceilings and walls, which, if not addressed, can quickly breed dangerous mold. If you see a watermark on a wall, always ensure the issue that caused the stain is fixed before repainting.

5.    Aesthetics 
Perhaps you've moved into a home with all-white walls and want a little color in your life. Or maybe a color that was all the rage a few years ago now makes your home look dated. It may be time to repaint if you aren't happy with your wall colors.

Quality Interior Painting

Attention to detail separates an exceptional interior painting company from an average one. At Martzall's Custom Surfaces, we listen to you and ask questions so we can provide precision painting services that fit your specific needs. You can trust the careful painters at Martzall's to make your rooms look their very best!

Call us today at 717-682-2390 or connect with us online for a free estimate.