5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Painted Walls

Have you ever found the perfect paint color for a room and looked forward to enjoying it for many years, only to discover a year or two later that your walls look faded, drab, and/or dirty? Painting your walls is an investment, and most people want that investment to last. It's always better to paint because you're ready for a change, not because you have to.

How to Extend the Life of Your Painted Walls

1. Pick the Right Paint Quality
   You may wonder what could possibly be the difference between a $40 can of paint and a $110 can of paint, and the answer is "a lot!" Typically, higher-quality paint is more expensive because it has higher-quality ingredients that allow it to look better and last longer.
    
   These four ingredients affect the quality of paint:
        *Pigment – There are two types of pigment – prime pigment provides color, and hide and extender pigment adds bulk but little value. Higher-quality paints contain more prime pigments to offer greater durability and color retention.
        *Binders – There are many different binders that can hold all the paint ingredients together. The quality and amount of binder used affects stain resistance, adhesion, and crack resistance. Higher-quality paint uses higher-quality binders that adhere to surfaces better and last longer.
        *Liquids – While some liquids are required in paint, they provide no performance benefits. High-quality paints have a higher ratio of solids (pigments and binders) to liquids.
        *Additives – Higher-end paint often includes additives such as mildewcides that minimize the risk of mildew, preservatives to prevent spoilage, and more.
    
2. Pick the Right Paint Color
   If you want paint to hide the dirt and look better longer, it's best to pick a color that is not too light or dark. Neutral colors, such as light gray, beige, tan, or cream, are versatile enough to look good in just about any room, light enough to reflect the light and make a space feel bigger and brighter, and dark enough to conceal stains, dirt, and scuffs.
    
3. Pick the Right Paint Sheen
   Several paint sheens are available – high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell, and flat or matte. The higher sheen being easier to clean is actually a dated preconception.  Each has its place, depending on the situation. Today’s technology allows for almost all sheens to be extremely washable.
    
   An experienced professional painter can help you choose the right brand, type, and sheen for your specific needs and budgets, but here are a few tips:
        * We never recommend semi or gloss for walls in homes.
        *For kitchens, we typically recommend matte or eggshell
        *For dining, living, or family rooms, we typically recommend matt or eggshell
        * We typically suggest satin or semi-gloss for trim.
    
4. Keep Your Walls Clean
   Regularly cleaning heavily used surfaces, such as door frames, windowsills, and the area around light switches, will help prevent a buildup of oils and grime, which can damage the paint and make it look dirty. Regular cleaning is especially crucial in the kitchen, where accumulated grease on your walls and cabinets can become sticky and attract dust and dirt. Using the exhaust fan every time you cook can help, but you'll still need to frequently wipe down the walls and cabinets to minimize grease buildup. Don't use too much elbow grease, and avoid harsh cleaning products, as they can damage paint.  
    
5. Protect Your Walls From Furniture and Door Scuffs
   Furniture and doors can scuff the paint or even dent your walls, so if you want your newly painted walls to look nice longer, consider pulling furniture away from the walls or installing trim or wainscoting to protect the walls. Also, ensure you have good door stops for any doors that swing into walls to avoid damage.

Interior Painters You Can Trust

Trust Martzall's Custom Surfaces for all your interior painting needs! Our founder, Deb Martzall, is a professional painter, color consultant, and accomplished paint and coatings expert. Her painting crew undergoes extensive training and is held to the most exacting standards to ensure your walls, doors, trim, and ceilings look picture-perfect. Let us help you refresh your rooms so you can enjoy your home for years!

Is your interior paint looking dull, faded, or dirty? Ready for a new look? Call us today at 717-682-2390, or connect with us online for a free design consultation.