A fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference in a home, and you're ready to take the plunge. You've heard that Sherwin Williams paint is quality and durable, but exactly how durable is it? How long will your paint investment last? Fortunately, we have the answer for you. With our research, you can know approximately how long your Sherwin Williams paint job will last.
The lifetime of paint can vary based on many factors, including surface preparation, climate, and substrate.
- Sherwin Williams exterior paint: 8 - 10 years.
- Sherwin Williams interior paint: 7 - 10 years.
Acrylic latex paints will last the longest. Additionally, semi-gloss finishes will usually last longer than a flat or eggshell finish. Sherwin Williams offers a limited lifetime warranty, provided the paint was properly applied.
Sherwin Williams paint has a considerable lifetime, but many factors come into play. Continue reading to learn more about how to get the most out of your Sherwin Williams paint job.
Lifetime Of Sherwin Williams Paint
Sherwin Williams paint has a good reputation for quality and durability. They stand behind that reputation with their limited lifetime warranty.
Exterior
Exterior paint and interior paint have different chemical makeups. Sherwin Williams exterior paint is made to withstand the elements with minimal cracking or fading. When used on stucco, exterior paint can last 8 - 10 years. If you've got wood siding, you can expect a slightly shorter lifespan, typically only 5 - 7 years. Alternatively, if you're painting cement fiberboard, the paint may last even longer. It can last up to 10 - 15 years, depending on what color you choose.
Interior
Sherwin William's line of interior paints can theoretically last just as long as their exterior counterparts. However, the truth is, most people are ready for fresh color after 3-4 years. That being said, Sherwin Williams interior paints can last 7 - 10 years, as long as the surface has been properly prepared.
For more information regarding interior paint vs. exterior paint, check out this article.
What's The Difference Between Interior And Exterior Paint?
Resilience Line
Sherwin Williams Resilience line has exceptionally durable qualities. This premium paint line is specially formulated to provide extra moisture resistance. Resilience is resistant to moisture 50% more quickly than other lines. Additionally, it can be applied at lower temperatures than other paints - as low as 35 degrees! Sherwin William's Resilience line offers superior resilience and is a great choice in exterior paint.
Factors That Affect Longevity
Unfortunately, the lifespan of your paint is not terribly cut and dry. While the paint itself should last 10 years or more, it usually does not have the opportunity to prove that. Many factors will affect how long your paint lasts.
Substrate
The material on which you will be painting can factor into your paint's lifespan. For example, paint used on stucco can last 10 years, while painted wood may only last 7. Alternatively, if you're painting drywall, your paint can potentially last a good 8 - 10 years.
Climate
The climate in which your home is located can definitely play into how long your paint lasts. Is it very dry, or do you receive excessive rain? Are there large temperature swings? Do you live by the sea? Dramatic changes in temperature, excessive moisture, and the corroding effects of salt can all cut down on the life of your paint.
Color and Finish
Interestingly enough, even the color and finishing sheen you choose will affect how long your paint lasts. Bright, bold colors will fade and need repainting much sooner than neutral colors. In the same way, semi-gloss or gloss finishes will last considerably longer than flat or eggshell finishes.
Type of Paint
Some paints will last longer than others, particularly when you're painting the exterior of a home. When painting outside, the paint is subject to considerable humidity and temperature extremes. This will cause swelling and shrinking, which can result in cracked paint. Because of this tendency, it is best to use latex acrylic paint. Latex acrylic paint has the ability to stretch and move to some extent, preventing cracks. This enables it to last longer than other types of paint.
For more information on latex paint vs. enamel paint, see this article.
Enamel Vs. Latex Paint. What Are The Differences?
Preparation
This is perhaps the biggest determiner for how long your paint will last. As with a building, the foundation is key to a durable, lasting paint job. To ensure that your paint lasts as long as possible, properly prepare for the paint.
Remove Old Paint
Old paint can delaminate, and take the new paint with it. To avoid this, examine your walls to find any peeling, loose, or buckling paint. These areas should be thoroughly scraped or stripped before applying new paint.
Remove Residue
Any dirt or oil that is coating the surface will keep your new paint from properly adhering. You should take care to wash the area that you will be painting. If you suspect any oil or grease, use a degreaser and then rinse the area well. Allow it to dry completely before you paint.
Treat Mold And Mildew
Mold and mildew will both interfere with a paint's ability to stick. These should be treated before painting. There are many products available that will hook right up your hose for easy use.
Click here to find Scott's OxiClean Outdoor Cleaner on Amazon.
Make Sure It's Dry
One huge factor that will affect your paint's lifespan is how wet or dry your surface is. Painting over moisture will result in a poor paint job that does not last very long. Wood and stone are especially prone to moisture retention. To maximize the life of your paint, be sure that your substrate is completely dry.
Prime
Primer is essential if you want your paint to last a long time. Primer both seals the surface and helps the paint to stick. Failure to apply primer before painting can dramatically decrease the lifetime of your paint. In addition, most paint warranties are rendered invalid if at least one coat of primer has not been used.
How Can You Tell If Paint Has Gone Bad?
Although paint can potentially last years if properly stored, occasionally, it will go bad. Some signs of bad paint include:
- Paint has dried up
- There is an offensive, rancid odor.
- Mold or mildew is present inside of the can.
- The paint has chunks in it.
- There is rust in the paint.
- The solvent can not be mixed back into the paint.
- The paint color has changed.
Does Paint Expire If Opened?
Paint does not expire when it is opened. Often, paint that has been opened and then properly closed will last for years. Paint does not come with an expiration date and will only expire if it has gone bad. Refer to the descriptions listed above to determine if your paint is still good.
How Often Should Interior Walls Be Painted?
Ultimately, the need to repaint will be dependent on the condition of your walls. If there are no visible defects and the color is still vibrant, there is no need to repaint. Typically, however, high traffic areas like hallways and corridors should be repainted every 3 - 4 years. The same goes for areas subjected to high humidity levels, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. The rest of the house can wait 5 - 7 years before it needs a fresh coat.
How Much Area Will A Gallon Of Sherwin Williams Paint Cover?
One gallon of Sherwin Williams paint will cover approximately 400 square feet with one coat of paint.
Conclusion
As we have seen, it isn't necessarily the paint itself that determines a paint job's longevity. Sherwin Williams paint has the potential to last years. In fact, it could last the lifetime of your home. If you've properly prepared and painted your home with Sherwin Williams, you should be able to enjoy that paint for years to come!