It takes a few minutes for a can of white paint to transform into the perfect shade for your home.
However, once the paint is poured, rolled onto your walls and dried, how long will it last?
The lifespan of a new paint job depends on a multitude of factors, so there’s no single answer to this question.
Here’s what you need to know.
A Number of Factors Involved
On one end of the spectrum, we have a low-quality paint job. This treatment could show signs of wear and tear after a year.
On the other hand, you could opt for a premium service that lasts upwards of a decade. In the middle of those options, you have run-of-the-mill paint jobs, which incorporate average products and methods.
How do you know how long your paint job will last, though? Consider these factors.
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Quality of the Paint
Not all paints are created equally.
Instead, the type of paint you buy, or that your painters use, can have a huge impact on the longevity of your paint job.
You won’t get a decade-long paint job with a low-quality or bargain bucket of paint. There’s a reason why certain varieties cost more, and that’s down to the look and longevity of the formula.
Of course, your painting budget might now allow you to swing for a premium can of paint. However, be sure to ask before you settle on a brand and color. The staff at your local hardware store can help you find the best quality option in your budget.
If you hire painters, be sure to ask them about the products they use, too. Even professionals can’t make up the slack when using bad paint, as it will show wear and tear quickly.
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Paint Type
On that note, you should brush up on the many types of paint out there before settling on one. If you choose the wrong formula for your new paint job, then you’ll slash the lifespan of the treatment.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paints tend to be the go-to for most painters. They last the longest, and many of them cure in a quick eight-hour time frame. That means you can quickly get up a second coat, and then move back into your freshly painted space.
The only drawback of oil-based paints is that they can contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These can release gases into your home, reduce the indoor air quality, and exacerbate health conditions, such as asthma.
Of course, many manufacturers have done their part to improve their paint formulas to make them safe and VOC-free. Again, do your research if you want your new paint job to be safe, eco-friendly and long-lasting.
Water-Based Paint
With water-based paint, you remove the risks associated with oil-based, VOC-inclusive paints. However, you get colors that aren’t as long-lasting as the aforementioned alternative.
The good news is, water-based paint often looks just as good as the alternative, albeit for a shorter period of time. Plus, they cost a lot less.
Latex Paint
Finally, you could select a latex-based paint, which works especially well on the ceiling. That may be down to the fact that it’s less durable than both oil and water based options. However, latex paint boasts a smooth finish, but shows wear the fastest.
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Wall Quality
Your paint job won’t last long on a wall riddled with imperfections. Even a top-of-the-line formula won’t stick to an unclean or otherwise imperfect facade.
Luckily, you can take steps to prep your walls prior to a new paint job. For example, you might start by dusting and cleaning your walls. Then, you can smooth away bumps with sandpaper and scrape any paint flakes away from the surface, too.
Then, you’ll want to apply a primer to the walls as well. Pick up a roll of painter’s tape, a very useful household supply by the way, and line the edges of your walls first.
With a smooth coat of primer applied, your next coat will stick better and look its best for longer.
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Foot Traffic in the Area
Remember how we mentioned that water and latex based paints show wear more quickly than oil-based options?
It’s all down to the traffic in the room you want to paint. Places where you gather will see more scuffs and imperfections appear on the walls. This will necessitate a new coat of paint more quickly.
Meanwhile, paint in a formal dining room and other spaces with less activity will look great for longer.
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The Room’s Temperature and Conditions
Finally, the lifespan of your paint job will depend on the conditions of the room in which it happens. Temperature fluctuations or changes in humidity can cause the paint’s surface to change, necessitating a new paint job.
How Much Does a New Paint Job Cost?
Now that you know the lifespan of a new paint job, a year to more than a decade, you probably have another pressing question: how much is a new paint job?
Unsurprisingly, the answer to this question varies, too.
In most cases, though, it will cost between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot to paint the interior of your home. If you want the crown molding, baseboards or ceilings painted, too, then the price will jump to $3 to $4 per square foot.
Of course, you can expect to pay more for additional paint-related services. For example, if the crew has to fix imperfections on the wall, they will tack on a fee for that.
Your best bet in figuring out how much the service will cost is to call a few local providers and get quotes.
Time for a New Paint Job
Your new paint job will last you for at least a year, but it could also look perfect for a decade or more. Choosing a skilled team that uses high-quality products can ensure your project lands on the higher end of that spectrum.
Accurate Painting of NW Florida fits that bill. Contact us today to learn more about our residential painting services, the products we use and the cost for us to repaint your home’s interior.