How often you paint the outside of your house is dependent on numerous variables, says Dan Ross, owner of Ross Painting in San Rafael. “There are a lot of things to consider. What was the quality of the last paint job? What materials were used? What colors? What’s the condition of the substrates (the objects to be painted)? Before moving ahead, you should know the answers to all these questions.”
Another factor to consider with exterior painting is the types of sealers, stains and finishes you plan to use. “Depending on the product, clear wood sealers can last as little as six months and as long as two years,” says Mr. Ross. “Semi-transparent stains may last three to five years, and solid stains last four to seven years.” When properly applied, paint finishes should last five to 15 years.
Mr. Ross advises to contact a painting contractor to evaluate the conditions of your home before moving forward with a project. “It’s important to repaint and restain before you see signs of failure,” he says. “Preparation and repair can add a lot to the cost of any job.”
Upon completion of your project, make sure your painting contractor leaves extra paint for later touch-ups and repairs. Mr. Ross recommends at least one gallon of each type and color of paint used. “Make sure the cans are properly labeled and you know the exact type and color for each area.” If the painters used spray-on applications, ask them to leave a can so you don’t have to retouch a spray-on finish with a roller.
