Why do homes interior and exterior paint fade and how to stop paint from fading?
We've all done it. We move furniture to rearrange it or to vacuum beneath it only to find a square of carpet different from the rest. We remove a painting or a picture frame from a wall to pack it for a move and see a square of color in the original paint shade.
Does time fade paint, or is it some scientific thing? Actually, it's a little of both, according to Painters in Philly. There are even ways to stop paint from fading, Philadelphia's most trusted experts have compiled several ways to stop or correct fading paint.
Why Do Paint Fade?
Two letters: UV. These harmful rays pretty much destroy whatever they touch. They burn the grass and trees which fades their color until they turn brown. Man-made objects are usually painted or have some type of color pigment in them. UV sucks the color out of
the chemical bonds in the paint.
Paint fades over time from walls, furniture, painted objects and much more. You won't see it happen due to the distractions of your life. Fading happens when pigments in the paint responsible for holding the color come in contact with a substance that breaks down that pigment such as light (electric or natural,) ozone, or oxygen. Not all paint is general-purpose, some paints can only go on a few surfaces and under certain circumstances, for example, there are paints that can only be applied on certain materials and in a specific temperature range. Check the paintting manual for further details.
Why Do Exterior Paint Fade?
Direct sunlight, harsh weather, and extreme temperature added to poor quality paint, all contribute to
fading paint. The first two are self-explanatory, but how the paint is created and mixed is also a factor in fading color. That is why choosing the best paint that repels the absorption of UV rays is critical when painting the interior and the exterior of your house.
Choosing a flat paint over a semi-gloss or reflective coating for exterior paint lends itself to fading. The color homeowners choose for exterior paint is important. Reds, yellows, and dark blues or greens absorb more light than lighter colors and fade faster. Choosing the right material of paint and the color for your home's exterior can pay dividends in the long run.
How Can You Prevent Exterior Paint From Fading?
Expert at Painters in Philly have few suggestions
reverse paint fading, and it all begins with choosing the right paint. Homeowners should choose a light color with a reflective layer to reflect the light and UV rays. The color pigment should be chemical, as organic color pigments don't resist UV light well. Finally, homeowners should plan on maintaining the paint each year to prevent fading and weathering.
Why Does Interior Paint Fade?
Homeowners now have a choice in coatings on their windows, gas between multiple panes, and film applied to prevent harmful rays from entering the windows. They also use blinds, shades, shutters, and curtains to prevent the same. So why does interior paint fade?
Time is the answer. A coat of good quality paint, and we're talking $30 per gallon, usually lasts about ten years before fading. Most homeowners repaint not to stop paint from fading but to go for a whole new look. The paint fading in the interior of your house occurs due to several factors such as heat in the room, the light from the bulb and temperature fluctuations.
Heat, light and temperature fluctuations in the room can cause the chemical structure and the chemical bond of the paint to break down faster. The natural aging process of paint maybe 7 to 10 years, but the heat, light, and fluctuations in temperature will break down the bond faster causing resulting in the paint fading.
How Can You Prevent Interior Paint From Fading?
Photodegradation is the technical term for the pigment in paint degrading and fading from contact with UV rays. To reverse paint fading, homeowners should choose light colors that reflect the light instead of absorbing it. It may not come as s surprise, but the more expensive the paint the better quality it is. The chemical mixture and bond are stronger causing the paint to last longer without fading when compared to cheap paints. That usually means the expensive paints will last longer. If there is any confusion on what color or which paint to choose for your home visit
Painters in Philly blog
and look for the article
10 easy ways to choose paint for interior and exterior of your home.
Or call Painters In Philly for a free color consultation.
How Long Does It Take For Paint To Fade?
We've discussed what makes paint fade both inside and outside plus what can be done to make something fade resistant. With that said, homeowners can expect their interior paint to fade in between five and ten years. They can expect the fading of exterior paint to happen within five to seven years. Exterior paints fade faster due to the direct exposure to sunlight, and UV rays.
The Best Paint On The Market That Will Give You The Longest Paint Life And Won't Fade Easily
Before we get to brands and prices, homeowners should know what to look for when they
choose interior paint. The first thing you'll choose is a water-based acrylic or latex paint, acrylic or oil-based paint, or any kind of hybrid water-based paint that acts like an oil-based paint but puts off fewer fumes.
Harmful fumes are put off by oil-based paints as they dry. They can and do contaminate indoor air quality as well as exacerbating breathing problems and giving you headaches and organ damage. Be sure to choose a paint with “low VOCs or no VOCs.”
Also, be sure to get a can of “primer and paint.” This saves both a step in the painting process as well as money.
Painters In Philly recommend no other type of paint, there are certain exceptions though. It also costs less than separate cans of primer and paint.
Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior eggshell finish is a no VOC acrylic paint and primer combination costing around $55 per gallon. Fade-resistant and mildew resistant, you can also wipe off stains without the risk of scrubbing off the paint. High-quality paints are always recommended for any paint project. High-quality paint ensures proper bond and higher resistance to fading which will help it last fade slower and last longer.
Behr Premium Plus Ultra satin finish is an acrylic low VOC, fade resistant and stain resistant paint with a corrosion and mildew resistant factor. You'll pay $31 for a gallon of paint giving off no if any fumes.
Be sure to consult with Painters In Philly for your interior and exterior painting needs in Philadelphia. Painters In Philly will provide a free consultation, going over the different types of paints in the market, how they differ, which paints to choose, their drawbacks, benefits and much more.