It’s affordable, can be used as a decor booster, and can last for up to 10 years depending on how it is applied. Can you make it more durable? These interior painting tips are shared by our experts.
What is the average life expectancy of interior paint?
Interior paint can last several years. You might be able extend that time to 10 years if you don’t have children or pets. If you are updating your decor frequently or have a room that is very sunlit, or you have a room that has a lot of wear and tear, you might need to paint more often.
These are the rooms that you should paint every five to 7 year as a general rule:
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Bedrooms for adults
These should be redone every three-to-four years.
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Laundry room
- Trim and baseboards
These should be repainted every 2 to 3 years.
- Hallways
- Bedrooms for children
Finally, take a look up: Ceilings can last as long as 10 years between painting jobs.
Why does paint last longer?
Although no paint can last forever, there are ways to make it last longer.
Choose high-quality interior paint. Choosing low-quality interior paint is a waste of money. While you will save money upfront, the paint won’t last as long and it will wear faster. This means that you’ll need to repaint more frequently. High-quality paints should contain high levels of acrylic resin. Paints are more durable and washable when they have resin. Consider a super-premium painting if you have the funds. These paints have twice the amount of pigments (finely ground minerals that make the paint’s color), so you will get brighter colors in fewer coats and paint will last longer.
Paint professionally In this instance, professional painting refers to the technique and not to who is doing it. Anyone can paint interior walls. Painting interior walls is a skill that can be learned quickly.
Select the right sheen. Sheen refers to the amount of gloss in a paint. The sheens can range from flat (the lowest amount of gloss) up to gloss (the most shine). Low-luster paints can create a smoother coat that hides surface imperfections, but can be difficult to clean. Shinier paints are more durable, but can show imperfections. High-gloss paints are used on trim and doors. Walls can be left with satin or eggshell, which is the middle-ofthe-road sheen.
Maintain your paint job’s longevity by cleaning it regularly, particularly in high-traffic areas. Be aware of high-touch areas like light switches, child-height spots and spaces close to the tub or cooking surfaces. Don’t forget to dust the trim and walls while you’re dusting. To remove dirt and debris, use a microfiber duster or a vacuum with a brush attachment. Finally, look for areas where walls are chipped or peeling. To keep walls looking their best, it is important to repair any damage as soon as possible.
Keep your leftover paint. It’s easy to fix any damage to interior paint jobs by storing leftover paint. To make it easy to locate, transfer leftover paint to smaller containers. Label the containers with paint name, date, and room.