We all know that painting the outside of your home is a big job, and it isn’t the sort of thing you want to do every two of years. The cost and disruption are a massive inconvenience.
So, what’s the answer? Firstly, I think doing a thorough job of the prep and following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding paint application will mean the results last a little longer, but the paint products you use also make a big difference. Spending a little bit of extra money on the optimal paints is money well spent if it means you don’t need to repaint for an extra 5, or even 10 years.
This blog is dedicated to the longest lasting paint products on the market. It’s based on my own experience as a Professional Decorator mixed with a little bit of research to back it up. I’ll work my way through each surface and give you my recommendations.
What Makes an Exterior Paint Long Lasting?
Exterior paint needs to withstand a lot more than interior paint does. This includes freezing temperatures in winter, direct sunlight, and water build up. So, for an exterior paint to be long lasting, it needs to have certain qualities. These include the following –
- Resistant to UV radiation – UV radiation from sunlight can cause some paints to break down over time. Other paints have pigments that bleach in the sun.
- Flexible – Timber and other exterior substrates can expand and contract with varying temperatures and moisture, so a long-lasting exterior paint needs to be flexible enough to cope.
- Breathable – Some paints trap moisture in the substrate, so water builds up behind the paint and causes it to fail over time. Breathable paints are much more suitable to coat things like render and windowsills.
- Waterproof – Yes, certain paints need to be breathable, but they also need to be waterproof, otherwise they won’t protect the surface you’re painting.
- Cleanable – Some paints have a pitted surface which can be harder to keep clean. Others are smooth and are a lot easier, and some are even described as ‘self-cleaning’, which basically means dirt doesn’t stick to them very well, so a downpour will wash the surface clean again.
The Longest lasting Paint for Exterior Walls
Silicone-based masonry paint is the longest lasting product to use on exterior walls. It’s breathable, so it doesn’t trap water. This makes it far less susceptible to flaking off over time.
It’s also hydrophobic, so it repels water. This keeps your walls much dryer, and it means dirt is less likely to stick. Algae is also less likely to take hold. The best silicone-based masonry paint is Emperor Masonry Paint, which has a life expectancy of 25 years!
There are other benefits too, including heat retention. Click here to visit their website if you want more information.
The Longest Lasting Paint for Exterior Windows and Doors
This is another easy one. I’ve used just about every trade product from the major brands on exterior woodwork. As much as I love water-based products, they don’t last as long as oil-based paints when used outside.
Sandtex Trade X-Tra is my recommendation, which comes in eggshell or gloss. It’s a three-coat system ideally (one coat of primer followed by two topcoats). Some people only apply two coats, which is fine, but three coats will give the longest lasting results.
The slight downside of using Sandtex X-Tra is it has quite a long drying time, so just be aware of that when using it. It’s a brilliant product though, and one I use regularly.
I will add that any repairs to rotted wood should be made with a good epoxy-based filler like Oxera Rebuild. Unlike other fillers, epoxy products act as a strong adhesive, and they flex as the timber expands and contracts. Using epoxy products means that repairs last longer.
The Longest Lasting Fence Treatment
Creosote used to be the longest lasting fence treatment, but it wasn’t very friendly for the environment or you, so it was phased out. However, there are substitutes available now, that perform as well as Creosote ever did.
I use Barrettine CreoSolve Shed & Fence Treatment. It penetrates deep into the timber and seals everything properly. This is a water-repellent product too, which sets it apart from many of the other available products. It keeps your fence timber dry!
So, it isn’t just the fence treatment that lasts when using Barrettine CreoSolve, the fence will too. You might need to apply a couple of coats to get you started, but then you can apply a maintenance coat every 4 or 5 years or so to keep on top of it. Click here to see product details.
The Longest Lasting Exterior Wood Stain
There are a few good exterior wood stains on the market, and they all suit certain situations. However, I think the longest lasting exterior wood stain is the Sadolin system.
I say ‘system’ because it comes as two parts. You should first apply a coat of Sadolin Classic, which penetrates the timber, seals it, and builds the colour up. Then apply at least one coat of Sadolin Extra, which gives the UV protection needed to last.
It does last too. I’ve used loads of exterior wood stain products over the years, and some of the repeat customers I’ve had have used me for over two decades, so I get to see how my work ages over time. Sadolin Wood Stain looks great for years after applying it.
FAQs
What is the longest lasting exterior paint finish?
Oil-based eggshell, satinwood, and gloss lasts the longest on exterior wood. Silicone-based masonry paint lasts the longest on pebble dash, rendered walls, and windowsills.
What exterior paint lasts 25 years?
Emperor Masonry Paint lasts for around 25 years. It’s a silicon-based paint that is breathable and hydrophobic.
Can I paint over old paint outside?
Providing the old paint is sound, you won’t have any problems painting over it. Just abrade the old paint first to aid adhesion.
How can I make my exterior paint last longer?
Doing a good job of your prep will help the paint last longer, but buying quality long-lasting paint is also essential.
Final Thoughts
I always explain the benefits of using certain paint products to my clients when quoting exterior paint jobs. A lot of other Decorators don’t do this, which blows my mind.
I can show a client two tins of paint. I explain that one is reasonably priced but the building will look tired again in two or three years, and the other is twice the price, but you won’t need to paint again for ten years. It’s very rare that the homeowner chooses the cheap paint. It’s common sense.
The information I’ve given in this blog is honest. You won’t have any problems if you follow my advice.
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