HOW LONG DOES PAINT LAST ON INTERIOR WALLS?
When we ask how long paint lasts, we're not talking entirely literally. In most cases, it will last as long as the walls themselves, bar some general fading or flaking overtime. What we mean to say is, 'how long do our walls stay fresh before they need redecorating?' The answer isn't completely clear cut since this ultimately depends on a number of factors such as the quality of your paint, the conditions in your home, and whether the room is a high traffic area.
WHAT FACTORS AFFECT HOW LONG YOUR PAINT LASTS?
While five to 10 years is generally a good window, there are some obvious factors that might cause you to repaint your walls more frequently.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REDECORATE FOR FRESH LOOKING WALLS?
If you're not experimenting with new paint color ideas, it's best to repaint every three to five years to keep your walls looking fresh and bright. However, as we've mentioned, you might be able to get away with less often depending on the space. Here's a general guide for the main rooms in your home.
Kitchen
Your kitchen sees a lot. From grease splatters to steam and smoke, these will all build up on your walls over time. 'Kitchens should be repainted every four to five years to eliminate built-up from stains and odors,' says Matt. 'Don’t forget that these walls will need to be cleaned well before they’re painted.'
Entryway / hallways
'Since these spaces see the most traffic, they typically have the most scuff marks, scratches, and dings,' Matt explains. He advises painting them every two to three years to keep them clean and bright.
Baseboards and Trim
As Matt notes: 'Your baseboards bear the brunt of vacuums and foot traffic, so paint them every two to three years to maintain their appearance.' Door and window trim and crown molding won't require painting as often but you should stay on top of cleaning otherwise dust and dirt will accumulate.
Bedroom
It's not surprising that kids' bedrooms will need painting more often than your own, but they'll probably outgrow the color on the walls before they even have a chance to get too messy. 'The master bedroom and guest room can probably go about ten years without a new coat of paint,' Matt says. 'But, if you’re looking for a fresh look for your home, a splash of color is an inexpensive and easy way to go about it.'
Ceilings
According to Matt, ceilings typically don’t need to be repainted unless the room has sustained water or mold damage. 'However, if you’re repainting an entire room, a fresh coat of paint on the ceiling will help it match the sheen and look of the update you made,' he adds.