How Long Does Paint Last? Here's When It’s Time For An Update

When you wake up one day to find that a once vibrant room in the house is now a bit dingy, but you can’t quite put your finger on why, it’s probably the paint. A fresh coat of paint can instantly uplift a room, returning it to the former glory of when it was first painted and decorated. However, it’s not always obvious when it’s time for a new paint job. Re-painting is a hassle—whether you’re a DIY-er or looking to hire a professional—so it would be a shame to paint prematurely. Here, experts weighs in on when it’s time for a touch-up. 

How Long Does Paint Last?

“Paints can last for hundreds, if not thousands of years, without needing a touch-up; there are paintings in caves even older than that,” reveals Gareth Hayfield, Farrow & Ball paint expert. “However, in most people's homes, there is wear and tear. It is likely that repainting will be necessary at some point, whether it be because the paint has been scuffed, marked, or is dirty. Some may just fancy a change of [color], which is also a motivator for repainting.”

On the wall, paint can last ages. However, most homeowners find themselves desiring a touch-up to mask the wear and tear of life such as grime and scuff marks. A decent paint job should last between five and 10 years before needing a refresh or replacement. However, the amount of time paint stays pristine will differ based on the circumstances, explains Mike Mundwiller, Benjamin Moore paint professional.

“Paint longevity and durability depends on several factors, including surface type, product and sheen choice, wear and tear, and of course accidents and catastrophes,” he says.

When it’s time for a retouch, unfortunately, the odds are that the original half-empty can of paint waiting in the basement will have already expired. Canned paint, when closed and stored properly, will only last a couple of years. After that point, the paint will become chunky, smelly, and therefore, unusable.

When It’s Time For A New Coat Of Paint

Common cues that your walls would benefit from a fresh coat include marks of use and damage. Dissatisfaction can also be a good indicator that it’s time to freshen up, whether that’s with a new coat of paint in the same color or starting fresh with a new color altogether. 

“As time goes by, typical wear and tear can cause chipping, or you may find the paint doesn’t clean as well—these are some signs,” says Mundwiller. “However, it may also be time to change the color to update the look and feel of the room.”

How To Make Paint Last

Make canned paint for as long as possible by sealing it air-tight in the original can to avoid interaction with air or bacteria. Then, store the can someplace dry like the garage for safekeeping until you need to break out the container for your walls. 

When it is time for that fresh paint, a few simple considerations can ensure that this coat is on for the long haul. If done right, by the time you need a new layer of paint, the previous can will have expired multiple times over. In fact, Mundwiller says that it could be worth the investment to hire a pro to do the job, rather than having to break out that old can of paint every few years and buy new ones once the old ones expire.

“Proper preparation and application are key, which is why we recommend hiring professional painters,” says Mundwiller. “Be sure to follow the paint’s technical data sheet to ensure all instructions are followed for the best outcome.”

Hayfield also recommends choosing paints that are specially designed to be “scuff-resistant, washable, and wipeable.” He also recommends opting for paints made specifically for the space you intend to paint. 

“By choosing a paint that has better resistance to wear and tear, surfaces can be easily cleaned which in turn, extends the repainting cycle,” he says. “It is [also] important to choose a paint that meets the needs of the area you are painting. For example, Farrow & Ball’s Modern Emulsion finish is our most suitable finish for bathrooms, as it is resistant to mold and mildew growth. Whereas choosing a high quality and hard-wearing trim paint, such as Modern Eggshell, for doors, skirting, floors, and cabinetry means that you will need to repaint these high-traffic surfaces less often.”