Why does exterior paint fade? Explore the reasons and how to fight fading with Columbia Paint.
When it comes to painting the exterior of your home, most homeowners are focused on finding the perfect color, something that enhances curb appeal, reflects personal style, and complements the home’s architecture. But there’s another key factor you should keep in mind when selecting exterior paint: how well the color will hold up over time.
If you’ve ever noticed a house that looks dull or washed out, chances are you’re seeing the effects of paint fading. Understanding why this happens—and what you can do to prevent it—can help you keep your home looking vibrant and fresh for many years to come.
What Causes Exterior Paint to Fade?
The biggest culprit behind faded exterior paint is sunlight, specifically the ultraviolet (UV) rays it produces. These rays break down the chemical bonds in pigments—the colorants in your paint—causing them to degrade over time. The result? Once-bright hues start to appear muted, dull, or even chalky.
However, UV rays aren’t the only cause. Other factors also contribute to fading:
- Moisture: Frequent rain, humidity, and condensation can slowly wear away paint finishes.
- Temperature Changes: Expansion and contraction caused by fluctuating temperatures can cause paint to crack and weaken.
- Physical Wear: Wind, dirt, and general exposure to the elements create wear and tear that slowly strips away color vibrancy.
Which Paint Colors Fade the Fastest?
While all exterior paint is vulnerable to fading, some colors are more prone to it than others. Knowing which ones are at risk can help guide your selection:
- Bright Colors: Red, orange, and yellow are among the fastest to fade. These colors absorb more UV light, which accelerates the fading process.
- Dark Shades: Deep hues like navy, forest green, and charcoal absorb more heat and light, which can lead to quicker deterioration.
- Blues and Greens: Though not as susceptible as reds and oranges, these colors can also show noticeable fading in high-sun areas.
How to Prevent Exterior Paint Fading
While you can’t prevent fading entirely, there are smart strategies you can use to significantly slow down the process and keep your paint job looking great:
Choose Lighter Colors
Lighter shades—like whites, creams, light grays, and soft pastels—reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. This makes them far less likely to fade quickly. As an added bonus, they help keep your home cooler in warm months.
Invest in High-Quality Paint
Not all paint is created equal. Higher-end paints contain better pigments and UV-resistant additives that help maintain color longer. While they may cost more upfront, they deliver better value over time through extended durability and reduced need for touch-ups.
Apply Multiple Coats
A single coat of paint may not be enough to fully protect your home’s exterior. Applying a second (or even third) coat helps reinforce the pigment and ensures a more even, longer-lasting finish.
Maintain Your Home’s Exterior
Routine cleaning goes a long way in preserving your home’s exterior paint. Power washing once or twice a year can remove harmful contaminants like dirt, mold, and mildew that weaken the paint surface. And if you notice fading or chipping, applying a new coat before the damage spreads can help preserve the structure and appearance of your home.
Need help picking a fade-resistant paint? Stop by Columbia Paint Company today for expert advice, premium paint options, and everything you need for a long-lasting, beautiful exterior.
NEW LOCATIONS! VISIT THE US AND EXPLORE!
We’ve moved from the Dobbin Road location to our new, roomy location just down the road:
Columbia Paint and Decorating, a Benjamin Moore Dealer
6822 Oak Hall Lane, Suite C2, Columbia, MD 21045
443-319-4001
Expect the same one-stop shopping for all your decorating needs. We are a full-service Benjamin Moore dealer offering the best quality decorating products at the best prices. We have an ample supply of paint and paint supplies, wallcoverings, custom window treatments, fabrics, and now NEW flooring selections from Kaleen Rugs and Luxury Vinyl Tile samples.
And, of course, the same excellent customer service, knowledge, and customer satisfaction that you’ve come to expect.
ANNOUNCING OUR SECOND LOCATION:
Clarksville Paint & Decorating, a Benjamin Moore Dealer
12447 Clarksville Pike, Suite 1A, Clarksville, MD