How do you keep outdoor paint from fading?

The condition of your outdoor paint is a visitor’s first impression. If the building’s exterior looks well cared for, guests will assume the inside matches. If the exterior is faded, guests may think the building is not maintained properly.  

The tips below explain how to prevent exterior paint fading so you can keep your building looking its best. 

Choose high-quality outdoor paint

Not all paint is created equal. Many commercial paint products have built-in UV protection, which helps to prevent fading. It may not stop the fading entirely, but it drastically reduces the impact of UV rays. 

Never use interior paint on the exterior of your building. It is not designed to hold up to precipitation, heavy wind, extreme sun fading, and more. You will need paint specifically formulated for outdoor use. 

Prepare the surface properly before painting

Preparation is a critical step in long-lasting paint. This is especially true if you have existing paint you’re trying to cover. The prep work ensures a proper seal for the new paint, improving durability and preventing chipping in the future. 

Select a lighter color to reduce fading

Generally, dark colors are more susceptible to sun fading than lighter colors. Reds, dark blues, greens, and yellows absorb the most UV rays and are more likely to fade than other colors. If you select a lighter color, minimal fading will be less noticeable than solid black fading into grey. 

Touch up exterior paint as needed

Paint may fade on one side of your building more than the other. If so, you could touch up the problem side without repainting the entire building. This may cut costs until you choose to do a complete exterior paint later on. 

Consider an alternative exterior coating

If your commercial building gets persistent sun exposure, the paint may not be ideal for your exterior. You might be better off with a specialty coating like EIFS that can stand up to intense UV rays. The professionals at JK Industries can help you select the right exterior coating for your building’s unique needs.