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Is It Time To Paint My OKC House?

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Matt Stone

Repainting your house is an attractive way to give it a refresh, but how often should you do this? What are the averages for house repaints in the Oklahoma City area and what are the signs that it’s time to paint?

Generally, you should repaint the exterior of your house every eight to ten years.

It’s important to note that all paint will eventually wear out. The quality of the paint, and how well it was applied will both affect how long a paint job lasts. There are some tell-tale signs that your exterior paint is in need of a refresh. This article will explain what to look for. 

Signs That You Need Fresh Paint 

exterior of a house in Edmond ok that has just been painted

One of the most telling signs is when the paint starts to flake, blister, or fade, or when there are visible cracks in the caulk or gaps around windows and doors. These exterior paint problems mean that the paint is no longer protecting your home in these areas.

The environmental conditions of a home will affect the durability of the paint. In Oklahoma, we can experience very hot and dry summers, so darker-colored paint on the exterior (or a stained wood fence) can fade more quickly than if the house is situated in a cool shade. Also, the west-facing side of a house often deteriorates quicker than the others because it gets the harsh evening sun.

It is a good idea after any type of storm to check the exterior of your home to ensure no damage has been done to your walls or paint. Our Oklahoma winds can blow particles and large objects onto your home, damaging the paint finish which can cause nicks and scrapes. Also, hail can damage the paint on your home’s exterior. Left untreated, this can lead to further damage. 

 If you notice any mold or mildew on walls, door frames, siding, and trim, they need to be treated and repainted before the problem worsens. 

 Interior

Woodwork like cabinetry, doors, or trim often gets the most wear and tear in a home. This is one of the first places to look for scratches and flakes in your home’s interior paint.

 If your walls are looking dull or the colors are no longer as vibrant as before, that’s another clear sign it’s time for a new coat of paint. 

Also, you should check your ceilings for any moisture stains. These should be primed and painted.

Should You Paint Before Selling Your Home?

If you’re preparing to sell your home, then that could also be a prime time to freshen up the home with new paint. Potential home buyers typically will feel more comfortable putting an offer on a home with well-maintained paint on both the exterior and interior and fresh paint can help the overall resale value


Picture of Jimmy Hughes, real estate broker in Okalahoma city

“Sellers often ask if their home should be repainted before listing. The basic rule of thumb I recommend is that you want to eliminate hassle for the buyer in every way possible. Repainting can often increase the attractiveness of the home you are selling, and can help you fetch a premium offer for your property.”

Jimmy Hughes, Broker of JMR Realty

How often to paint various surfaces around your home

The type of exterior siding, paint, location, and environment all play a factor in when a new paint job is needed. 

Exterior House Surfaces

  • Exterior Painted Brick: Painted brick can last 15-20 years before needing to be repainted. If the paint is light color, however, we recommend annual power washing and it may need more frequent painting due to our Oklahoma red dirt that can stick to the paint. 
  • Exterior Stucco: Many people don’t realize that Stucco is actually painted. Stucco needs to be repainted typically every 5-6 years. 
  • Exterior Wood Siding: Wood siding typically needs to be repainted every 5-10 years. 
  • Exterior Vinyl Siding: Some homeowners choose to paint their vinyl siding as a cost-effective way of updating the color. Paint will need to be updated around every 5-10 years. Make sure this is done with a vinyl safe color.

Interior House Surfaces

  • Interior Walls: Walls will need to be pained when they show signs of wear. High-traffic areas with frequent splatters and humidity (such as bathrooms and kitchens) may need to be repainted more often. Bedrooms and other low-traffic areas will need painting less often. Consider taking a good look at the condition of your walls every 5 years and see if they need a fresh coat.
  • Interior Painted Trim: Depending on if you have pets, or small children or find yourself coming into frequent contact with your trim, you may see a need for fresh paint or touch-up every 2-3 years. Trim typically will take a beating pretty quickly, especially with vacuum cleaners coming into contact, handprints, and pets that like to scratch around doorways. 
  • Ceilings: These will often need the least amount of painting. Usually, the ceilings will only need to be painted if you want to change the color or if a water leak creates a stain.

 How to make your next paint job last longer

Choose the Right Paint Materials

The quality of the materials used to paint your home will have a noticeable effect on how often you have to repaint. To put it simply, better materials last longer. By purchasing high-quality paint, you are making an investment in your home.

It is also important to choose the right type of paint for each area of your home. Paint made specifically for trim will perform better on woodwork than regular wall paint. There are specialty paints made for surfaces like brick, stucco, and other masonry surfaces. Using the correct product will be the longest-lasting solution. Don’t hesitate to ask your painter about which paints to use for each part of the project.

It is also important that the other materials used in the project are high quality. Things like caulk and primer are the foundation that your paint job is built on. Using better products to prepare a house for paint will increase the lifespan of the job.

Work With a Professional Painting Company

Once you’re ready to paint, it’s important to get the best professional help possible. Choosing the right painting contractor is key to getting a paint job that is done right and will last. 

Our painting process is simple and straightforward. We start by making a painting project plan with you by going over all of the details of your project. We provide you with an estimate on the spot so you don’t have to wait. 

Once we have agreed on a date to start, our team will arrive at your location to complete the job start-to-finish. After the job is complete, we perform a walk-through to ensure you are completely satisfied. You can read more about our process here.

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Author: Matt Stone
Matt is the owner of Hometown Painting. He has worked in the painting and construction trades for over 10 years. He has a passion for teaching homeowners so they can make the best paint choices for their homes.

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