Typical life by surface
- Wood siding and trim: often the shortest, especially in full sun.
- Fiber cement and aluminum: often longer, with good prep.
- Stucco: often long-lasting once painted, with periodic touch-ups.
- Painted brick: lasts well but is hard to undo once painted.
What makes paint last longer
- Thorough prep: washing, scraping, sanding and priming bare spots
- Caulking gaps around windows, doors and trim
- Quality exterior paint, usually two coats
- Painting in the right weather, not in direct heat or before rain
Signs it's time
Peeling, blistering, cracking and chalky residue mean the paint is no longer protecting the surface. Waiting until wood is bare often means repairs before you can paint.