Short answer: Most homes benefit from repainting on a multi-year cycle, with exterior finishes typically needing a refresh every 5–10 years and interior walls every 3–7 years. The exact timing depends on climate, siding material, paint quality, wear and visible deterioration. Details and guidance
- Exterior painting
- Common intervals: 5–10 years for most siding types. High-exposure areas (sun, rain, coastal salt, harsh winter conditions) may push toward the shorter end of this range. Wood siding often needs more frequent attention than brick or stucco. Look for signs like fading, cracking, peeling, or chalking paint, plus moisture intrusion or wood swelling, which indicate a repaint is due.
- Material considerations:
- Wood siding: typically 3–7 years if you’re maintaining a pristine finish; otherwise 5–10 with good prep and quality paint.
- Stucco: often 5–10 years, depending on paint adhesion and hairline cracking.
- Brick: painted brick can last 10–15 years if the paint remains well adhered; otherwise, repaint sooner if efflorescence or peeling occurs.
- Interior painting
- General cadence: 3–7 years, depending on room use and wear.
- Room-by-room considerations:
- High-traffic living areas (living room, dining room): 5–7 years, though frequent cleaning or transfers of color might push this earlier.
- Kitchens and bathrooms: 3–5 years due to moisture, heat, and wear.
- Bedrooms: 5–7 years, shorter if kids’ rooms experience more marks or frequent updates.
- Hallways: 2–3 years if heavily trafficked or prone to scuffs; otherwise 3–5 years.
- Practical cues to repaint sooner
- Visible cracking, peeling, blistering, or chalking on the walls.
- Persistent stains that won’t clean or permanently set-in marks.
- Fading color that makes spaces feel dated or uninviting.
- Increased moisture signs in bathrooms/kitchens or peeling paint near windows and doors.
- Quality and preparation matter
- Using high-quality exterior paints with proper primers; sealing gaps; addressing surface moisture; and cleaning surfaces prior to repainting extend the interval.
- Proper surface prep (sanding, patching, and priming) can significantly improve adhesion and longevity.
- Environment and lifestyle
- Regions with harsher climates (extreme sun, heavy rain, salt air) shorten intervals.
- Homes with long-term occupancy and plans for resale may influence color choices and timing.
- Maintaining between paints
- Touch-ups for small areas can extend the overall interval, but large or growing signs usually mean a full repaint is warranted.
- Regular cleaning and inspecting for damage will help catch problems early.
If you’d like, share details about your siding material, climate, and current paint condition, and a tailored repaint interval estimate can be refined.
