If you have ever moved a painting and noticed that the paint color on the wall behind it is brighter, you may have wondered why the paint faded. It isn’t noticeable on a daily basis, but when you pull the painting away, it is clear that it has happened. There are different reasons why this happens.
Why Does Paint Fade?
One of the main reasons that paint fades is the UV rays from the sun. These harmful rays burn grass and trees, which you can see when the grass turns brown. The UV rays draw the color out of the chemical bonds in the paint.
Over time, paint will fade from walls, furniture, and any other surface because the pigments come into contact with something that causes the pigment to break down. It can be UV rays, but it can also be electric light or oxygen.
What Causes Exterior Paint to Fade?
Exterior paint fades from the direct sunlight, as well as severe weather and extreme temperatures. If the paint were poor quality, it would fade even more quickly. The way that the paint was manufactured plays a large role in fading, so it is important to choose a paint that is formulated to repel the UV rays from the sun.
The finish and color of the paint also plays a role. Dark colors, such as reds, dark blues, and greens absorb light and fade faster than light colors. Flat paint finishes also fade faster than semi-gloss or glossy paints. When you choose the right finish and color, your paint job will last longer.
What Causes Interior Paint to Fade?
Interior paint also fades. The way your house is constructed has an impact on your paint. You can choose windows that prevent the UV rays from the sun from penetrating your home and causing your walls to fade. You can also choose different window treatments, including blinds, shades, shutters, or curtains. The ones you choose determine how much of the sun makes its way into your home.
If you use a good quality paint, it will last up to 10 years before it fades. However, there are other factors to consider. The heat in the room, the changes in temperature, and the type of lightbulbs you use will also determine how quickly your paint fades. They can cause the chemical structure and chemical bonds in the paint to break down more quickly than they otherwise would. Make sure that you consider all of these factors and take steps to prolong the life of your new paint job.
The color of the paint makes a difference. Colors that reflect light slows the fading, and using better quality paints makes a difference. In premium paints, the chemical bonds are stronger, so the paint will last longer.
How Long Does It Take Paint to Fade?
In general, it takes paint anywhere from 5 to 10 years to fade. It depends on all of the factors above. If you want your paint to last longer, you can choose higher quality paint and minimize the natural and artificial light absorption. Make sure that you consider all of these factors and take steps to prolong the life of your new paint job.