How Often Should you Repaint your Bristol Home’s Exterior?
Bristol Painters & Decorators are your local experts in painting and decorating. We offer a comprehensive range of services to both residential and commercial clients throughout Bristol, including Westbury-on-Trym, Clifton, Henleaze, Horfield, Redland.
Our skilled team specialises in delivering bespoke painting solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to transform your home or enhance your workplace, we are committed to exceeding your expectations.
Signs it’s time to repaint your home’s exterior
The recommended time to repaint your house is every 5-10 years, but this can vary depending on several factors. For example, if you live in a harsh climate with lots of sun, rain, or wind, your paint may fade or peel more quickly. The quality of the paint you use will also affect how long it lasts.
The type of siding on your house also plays a big role in when you should repaint your home. Wood siding is more porous than brick or stone, so it will absorb more moisture and be more likely to rot if it’s not painted regularly. Signs of issues include include fading, chalking, cracking, peeling, or blistering of paint. Additionally on the inside of your home you might notice the presence of mold, mildew, or water stains, indicating that your paint is no longer providing adequate protection.
To mitigate any issues, regularly clean your exterior with a gentle pressure wash, inspect for signs of wear annually, and touch up areas that may show peeling or damage. Also ensure that you have proper guttering and drainage as this can really help to prevent water damage.

Factors affecting the lifespan of exterior paint
If you live local to Bristol, you’ll know that the weather in autumnal and winter months bring more rain, material type, sunlight exposure, and paint quality. Humidity and frequent rain can reduce paint longevity, as can intense UV exposure during summer. Paint of any quality will struggle to last forever, with high quality paints and coats still susceptible to various climate factors.
Bristol experiences damp, rainy winters and moderate summers, which can accelerate paint wear. Moisture can lead to issues like paint blistering or mold growth, especially on wood surfaces.

Best types of paint for exterior use
Acrylic latex paints are a durable and moisture-resistant paint that is a good choice for many applications. They are easy to apply and clean up, and they are available in a wide variety of colours. They’re always a good choice for painting over previously painted surfaces.
Elastomeric paints are another type of paint that is often used for exterior surfaces. They are flexible and can help to prevent cracks in the paint film and are also resistant to moisture and mildew. They are a good choice for painting over masonry surfaces, such as brick.
Prep work
A primer is always a good idea as this can enhance adhesion, especially if you’re painting over bare wood or switching from oil-based to water-based paint. Primers also help to seal and smooth the surface, ensuring the topcoat lasts longer. In many cases, you can paint over old paint if it’s in good condition. However, if there are multiple layers or signs of chipping, stripping or sanding may be necessary to ensure a smooth surface.
Proper preparation includes power washing to remove dirt, scraping or sanding old paint, filling in any cracks or gaps with caulk, and applying primer as needed. This is essential for paint to adhere and perform well. By choosing to prep you walls in late spring to early autumn, you’re picking the most ideal time as milder temperatures and lower humidity help paint cure properly. Avoid painting in rainy or very humid conditions as it can lead to poor adhesion and drying.
Get in Touch!
As a family-run firm based in Brislington, we’ve had lots of jobs across Bristol including Clifton, Henleaze, Horfield, Redland, Westbury-on-Trym and surrounding areas. Over the past 25 years, we’ve taken pleasure in transforming residential and commercial properties into wonderful buildings and spaces.
Arrange a free quotation today by filling in the contact form on our Contact us page, by calling on 07938 011 720, or email us at info@bristolpainters.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!
