How Long Does an Interior Paint Job Last?

Adding a fresh coat of paint to a room has an amazing, transformative power. With so many color and texture options available, the possibilities are nearly endless. You might be surprised how changing the color of a room can breathe new life into your surroundings.

You might also be wondering how long an interior paint job will last. Knowing what to expect can help you plan how and when you’re going to transform each room during your home makeover. Since the length of time will vary depending on paint quality, color and the specific room you choose, we developed this simple guide to help you plan.

Paint Quality

The quality of paint you choose is definitely a factor in the determining how long the paint will last and maintain its original look. High-quality paints have better binders. The type and amount of binders used affect everything from stain and crack resistance to adhesion. Quality latex paints with 100-percent acrylic binders are especially long-lasting. Since the acrylic binders that are used cost more, this type of paint is usually more expensive. It also provides more durability and better adhesion. Quality paints also have more additives. These additives provide desirable properties—like making the paint easier to apply and/or give it protective qualities. In general, high-quality paint is easier to apply, last longer and, when you factor in the life of the paint job, cost less.

Paint Color

When considering the longevity of paint in a particular room or area of your home, some colors stand the test of time better than others. Various shades of whites, grays, blues and greens hold up fairly well over time because of their ability to compliment various types of décor. So even though the furniture and drapes may change over the years, the color of the room can remain the same thanks its versatility. In contrast, bright, vibrant colors can lose their appeal when they clash with an updated style or décor. Therefore, it’s best to choose a paint color that can endure a few interior design updates before you decide to change it.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most high-use rooms in your house. It’s the one place where everyone seems to gather. And depending on the size of your family and how often you prepare meals, it’s also a room that will experience a good amount of wear and tear wear. Heat from preparing meals, cabinets that are constantly being touched—opened and closed—and smoke and fumes from cooking eventually accumulate on walls and cabinets over time.

On average, most kitchen paint jobs will last about 8-10 years. This includes the paint on the walls, cabinetry and other high-touch areas. After 10 years, you might start to notice the original paint color has lost its once vibrant look and is beginning to fade—which may be more noticeable in certain areas. When this happens, it is time to freshen things up with a new coat of paint.

Bathroom

The bathroom is another area that can be incredibly tough on paint. The steam from repeated showering eventually breaks down paint polymers and weakens the bond the paint has on the surface material. When this happens, the paint begins to thin and the color that once looked new, becomes much more muted and duller.

Most bathroom paint will generally last between 3 and 4 years. For a bathroom that does not get as much use—like a guest bathroom—the average will increase to 4 to 6 years. Generally speaking, the more often a bathroom is used, the shorter the lifespan of the paint.

Living Room

Like the bathroom and the kitchen your living room is also a high-use area. However, since your living room is not exposed to heat, steam, and water droplets on a regular basis, the paint in your living room should last a little longer.

A living room paint job should last about 10 years—barring of course if, and when, your little artist decides a living wall makes for a great art canvas. The occasional crayons and markers notwithstanding, most of us simply get tired of seeing the same color on our living room walls after several years and are ready for a change. So, whether you notice the colors in your living room have faded slightly, you discover new, unsolicited artwork, or you are just tired of seeing the same colors. It's probably a good idea to start thumbing through some paint swatches after 6 to 7 years.

Bedroom

Bedrooms in general need fewer paint jobs than any other room in the house. While they are used at least 8 hours a day, bedrooms are not subject to the same day-to-day activities like a kitchen, living room, or bathroom. So a bedroom paint job can typically last a little longer before it needs a new coat of paint. You can go without applying a new coat of paint to your bedroom every 10-12 years. Unless of course, like your living room, you just get tired of seeing the same colors every night.