If you want to breathe new life into your living space, you may consider painting the interior a new color from time to time. But just how often should you do this? It’s not as simple as choosing a date and painting every wall. Here’s what you need to consider before you embark on an interior painting project.
Consider Wear & Tear
General wear and tear will occur on walls over the years, but some rooms are more vulnerable to this than others. The kitchen and bathrooms are of particular concern, largely because they’re exposed to high humidity on a fairly consistent basis.
Heat and moisture can both take their toll on the integrity of the existing paint, resulting in issues like watermarks and, in more serious situations, mold formation. If mold is a concern, you’ll need a home improvement expert to resolve the damage before you move forward. In general, it’s best to paint these areas at least every three to four years depending on the condition of each.
Assess the Sleeping Areas
Your bedroom is not likely to require frequent interior painting unless you wish to change its appearance. However, your child’s room may require a fresh coat of paint more often. Children tend to be active in their bedrooms, and the walls bear the brunt of those activities.
Crayon marks, paint smudges, and fingerprints can all affect the quality of the paint’s finish, so you’ll need to use your best judgment when assessing how often you need to tend to the walls. Every five years is a safe estimate, but if your kids are very active and the walls look less than fresh, have your painting contractor take a look sooner.
Check Less Busy Zones
Areas of the home that generally see less foot traffic are much less likely to require interior painting on a frequent basis. Living rooms and dining rooms are prime examples of areas that are generally used on a limited basis.
Both spaces typically contain large pieces of furniture, including heavily tufted couches, large tables, and cabinets. These create a barrier between people and your walls, allowing the surfaces to remain fresher and the colors to appear crisper for longer periods of time.