Why is my paint fading? How do I prevent paint fading?
7008412259 • May 2, 2025
Let’s Talk About Fading: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Slow It Down
Fading is one of the most common issues we see when it comes to exterior paint wear. It's something every homeowner should be aware of—especially when planning a repaint or selecting colors.
So, what exactly is fading?
In simple terms, it’s the gradual discoloration or lightening of a paint color over time. And here’s the honest truth: no paint—regardless of brand or lifetime warranty—can completely prevent it. Even those heavily marketed “lifetime” paints don’t come with a fading guarantee, despite what the label might suggest.
What Causes Fading?
The biggest culprit? The sun. UV rays are relentless and can wear down pigment over time.
Other factors that can contribute to fading include:
- Constant water exposure in specific areas (like under gutters or where water consistently runs off).
- High humidity in shaded areas, which is less common but something Mendez Painting has seen firsthand.
Why Color and Finish Matter
Not all colors fade the same. Darker colors tend to fade faster because of their pigment makeup—they absorb more light and break down more quickly. On the other hand, lighter colors tend to reflect sunlight, making them much more resistant to noticeable fading.
Another layer of protection? Satin or gloss finishes. These sheens offer more durability and resistance to UV exposure than flat paint. However, keep in mind—not all finishes are suitable for all surfaces. If satin isn’t a fit, gloss might be—and vice versa. Choosing the right one depends on the material and look you’re going for.
What You Can Do
While you can’t stop fading entirely, you can make smart choices to help extend the life and look of your paint job:
- Avoid dark colors on highly exposed areas.
- If you’re set on using a darker shade, consider a satin finish to add some extra durability.
- Work with experienced professionals (like Mendez Painting) to evaluate your home’s layout, exposure, and surface type to make the best long-term choices.
At the end of the day, it’s about being informed—not falling for marketing hype. Mendez Painting is here to give you honest advice that works in the real world—not just on the label
What Are Some of the Most Common Questions We Get About Pressure Washing the Exterior of a House? Can I use Simple Green for the pressure washing of my house so it’s more friendly to the lawn and flowers? Simple Green and other environment-friendly chemicals are not effective for mold and mildew removal, even though they claim to be. Is it okay to use bleach for the pressure washing of my house? For the most part, the answer is yes. Is bleach going to damage my lawn or flowers? We wet natural areas before applying bleach and rinse off after bleach application. In some situations, we will skip bleach application if possible or necessary. Does pressure washing clean my windows? No. We recommend you get a professional windows company after the painting.  Little Story About Ms. Smith Ms. Smith had a pond in the back of the house with beautiful fish. She loved this pond, and the fish could not be harmed. We were able to do the bleach application by hand, without pressure washing, in order to protect the fish.
Best things you can do to take care of your Deck: - Keep it clean. - Do everything you can to prevent mold and mildew. - Mold and mildew are the number one enemy of your deck. - Light Pressure Washing for Sealed or Painted Decks Use transparent stain deck products and pressure wash only if you are ready to retain or okay with removing some of the finish. Most deck floors and flat areas need to be washed and refinished every 1 to 2 years. You can tell when it’s needed because the wear becomes visible. What to Apply on Your Deck? For fairly new or puttied decks, the best choice is usually a semi-transparent or transparent stain. Furniture that hasn’t been moved for a long time will cause stains underneath, resulting in color variation. Some people really like the transparent look and don’t mind the color variation. If that’s not the case, here are your options: Semi-solid stain: Helps look more even but you will still see some variation. Solid stain: Makes the color look even with little to no variation. For decks between 5 and 12 years old, it’s best to use a semi-solid stain to create a more uniform look. Solid stains will provide the most even coverage. For older decks, we recommend thicker products, such as Deck and Dock by Sherwin-Williams, or a solid stain for better protection and appearance.
Do you want to redesign the outside of your property? Read this blog to learn about the best time to complete your exterior painting process.
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