The sun can cause your exteriors to fade, crack, or peel over time. Sunrays break down the painting, weakening its ability to shield your exteriors from the weather. This makes your home more vulnerable to impact from rain, moisture, and dirt.
This guide explains how the sun affects paint in detail. Click below to jump right in:
- Heat from the Sun Makes Paint Expand and Contract Causing Cracking
- Ultraviolet Exposure Breaks Down Pigments Causing Colors to Fade
- Sunrays Cause Color to Fade, Weakening Your Paint’s Ability to Protect
- Sunny Conditions Quicken the Drying Process Causing Blisters
- Sunrays Break Down Pigments Forming a Powdery Residue (Chalking)
Call (316) 800-6994 if you have more questions or need exterior painting services in Wichita, Kansas.
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Heat from the Sun Makes Paint Expand and Contract Causing Cracking
Spring is a good time to refresh your home’s exterior with a new coat of paint. The mild conditions and ample sunlight create perfect conditions for the finish to dry smoothly and evenly, giving you a long-lasting finish. Painters can work efficiently, and the climate conditions are generally comfortable for the crew and your home’s exterior.
Spring runs from March to May, with conditions between 50°F and 70°F. During this time, the humidity is often moderate, making it ideal for applying paints without worrying about extreme heat from the summer season or excessive moisture. Gentle sunlight also helps the coating set without drying too quickly. These favorable conditions make this time ideal for painting services, so your home looks fresh and vibrant for the months ahead.
Ultraviolet Exposure Breaks Down Pigments and Causes Fading
Your exteriors are exposed to ultraviolet light, which breaks down the pigment in paints. This process causes the color to fade, leaving your home worn out. Darker colors are more vulnerable to fading because they absorb more of this energy.
Sunrays gradually weaken the molecular structure of the pigments, leading to a dull, faded appearance. This degradation can make an exterior look much older than it is, forcing homeowners to redo the coating more frequently.
Sunrays Cause Fading Which Weakens Your Paint’s Ability to Protect
When a surface is exposed to the sun for a long time, its color fades. This shows that the protective layer is losing its strength. As the surface becomes lighter, it can’t protect against weather, dirt, and moisture.
The fading is an early sign that the protection is wearing down. Over time, this can lead to more serious problems, making your exteriors more vulnerable. Reapplying a fresh layer of protection will restore the look and keep your home safe from the elements.
Sunny Conditions Quicken the Drying Process Causing Blisters
In hot, sunny conditions, applied paints dry too quickly, causing blistering. Blisters occur when trapped moisture under the surface tries to escape as the heat forces the coating to dry too fast. These bubbles break open, leading to peeling and leaving the exterior exposed to the elements.
Sunlight causes direct damage and affects moisture levels. In areas where the sun beats down continuously, water may not evaporate quickly enough, leading to moisture buildup beneath the surface, which in turn causes more peeling.
Sunrays Break Down Pigments Forming a Powdery Residue (Chalking)
When surfaces are exposed to the sun, a process called chalking begins. This happens when the outer layers of the coat break down, forming a powdery residue. If you run your hand over a surface and see this powder, it’s a sign that the protective barrier has been compromised.
This powdery residue results from the binder within the coating deteriorating, which signifies the painting is no longer as effective. Chalking can lead to loss of color and cracking.
Roll Call Painters Use Paints Resistant to Ultraviolet Light to Protect Your Exteriors
Roll Call Painting uses paints resistant to ultraviolet light to protect your home’s exteriors. Our high-quality coatings resist deterioration caused by sunbeams. Paint gets deteriorated when exposed to sun, leading to cracks and peeling. With our durable, UV-resistant finishes, your property will stay vibrant and protected against harsh sunlight and weather conditions.
Call (316) 800-6994.
FAQs
How do I protect my exterior paint from the sun?
To protect your exterior from the rays, use UV-resistant paint. Washing and re-coating also protect the exterior. Choose lighter colors and apply protective topcoats to shield the paint from harmful rays.
Does exterior paint fade in the sun?
Exterior paint fades due to prolonged sunlight exposure. Sunrays break down the paint's pigments, causing it to lose its vibrancy. Choose paints with UV-resistant properties to slow down this process and keep your home exterior looking vibrant.
Does exterior painting dry faster in the sun?
The sun can speed up the drying of paint. However, this can lead to uneven drying, causing the coat to harden too quickly and crack or streak. Our painters recommend applying the coat during cooler parts of the day for the best results.
What is the best exterior coating for high sun exposure?
An acrylic-based coat is best for areas with intense sun exposure. These coatings offer UV resistance and protect your home’s exterior from the sun's damaging effects. Choose a coating specifically designed for high-UV environments for long-lasting protection.
What exterior paint colors fade the fastest?
Darker colors, such as deep reds, browns, and blacks, fade faster under sunlight exposure. The rays break down the pigments in these colors more quickly, leading to noticeable loss of color. Lighter shades hold up better and require less maintenance.
Can sunlight cause blistering & peeling on my paints?
Ultraviolet rays can blister and peel paint. Sunlight breaks down the paint film, making it less flexible and causing it to lift. Using high-quality, UV-resistant exterior paints can help prevent this and extend the life of the paint job.
How do UV rays cause fading on a painted exterior surface?
Ultraviolet rays cause the pigments in the paint to break down, leading to fading. They attack the chemical bonds in coats and weaken colors over time. This degradation can make your exteriors look dull and worn in areas with intense sunshine.
How can I prevent chalking and protect my paint from the sun?
To prevent chalking, apply a coat that resists sun damage and moisture. Regularly wash your exteriors to remove dirt and grime and reduce the effects of damage. Choose coats that resist degradation, and consider using a protective finish to add an extra layer of defense.
What are the signs of sun damage on painted surfaces?
Signs of sun damage include fading, chalking, cracking, and peeling. The coat may lose its luster and look dull in areas directly exposed to the rays. Our painters can inspect your home and recommend re-coating or repairs to restore its appearance.
What does the sun do to paint?
It causes pigment to fade, crack, and peel over time. Sunbeams break down the paint’s pigments and binders, reducing its protective qualities. This leads to a loss of color and can make the coat less effective in protecting surfaces from weather impact.