How to Keep Your Exterior Paint Looking New in Florida

Florida sun, rain and humidity are hard on exterior paint. A good paint job lasts much longer with the right prep, the right finish and a little upkeep. Here's how to keep your home's exterior looking fresh.

It starts with prep

Most exterior paint failures come from what's underneath. Loose and failing paint needs to be scraped and sanded, cracks and holes patched and sealed, stucco cracks repaired, and bare areas primed before the finish coats. See how we prepare your home's exterior.

Choose the right finish

• Siding and stucco: flat or satin hides surface flaws.
• Trim: satin or semi-gloss stands up to weather and is easy to clean.
• Doors and shutters: semi-gloss or gloss for durability and a crisp look.

Aluminum and metal siding need a primer made for metal so the paint bonds and doesn't peel.

Keep it clean

Dirt, pollen and mildew break paint down over time. Rinse or gently wash the exterior once or twice a year. Use low pressure on painted surfaces; a pressure washer held too close can strip paint and force water behind siding.

Watch for mold and mildew

Dark spots on shaded walls, especially on the north side and under eaves, are usually mildew. Clean it early with a mildew wash before it stains the paint.

Know the common problems

• Chalking: a powdery film from sun exposure. Wash it off and, if it's heavy, repaint with a quality exterior paint.
• Blistering and bubbling: usually moisture behind the paint or painting in direct heat. Find and fix the moisture, scrape and repaint.
• Flaking and peeling: poor adhesion from dirty or damp surfaces. Scrape, prime and repaint.

Touch up early

Small cracks and chips let water in. Touching them up when you see them keeps a small problem from becoming peeling paint or rot.

Pick the right weather

Paint needs dry surfaces and the right temperature to cure. See painting your house in Florida weather.

Exterior painting in Orlando

New Ceilings paints home exteriors across Orlando and Central Florida with Sherwin-Williams paint, with the surface repaired and prepped first. See interior and exterior painting.