How Often Should You Paint Your Walls?

Almost every homeowner has probably asked themselves: how often should I paint my interior walls? Refreshing paint in your home can be a beneficial project that gives your home a new life. High-traffic areas or walls that have seen significant damage can benefit from a fresh coat. In this blog, we will share some common timelines of how often you should paint your walls in specific rooms. 

Every home is unique and experiences different means of wear and tear. This can change the consistency of how often your paint needs a touch-up. For homeowners who only use their dining room once a year, painting these walls every 3 years will not be beneficial. Consulting a professional about the current state of your painted surfaces can give you a clearer picture of when to paint your walls. 

Living Room

For many families or roommates, the living room is a gathering place. The living room is the place where your children, pets, and guests all spend a significant amount of time. Because the living room typically sees slower traffic (less playing, running, or furniture dings), most painters recommend painting the walls every 5-7 years. Touching up paint in this open area will help people feel more welcome in your home. 

Updating The Kitchen

Another gathering place is the kitchen. Many stains, wear, and scratches can occur in a kitchen. While interior paint makes it easier to clean the walls in your kitchen, over time that paint can start to change color or fade. The heat from appliances, grease from food, and steam can all cause damage to your walls. When paint starts to peel or fade it is time for a refresh. Paint your walls in your kitchen every 3-4 years for optimal protection.

Primary Bedrooms, Children’s Bedrooms, And More

Adults and children use their respective bedrooms differently. Adult bedrooms or guest bedrooms only need to be repainted every 10 years because they see limited wear. Unless you want to change the color scheme of the room, these bedrooms can be left alone.

For children’s bedrooms, the timeline is much shorter. On average, painters recommend you paint your walls in the children’s rooms every 2-3 years. Not only do children’s rooms typically see more wear, but their tastes and personalities can grow and change. Refreshing the paint will help cover imperfections and help your child feel comfortable in their room. 

How Often Should I Paint Baseboards And Trim?

Interior trim helps to bring the design of your home together. Repainting your trim, doors, cabinets, and windows will help keep your home looking new for many years. If your trim is susceptible to scuffs, marks, and dents, paint your walls and trim every 2-4 years. Depending on the damage to your home accessories, painting or refinishing sooner may be more beneficial. 

Hallways

Moving from room to room in your home is done through walkways and hallways. Having paint in these spaces will prevent scuffs and scratches when done correctly. Because nothing lasts forever, it is recommended for hallways to be painted every 2-3 years. Repainting at the right time will help the hallways keep up with the demands of your family and pets.

Bathrooms

The bathroom is the most common place for moisture problems in the home. Having a paint that can withstand the humidity will be your best use of money. Water-based paints are the best option to put in a bathroom because they hold up well and are easily cleaned. You should paint your walls in a bathroom every 3-4 years. 

Ceilings

The ceilings are often the last place you think about when updating your home. Paint on ceilings helps to brighten up the room and stop leaks. Your ceiling doesn’t need to be repainted often, but having it painted every 10 years will give a fresh look to the space after years of sunlight or humidity damage.

Residential Services From American Town Painting

While painting your home is something you can handle on your own, working with a professional can help the process go smoother. American Town Painting has years of experience working with homeowners to improve their paint jobs. With interior painting and cabinet refinishing experience under our belt, homeowners will know that they are in good hands.