How Often Should You Paint Your Walls?

Wondering whether your walls need to be repainted? We recommend repainting your interior walls every three to seven years. However, your walls may need more frequent painting depending on your lifestyle, daily activities, and the amount of foot traffic a room receives.

Read on to learn how long your current wall paint will last and how often to freshen up specific rooms:

• Determine how long long paint will last:
• Quality of paint and prep work
• Room condition
• High traffic areas
• Painting walls based on the room
• FAQs about painting home walls

Determine How Long Your Wall Paint Will Last

To determine how long your current paint will last, consider the following factors: quality of paint and its application, room condition, and frequency of room use. Learn about each below.

Factor 1: Paint Quality and Prep Work

The initial prep work, paint quality, and painting techniques used affect how long a color will remain looking good. Without the proper preparation — including sanding the surface and applying a good primer — you will likely find your walls chipping or peeling after just a couple of years. For future paint jobs, it’s imperative not to skip any painting steps and use high-quality paints to ensure a long-lasting finish.

Factor 2: Room Condition

Your room condition can also dictate how much longer a paint job will last. Think about the shape your walls are in and ask yourself the following: How long has it been since you last painted the room? Do the walls have a few scrapes or is the paint peeling entirely?

As you consider repainting, keep in mind that the current state of the room influences the overall process. The dingier a room is, the more prep work it may require.

Factor 3: High Traffic Areas

Areas that see a lot of foot traffic and activity are more susceptible to wear and tear. If a room sees a lot of activity, such as a children’s playroom or a main hallway, the paint may naturally look worn sooner than it would in a less-used room. Assess what the room is used for to get a better idea of how much longer the paint will last so you can anticipate when to repaint it. You can also contact a professional painting service to provide an estimate as to when a room needs repainting.

Painting Walls Based on the Room

How often you should paint your home interior will depend on the room. Read on to learn which spaces need more frequent painting:

Bedrooms don’t need to be painted too often, especially an adult’s room. A good rule is to paint it every five to seven years. However, a children’s room may need more regular coats due to messes, drawings on the wall, and energetic activity. Typically, it’s good to freshen up kids’ rooms every three to five years.

Living rooms and dining rooms can be repainted less often. Keep in mind that wall maintenance will depend on how much those rooms are used and how big the mess can get.

High-traffic areas such as hallways and stairways often experience the most wear and tear compared to what other rooms in the house do. This is because frequent walking, bumping, pet messes, and spills cause further damage to your walls. It’s recommended to repaint your hallways every couple of years.

Much like entryways do, kitchens and bathrooms also experience significant wear and tear. Heat, grease, and steam cause further damage to walls in these areas. A good rule is to paint these spaces every three to four years. Consider adding a waterproof top coat for extra durability.

FAQs about Painting Home Walls

Can you paint a wall too many times?

No, there isn’t a limit to how many times you can paint your wall. Keep in mind that it’s important to sand the previously painted surface somewhat prior to repainting.

Can you paint over a painted wall?

It depends. If the wall is prepared properly, debris-free, and covered with the same type of paint as what you plan to apply (e.g., oil-based on oil-based), then it’s OK to repaint. If it’s not, you’ll have to do extra preparation before adding a new coat. Contact a service professional for more information.

Can I paint the wall without removing the old paint?

You can paint walls without removing the old paint if the current paint is in adequate condition. It’s easier when there is little difference between the color of the new and old paint although a more drastic color change can succeed with proper priming.

Why Choose Five Star Painting for Your Wall Painting

Our painting professionals use a customer-focused, quality-driven approach. We use high-quality paint from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr — and we’ll work with you on choosing the right color for your space. Our teams consist of painters, estimators, and production managers who are dedicated to finishing each job on time and within budget.

We have more than 120 locations throughout North America, so give us a call today or schedule a free estimate online to get started.