Years ago in Pawtucket, RI, we completed a painting project on an old Victorian home that came out absolutely fantastic.
The colors were rich, classic, and exactly what the homeowner had envisioned.
Within just a few short months, however, the paint on the exterior had dramatically faded.
It was a painstaking exercise to get the manufacturer to ultimately take responsibility, but what I learned from that experience has stayed with me ever since.
One of the biggest lessons was that the sheen of an exterior paint can have a significant impact on how well it resists fading.
In general, the higher the sheen, the greater the UV (ultraviolet) protection associated with the coating.
As a result, colors tend to stay crisper and maintain their original appearance for a longer period of time.
Because of that experience, my go-to product for many years has been Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior line.
In particular, I have always been a big fan of their Low Lustre finish.
It provides an excellent balance between durability and appearance.
The finish offers strong protection against the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays while still maintaining a classic look that works well on many New England homes.
Of course, selecting the right sheen is not always as simple as choosing the highest one available.
Higher sheen finishes generally provide better color retention, but they also tend to highlight imperfections in the surface beneath them.
Small dents, patches, uneven boards, and other flaws can become much more noticeable as the sheen level increases.
Homeowners must balance their desire for long-lasting color with their tolerance for seeing these imperfections.
In my experience, the Exterior Aura Low Lustre product often provides the best middle ground.
It delivers many of the performance benefits associated with higher sheen coatings without drawing excessive attention to every minor defect in the siding or trim.
For many homes, especially older properties with character and age, that balance is extremely important.
Paint quality also plays a major role in long-term performance.
Not all exterior paints are created equal.
Advances in paint technology have led to stronger pigments, better resins, and improved resistance to weather and UV exposure.
Investing in a premium exterior coating may cost more upfront, but it often saves money over time by extending the life of the paint job and reducing the need for repainting.
Proper preparation is equally important.
Even the best paint cannot perform at its highest level if it is applied over failing surfaces.
Thorough cleaning, scraping, sanding, priming, and repair work create the foundation for a durable finish that will stand up to the elements.
Choosing a quality paint product, selecting an appropriate sheen, and properly preparing the surface can make a tremendous difference.
The lesson I learned from that Victorian home in Pawtucket was a difficult one, but it continues to guide our recommendations today, helping protect our clients’ homes and keep their colors looking vibrant long after the last bit of paint has dried.
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