Green is a popular color choice for house paint. It can look crisp and clean, blending nicely with natural surroundings. However, some people worry that green paint may fade or discolor faster than other shades. There are a few factors that determine how quickly green house paint fades.
What Makes Paint Fade
All exterior paints are susceptible to fading over time. UV rays from sunlight break down the pigments and polymers in the paint, causing it to gradually lose vibrancy. However, some paint colors are more prone to fading than others.
The main factors that cause house paint to fade are:
- Sunlight – UV exposure is the number one cause of paint fading. South or west facing walls get more direct sunlight and will fade faster.
- Pigment Types – Inorganic pigments are more fade resistant than organic ones. High quality green paint uses stable inorganic pigments.
- Surface Conditions – Dirty, chalky, or damaged surfaces will undermine the paint’s ability to adhere properly, making it fade more quickly.
- Moisture Exposure – Excess moisture from rain, sprinklers, fog, or damp climates can speed up paint deterioration.
- Low Paint Quality – Cheaper paints use less pigment and weaker binders, so the color fades more rapidly.
Green paint is especially vulnerable to fading because the organic pigments that create green hues tend to be less UV stable. However, paint technology has improved to make modern green house paints more durable.
How Quickly Does Green Paint Fade?
When you use a high quality exterior paint and proper application techniques, green paint will have a fade resistance comparable to other darker paint colors. With optimal conditions, you can expect the green paint to last:
- 3-5 years before minor fading occurs
- 7-9 years before reapplication is needed
On average, most quality exterior paints will need recoating every 7-10 years regardless of color. The rate of fading depends on many environmental factors. Southwestern regions with very sunny, dry climates may require more frequent touch ups. Cool, moist climates extend the life of the paint job.
Here is a table comparing the expected fade rates of different quality paints:
| Paint Quality | First Noticeable Fading | Recoating Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Low Quality | 1-2 years | 3-5 years |
| Average Quality | 3-4 years | 7-8 years |
| High Quality | 5-7 years | 10-12 years |
Factors That Extend Green Paint Life
Although environmental factors play a big role, there are steps you can take to get the maximum life out of your green house paint:
- Choose a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint formulated for exteriors. It will have enhanced UV resins.
- Pick a medium to dark green shade. Deeper greens resist fading better than light greens.
- Use flat or satin finish rather than high gloss. Shiny paints show fading effects sooner.
- Prepare surfaces thoroughly – clean, scrape, prime, caulk gaps.
- Apply two coats and use proper technique to get full coverage.
- Provide shade with awnings, landscaping and recessed lighting if possible.
- Limit sprinkler exposure on the painted walls.
- Clean painted surfaces annually with mild soap and water.
Investing in the highest quality exterior acrylic latex paint, applying it correctly, and maintaining it well are the keys to minimizing fading.
Green Paint Colors That Resist Fading
Certain shades of green contain pigments that retain their color better than others. These green paint colors stay vibrant longer on exterior surfaces:
- Forest Green – Made with phthalo green pigment, known for UV resistance.
- Emerald Green – Contains phthalo green and small amounts of yellow for a rich green.
- English Ivy – Dark green with a blue undertone courtesy of fade resistant phthalo.
- Black Green – Very dark green that approaches black. The deep shade resists fading.
- Verdigris – Gray toned teal green with exceptional weather resistance.
Dark olive greens also retain their color well. If you want a lighter green, choose one with strong yellow undertones rather than blue undertones.
Preventing Green Paint Fading
While all exterior paints eventually succumb to the elements, you can slow the fading process through proper materials and application:
- Clean and prepare surfaces – Remove chalk, dirt, mildew, loose paint. Scrape, sand, prime.
- Caulk gaps – Paint adheres best to a water-tight surface.
- Use 100% acrylic latex paint formulated for exteriors.
- Apply an exterior primer.
- Paint two full coats.
- Use flat or satin finish.
- Choose deeper green tones.
- Provide shade when possible.
- Limit exposure to sprinklers.
- Clean painted surfaces annually.
- Touch up worn areas.
Proper surface prep and application are just as important as the type of paint you choose. Taking the time to correctly prepare and coat the house will maximize the life of your green paint job.
Conclusion
Green is a classic color for exterior house paint, but some people are deterred by worries about rapid fading. In truth, modern quality green paints have improved fade resistance due to innovations in paint technology. When using a top-tier acrylic latex exterior paint, you can expect the green color to last as long as any darker hue before needing to be recoated. Fading issues are minimized if the paint is applied over thoroughly prepped surfaces and cared for properly over time. With the right green paint formulation and application techniques, you can confidently use a green color when painting your house.
