Gloss Retention Loss - Causes & Solutions

For many people, a good quality paint job is the difference between an exceptional renovation and a painful eye-sore. Whether you are renovating or planning to build for the first time, choosing quality paint is a pivotal step in ensuring the maintenance of paint luster. For large projects, choosing the right paint for the right job can save valuable time and money, mainly because it can help you avoid the hassle and expense of needing to do the job over again.
 

Choosing the wrong paint

There are many reasons that paint may not retain its gloss. One of the prime reasons is when interior paint is used for exterior paint jobs. Sometimes the prospect of spending hundreds of dollars to paint the house seems like an unnecessary cost, and in the interest of saving money, some people make the mistake of choosing the wrong type of paint. If a specific type of paint is only intended for internal use, quite often, once it is exposed to the elements, it quickly begins to lose its natural gloss. In addition to this, it is common for paint to begin to crack and peel.
 

Cutting corners

Using lower quality paint in order to save money can also be problematic. This is because cheaper paint tends to lose its luster more quickly. The paint film, which is responsible for maintaining the glossy look of the surface it covers, often deteriorates much quicker in lower quality paints. Using an oil-based paint in direct sunlight may also compromise the binder and pigment of paint, causing it to look dull and to begin peeling. Whereas the binders in lower grade paint often absorb UV radiation, many higher grade paints have binders designed to be more UV-resistant. Hence, investing a bit of extra money in UV-resistant paints usually results in a greater length of time before binder breakdown and subsequent loss of gloss.

Choose your paint wisely, depending on the job that you need done. There is more harm in choosing quickly and not getting as good a finish as you want. Consult an expert if you can to resolve issues or if not, ask questions at the paint shop before you buy.

Primers and Finishes

Spot prime all bare areas. Also refer to "Chalking" solutions. 
Select a top quality exterior gloss paint in the color of your choice. 

Substrates, Primers

Substrate: Various 
Primer: Usually None 
Finish Coats: 1240 Acry-Shield Exterior Flat Finish 
1245 Acry-Velvet Ext. Low Sheen Finish 
1250 Acry-Lustre Ext. Semi-Gloss Finish 
1235 Seasons Ext. 100% Acrylic Flat 
1236 Seasons Ext. 100% Acrylic Low Sheen