You’ve probably felt frustrated by the high cost and hassle of exterior painting, only to find yourself needing to repaint again after just a few years. You might wonder why the paint doesn’t last on your property.

Like many customers, you might blame poor prep work by the painter. While prep work matters, the real issue usually isn’t the painter—it’s the paint itself. The global paint industry is expected to reach a staggering $179 billion by 2032, driven largely by repeat customers like you.

Modern exterior paints are designed to last only 3 to 5 years. Paint companies rely heavily on this short cycle, leading to a constant need to repaint. You’ve probably noticed more local painting franchises and independent painters lately—this surge is directly linked to shorter paint lifespans. In fact, some of today’s fastest-growing franchises are in the painting industry.

Most painting companies offer just a one-year touch-up guarantee, acknowledging that exterior paint simply doesn’t hold up. Around year three, they typically remind you with an “It’s time to paint again” postcard. In reality, you never truly own your paint job—you merely rent it for about five years.

Some customers tell us they repaint every 10 years to save money. Unfortunately, these properties often suffer the worst wood rot and water damage. Relying on inexpensive 3 to 5-year paint finishes isn’t a sustainable or cost-effective solution.