How to Make Your Exterior Paint Last as Long as Possible (PNW Edition)

How to Make Your Exterior Paint Last as Long as Possible (PNW Edition)

🎨 Professional Tips for Long-Lasting Results in Lewis County

If you’re investing in an exterior paint job for your home in Lewis County, WA, you want it to last. Between the PNW’s rainy climate, strong UV exposure on certain sides of the home, and the occasional budget-grade builder paint, longevity isn’t something that just happens—it’s something you have to plan for.

We’ve painted homes in Chehalis, Centralia, and even neighboring areas like Rochester that still look great 6+ years later. Why? Because we prep right, use premium products, and understand how to work with our weather—not against it.

Here’s what makes a long-lasting exterior paint job in the Pacific Northwest:

1️⃣ Start with a Solid Foundation: Proper Prep Work

Your paint is only as good as the surface it’s going on.

✔️ Clean surfaces thoroughly (pressure washing removes mildew, dirt, and grime) ✔️ Scrape and sand any peeling or flaking paint ✔️ Spot prime all bare wood ✔️ Caulk gaps and seal joints to prevent moisture intrusion

💡 Pro Tip: If a home is in rough shape, we’ll often do a full primer coat followed by two finish coats. It’s more work—but it locks in the paint system and significantly extends durability.

2️⃣ Use High-Quality Paint Designed for the PNW

Cheap paint might look okay at first, but it won’t last through Lewis County’s weather.

At Gullard Painting, we primarily use: ✔️ Rodda CoverCoat XL and Rodda Protector XL – Formulated specifically for painting in damp or variable conditions. ✔️ Sherwin-Williams Duration® & Emerald® – Excellent for color retention and moisture resistance.

🌧️ Why It Matters: These paints resist mildew, stay flexible, and adhere better in our region’s moist, unpredictable climate.

3️⃣ Mind the Direction: Sun Exposure & UV Damage

Most homes in our area take the biggest beating from the south-facing side, which gets the most sunlight.

✔️ Expect faster fading and wear on this side—especially with darker colors ✔️ Use fade-resistant formulas on high-UV exposure areas ✔️ Consider lighter colors to help offset some of the impact

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you love deep colors, we’ll help you select the right product line to ensure maximum longevity. Some paints hold pigment better and are built to fight UV.

4️⃣ Don’t Paint in the Wrong Weather

Even the best products won’t last if they’re applied at the wrong time.

✔️ Ideal temps: 50°F to 85°F ✔️ Avoid painting if rain is expected within 24 hours ✔️ We only paint when the surface can fully dry before temps drop below 38°F

🌤️ In Lewis County, this typically means Spring through early Fall is prime painting season.

5️⃣ Post-Paint Maintenance = Long-Term Savings

Even after a professional paint job, upkeep matters. Here’s how to stretch that finish for years to come:

✔️ Rinse your siding annually with low-pressure water to remove dirt and mildew ✔️ Check for caulking cracks or water intrusion ✔️ Trim back bushes and trees that brush against painted surfaces ✔️ Inspect the south side every year—it’s usually the first to show wear

🧼 Pro Tip: Annual maintenance isn’t just about appearance—it protects the integrity of your home’s envelope and avoids bigger issues later on.

Real-World Proof: Local Paint Jobs That Last

We’ve painted homes over the last decade that are still holding strong to this day—even with darker colors and full sun exposure. That’s the power of professional prep, premium paint, and knowing how to work with the Pacific Northwest climate.

And while some contractors rush through prep or cut corners with budget paint, we take a different approach: long-term results you can trust.

✅ Homes in neighborhoods where the original builder-grade paint failed after just 2–3 years? We've seen plenty. If you’re seeing signs of early wear, we can help you reset the clock with a job that’s built to last.

🎯 The Bottom Line

If you want your exterior paint to go the distance in Lewis County, WA, the secret isn’t just what color you choose—it’s who you hire, what prep they do, and how they approach the job from day one.

With the right team, materials, and timing, your home can look beautiful for the next decade or more.

✅ Need Help Protecting Your Home’s Paint?

If your paint is showing signs of wear—or you just want to make sure your investment lasts—we’d be happy to take a look. At Gullard Painting, we’ve helped homeowners across Lewis County extend the life of their paint with the right products, prep, and timing.

📞 Call us at (360) 790-2726 or visit gullardpainting.com/contact to schedule a no-pressure walkthrough.
We’ll give you honest recommendations and treat your home like it’s our own. 🏡