How long exterior paint lasts does not depend only on the quality of the paint. When it is applied, and onto what kind of surface, matters just as much. In and around Fethiye, hot summers, wet winters and salty air along the coast are the three main factors to consider when planning facade work.
The right season: spring and autumn
Most exterior paints are made to be applied within a certain temperature range. The correct range is printed on the product label; in general, application in very cold or very hot weather is not recommended.
- Midsummer: In the midday sun, the wall surface gets very hot. The paint dries too fast, brush marks remain, and the risk of blistering and cracking rises. Work should be done early in the morning or in the shade in the afternoon.
- Winter: Rain and humidity affect how well paint bonds and dries. Paint applied to a damp surface can blister.
- Spring and autumn: The balance of temperature and humidity is usually best in these seasons. Even so, check the forecast for the day of application and the following few days.
On windy days, dust and sand can stick to wet paint, so painting is not recommended then either.
Facades near the coast: salt and humidity
In places close to the shore, such as Çalış and Ölüdeniz, salt wears down exterior paint and metal fittings faster. On these facades, pay attention to the following:
- Before painting, wash the surface to remove salt and dirt.
- If metal railings and window frames have rust, clean it off and apply an anti-rust primer.
- Choose paints made for exterior use that can stand up to a marine climate.
Surface preparation matters more than the paint itself
Exterior paint usually peels not because the paint is poor, but because the preparation was. Before painting, check the following:
- Cracks and crumbling plaster. If they are painted over without repair, the cracks come back within a few months.
- The source of damp. Wherever the water is coming from (gutter, roof, leaking pipe), that must be fixed first. Paint on a damp wall blisters.
- Old, loose paint. Areas that are no longer adhering must be scraped off and the surface made smooth.
- Primer. A primer suited to the surface clearly improves how well the paint bonds and how long it lasts.
New plaster must dry properly before it is painted; how long this takes depends on the weather.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait after rain? The wall must be genuinely dry; painting while the surface is still damp leads to blistering. The waiting time depends on the thickness of the wall, how much sun it gets and the humidity in the air. If you are unsure, have the moisture in the surface measured.
How many years does exterior paint last? This varies widely depending on the quality of the paint, the surface preparation, how much sun and wind the facade gets and how close it is to the sea. Giving a fixed number of years would be misleading; the length and scope of the guarantee should be written in the quotation.
Can I paint over old paint? If the old paint is sound, the surface can be cleaned, prepared with a suitable primer and painted over. Areas that are blistered, peeling or chalky must be stripped first.
What to ask when getting a quotation
A common reason for two different quotations for the same area is that preparation work is included in one and not in the other. Make sure the quotation states: which paint brand and product, how many coats, whether crack repair and primer are included, scaffolding, duration and guarantee. For details, see the painting and renovation page.
Before deciding on exact timing, the surface needs to be seen on site. The condition of the facade determines the preparation needed and, therefore, the best time to do the job.
This guide is for general information. Every home is different; for your own home, ask a company that has seen the work on site for a written quotation.