Have you ever looked around your home and thought… hmmm something feels a bit …off? Paint can be sneaky like that.

One day it looks nice and fresh and then suddenly it’s all faded and cracked.

Whether you’re someone who likes to change things up all the time or you only do maintenance when absolutely necessary (we see you), knowing how often to repaint your home can save you heaps of trouble down the track.

Let’s be real. Paint isn’t just there to make your house look nice and presentable its also about keeping it protected.

It’s your first line of defence against the elements. And inside? It’s what makes your space feel like you. So are you wondering how often should you actually repaint your house?

Spoiler alert it depends. But if you keep reading, with the help from the experts at Perth City Painters, I’ll help you find what suits you best.

Let’s Start Outside: How Often Should You Repaint the Exterior?

Outside paint jobs do a lot of heavy lifting. They cop the sun, wind, rain, and dust… and they’re expected to hold up for years. No pressure right?

Here’s a rough guide:

• Timber cladding: every 3–7 years. Timber needs more TLC. It’s gorgeous but a bit needy.
• Weatherboard (painted): about every 5–10 years.
• Render: around every 8–15 years depending on exposure and paint type.
• Fibre cement: 10–15 years. These panels age like fine wine, kind of.
• Brick (painted): 15–20 years or even longer if done right.

But let’s not treat these numbers like gospel.

Where you live changes everything. Do you live somewhere with lots of sun? Do you live by the ocean that means you get the coastal salt spray or maybe you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain during the wet months of the year?

All of these can shorten your paint’s lifespan faster.

Watch for these signs:

• Colour fading, especially on north and west-facing walls
• If paint starts to flake away or starts bubbling
• Timber looking dry/old
• Mould or mildew growth

If you’re seeing any of that it’s time. There is no use waiting until your exterior starts falling to pieces.

Now For the Inside: How Often Should You Repaint Interior Walls?

Alright so indoor paint doesn’t get smashed by the weather, but it still deals with its fair share of chaos.

If you have kids or pets you probably know how easily walls can get dirty. Cooking inside also can damage paint more quickly, but hey we gotta eat?

Here’s a general guide for knowing when to repaint:

Living rooms & dining areas: every 5–7 years because these rooms see a lot of life.

Bedrooms: every 7–10 years, unless it’s a child’s room… then you’re probably repainting more often because the dinosaurs and fairy gardens may have to be switched out every few years.

Kitchens: every 4–6 years. The steam, grease and sticky hands from cooking really does make a difference!

Bathrooms: every 4–5 years. Moisture loves to mess with paint so if you love warm steamy showers you may have to repaint more often.

Hallways & corridors: every 3–5 years. High traffic = high wear.

Now if you’re a neat freak or your walls rarely get touched, you could stretch these out much longer. But if your hallway looks like a rugby match has been played in it maybe sooner rather than later!

Interior Paint: When the Colour Isn’t the Only Problem

Sometimes you’re not repainting because the paint’s wearing out. You’re just… over it.

You know that feeling?

When a room’s colour suddenly feels outdated or doesn’t match your furniture anymore. Or maybe the previous owners had a thing for beige and you just can’t look at another wall that screams 2006.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with repainting just because you want to. In fact it’s one of the easiest ways to refresh your space without breaking the bank.

Paint Quality Makes a Big Difference

Cheap paint means frequent repainting. The better the quality of the paint and prep work the longer it’ll last.

Go for premium brands with good washability and UV resistance, after all you get what you pay for.

Don’t skip proper surface prep. Make sure to sand the walls so there is no more leftover paint on them. Then you need to make sure they are cleaned and primed before you paint. It seems extra but having your paint peel off after a few months will definitely be more annoying

Little Tips to Make Your Paint Last Longer

Because nobody wants to repaint every year.

• Clean your walls gently once or twice a year: especially in kitchens and bathrooms because they may get a lot of wear from steam and moisture.
• Tackle mould and mildew quickly: don’t let it spread.
• Keep your home ventilated: particularly in wet areas!
• Use furniture pads to stop scuff marks near trims and corners.
• Don’t ignore hairline cracks: they can get worse fast so its better so fix it while its still small.

Treat your paint well and it’ll return the favour.

So, Should You Repaint Now?

Let’s see. Are your walls cracked or full of mystery smudges?

Is your exterior starting to peel like old sunburn?

If your house is giving you hints, take the hint.

You don’t have to do it all at once. Start with one room. Just the front facade. Or the hallway that gives everyone a bad first impression.

And if you’re not sure where to begin? Ask yourself this: What part of your house do you see every day but avoid looking at properly because you know it needs work? Start there.

Painting isn’t always glamorous. But the results? Totally worth it.Trust your gut and maybe your eyes if they’re telling you the paints past its prime.