In the last year or so, I have probably painted my interior walls at least two times, but when you consider how many years I have lived in our current house, I think it’s safe to say that the number is significantly higher. So how many times can you paint a wall before it gets ruined?
You are free to repaint your walls as many times as you wish. More importantly, utilize water-resistant paint in areas where there will be a lot of traffic or where grease or food will be present.
We will explain some suggestions on how to paint each room in your house and prolong the life before re-painting again.
How Many Times Can You Repaint a wall?
Each space in our home is unique in terms of the challenges it presents. Some walls are patchier than others, while some rooms get more sunlight and thus require repainting more frequently.
Let’s explain each room more in-depth:
Bedroom
Bedrooms do not have as many activities as other areas of the house, therefore they do not require as much repainting. Our bedroom has never needed more than two coats on every 4-5 years between each paint job.
It mostly depends on the number of holes/nicks you leave when hanging up pictures or shelving, as well as where your bed is located.
If you have it against a wall, then it will get more wear and tear from sleeping or sitting throughout the years. You can easily tell if the paint is beginning to chip in this area, which means you will need to repaint it .
TIP: Wall color will fade under the sun. If you change your bed positions on a regular basis, you will minimize fading and this way repaint your walls less often.
Living Room
Living rooms have a lot going on, from family activities to cooking and hosting guests. For this reason, they require more frequent repainting.
Another thing to take into account is the amount of sun exposure. If I keep my curtains closed on most days, it will block sunlight from fading the walls. This way repainting will be needed maybe every 3 years or so.
TIP: The living room is used to show off your style and personality, so try to use higher quality paints and more luster/sheen paints. They will reflect the light from your walls better and have a longer-lasting effect.
Hallways
Hallways are the areas that need the most paint because they are used on a daily basis. You will probably see a lot of wear and tear on your walls with foot traffic over the course of one year.
Here are some suggestions to limit the number of times you paint your hallways:
- Choose lighter colors – They reflect light which makes them look fresh and new longer than darker colors.
- Tile Flooring – Tile floorings are great because they can be maintained easily
- Rugs – Put down inexpensive and durable rugs to make the space look more dressed up.
- Doormat – invest in quality doormats that will not scratch easily and can be taken outside to clean.
TIP: If you have a lot of foot traffic through your hallway, then choose the paint that is water-resistant. Cleaning will be so much easier!
Kitchen
Heat, humidity, and moisture are the main variables that cause the paint in your kitchen to weaken and flake off. Walls are constantly exposed to splattering oil, water, and food coloring.
The only way you can avoid repainting your kitchen walls over and over again is by using high-quality water-resistant paint. It will cost you more, to begin with, but it is worth it for the final result.
Sufficient and good ventilation is important for long-lasting results. It will allow humidity to escape from your space and give more time between the need for repainting.
TIP: Kitchen backsplash should be in glass or wood for easier maintenance. If you leave wall paint, it will be far harder to clean in the long run.
Bathroom
Bathrooms need regular repainting because they get exposed to moisture and humidity every day. Therefore choose a good quality paint that is water-resistant and apply two coats on all 4 walls if needed.
To avoid regular painting, install tiles on your walls. They help them keep free from moisture and mold which means fewer jobs for you with slightly more expensive on the front end.
Dining room
We paint these rooms commonly in neutral colors like white or cream to make the space appear bigger.
You might choose water-resistant paint if you are hosting large gatherings, have small kids who can make a mess, or have pets who are always finding their way to the tabletop.
Ceilings
You will not need to paint your ceilings that often. They are less exposed to the elements and you are not likely to touch them on a daily basis.
Most repainting will be needed and if you need to remove stains on your ceiling. These happen due to smoking, cooking, moisture, or water leaks.
TIP: Use semi-gloss paint for your ceilings because it is easy to clean.
Baseboards and Trim
Baseboards and trim are at risk because they get dirty easily. They can also attract mold if not cleaned well, so it is a good idea to paint them every few years to keep them looking fresh or use quality water-resistant paint.
TIP: Even if you clean your baseboards and trims regularly, dust will collect and can make your paint flake. Pay attention to these damages so you can act quickly.
Related questions
Can you paint a wall multiple times?
Yes. Re-painting a home is not just a great way to refresh its look but also to get rid of wall damage. With re-painting, you will raise the overall value of your home to a great extent and make it more friendly and welcoming.
How often can you paint over a wall?
In my experience, interior walls can be repainted every 2-5 years on average depending on wear and tear. Higher traffic areas may need freshening more frequently. Exterior surfaces may need repainting every 3-7 years due to sun exposure and weathering. Proper prep is always key before applying new paint.
How many coats of paint can you put on a wall?
Typically I apply 2-3 coats when painting walls to ensure full and even coverage. Darker colors may require an extra coat. As long as previous layers have been properly sanded and primed, I have successfully added multiple coats of new paint over old painted walls.
Can you put too many layers of paint on a wall?
Yes, it is possible to add too many layers of paint on a wall over time. Excessive layers can lead to chipping, cracking, peeling and other adhesion issues if not done properly. I recommend limiting paint builds to no more than 4-5 layers total to avoid potential problems. Proper prep and priming ensures each new layer adheres well. Moderation is key when repainting walls.