--- title: How Exterior Paint Can Start To Look White and Chalky description: Are you noticing white spots on your exterior paint that look chalky? Find out how it happened and how you can eliminate chalky exterior paint. image: https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/Website%20Image%20Size%20(10).png --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/chalky-exterior-paint#maincontent) [ «  Learning Center ](https://brushandrollpainting.com/learning-center) # How Exterior Paint Can Start To Look White and Chalky September 22nd, 2023 3 min read By [Kaylea Kuhlman](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) ![Man dipping paint brush into white paint, about to paint siding on a home white.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Image%20Size%20(10).png?width=800&height=418&name=Website%20Image%20Size%20(10).png) The exterior of a house is its first line of defense against the elements, making the appearance of your home's exterior paint crucial to its overall curb appeal and protection. However, homeowners sometimes need help with an issue where their once-vibrant exterior paint looks chalky and dull.  That’s where we can help. With over 25 years of experience and industry knowledge in the Omaha metro, at Brush & Roll painting, we have handled our fair share of exterior houses that have chalky paint. In this article, we'll delve into why exterior paint can begin to look chalky and explore the steps you can take to prevent and remedy this issue. By reading this, you can have a plan in place on how to tackle your chalky white exterior paint.  ## Understanding the Chalky Appearance The chalky appearance on the surface of exterior paint is often referred to as "chalking." Chalking occurs when the binders and pigments in the paint degrade due to various environmental factors.  This degradation results in a white, powdery residue on the paint's surface. The severity of chalking can vary, ranging from a light, barely noticeable dusting to a more prominent and visibly faded appearance. ## Causes of Chalking On Exterior Paint ### 1. Environmental Factors on Exterior Paint Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the primary culprits behind chalking. Over time, prolonged exposure to UV rays breaks down the binders and pigments in the paint, causing them to deteriorate and lose their color intensity.  This process is more common in paints with lower-quality pigments and binders. These ingredients are a key component in paint.  ### 2. Aging Exterior Paint Just like any other material, paint ages over time. Even the highest quality paints will eventually succumb to the effects of weather and time.  As the paint ages, its protective qualities weaken, making it more susceptible to chalking. ### 3. Outdoor Moisture and Humidity Excessive moisture and high humidity levels can expedite the degradation of paint. Water can penetrate the paint film and cause it to swell and contract with temperature changes, leading to the breakdown of the paint's integrity and the appearance of chalking. Although Nebraska doesn’t have excessive heat continuously, our weather is still known to provide humidity and moisture that can damage your paint.  ### 4. Inadequate Preparation  Proper surface preparation before painting is crucial to ensure paint adhesion and longevity.  When surfaces are not adequately cleaned, primed, or stripped of old, flaking paint, the new coat may not adhere properly, resulting in chalking over time. ### 5. Low-Quality Exterior Paint The quality of the paint used also plays a significant role. Paints with lower pigment concentrations, fewer binders, and inadequate UV protection are likelier to chalk quickly.  Investing in high-quality, UV-resistant paints can significantly eliminate chalking issues. Higher-quality paints can have a higher price, but they will give you the most bang for your buck.  [Comparing low-quality to high-quality exterior paints will help you land the one that is best for you.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/cheap-vs-expensive-exterior-paint) ## Prevention and Remedies To fix this issue, the white chalky paint can not simply be painted over. The surface needs the following work done to ensure a clean and fresh exterior finish that will last many years: ### 1. High-Quality Paint Selection Opt for high-quality exterior paints with UV-resistant properties. These paints are formulated to withstand sun exposure and maintain their color vibrancy for a more extended period. Two common companies that carry a range of exterior paint are Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore; compare[ the two to see which is best for you. ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/exterior-paint-comparison) ### 2. Surface Preparation It is crucial to ensure that the exterior walls are thoroughly cleaned and prepared before applying new coats of paint. This includes removing dirt and grime by power washing, caulking nail holes and cracks, and scraping old flaking paint to ensure proper adhesion. ### 3. Priming Applying a primer before painting can enhance paint adhesion and help prevent chalking. Primers create a barrier between the surface and the paint, improving durability. ### 4. Regular Maintenance [Routine cleaning and maintenance](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/how-to-clean-exterior-paint) of your home's exterior can help prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and pollutants contributing to chalking. Gently washing the exterior walls can extend the life of the paint. ### 5. Appropriate Repainting Schedule Depending on the climate and level of exposure, consider repainting every 10-15 years to maintain the appearance and protection of your home's exterior. ## Conclusion The chalky appearance of exterior paint can be a frustrating challenge for homeowners seeking to maintain their home's aesthetic appeal.  Understanding the causes of chalking, such as UV exposure, aging, moisture, inadequate preparation, and low-quality paint, can empower homeowners to take proactive measures. By selecting high-quality exterior paint products, preparing surfaces well, and implementing regular maintenance routines, you can extend the life of your exterior paint and keep your home looking vibrant and welcoming for years to come. When you’re ready to rid your exterior paint of chalky white residue completely, schedule an estimate with Brush & Roll Painting. [![GET A QUOTE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/c191e76f-b1ae-40ef-97b0-79ddd9b97ab7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/c191e76f-b1ae-40ef-97b0-79ddd9b97ab7) Our thorough prep work process and use of high-quality [Benjamin Moore exterior paints](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/benjamin-moore-best-exterior-paints), as well as our 2 to 9-year warranty, guarantees long-lasting paint and pigment. [ Kaylea Kuhlman ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) Kaylea is the Content Manager at Brush & Roll Painting, where she leads the company’s marketing strategy, content creation, and brand messaging. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Journalism and Media Communications and a minor in Marketing, combining strong writing skills with a clear understanding of how to connect with homeowners. Since joining Brush & Roll Painting at the end of 2022, Kaylea has played a key role in shaping how the company communicates with its customers. She works closely with the team to turn real, on-the-job experience into helpful, easy-to-understand content that answers the questions homeowners are already asking. Her approach focuses on clarity, honesty, and making sure people feel confident before starting a painting project. Kaylea’s work helps bridge the gap between technical painting knowledge and everyday decision-making. Whether it’s explaining the difference between paint finishes, helping homeowners choose the right cabinet color, or breaking down what to expect from a professional painting process, her goal is always the same: to make the process feel simple and stress-free. Topics Kaylea Covers: Kaylea writes and creates content across all areas of residential painting, including: -Interior painting (walls, ceilings, trim, and woodwork) -Exterior painting and maintenance -Cabinet painting and refinishing -Deck staining and wood care -Paint colors, finishes, and design decisions -What to expect when hiring a professional painter -Common homeowner questions, concerns, and mistakes to avoid Her content is designed to give homeowners clear answers, set realistic expectations, and help them make confident decisions about their home. Topics: [ Pro Tips ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/pro-tips) [ Hiring A Painter ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/hiring-a-painter) [ Exterior Painting ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/exterior-painting) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles [![Exterior of house in Omaha, NE with a ladder against it in the process of being painted by Brush & Roll Painting.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Havens%20during%201.jpg?width=1280&height=721&name=Havens%20during%201.jpg) ### 9 Things To Do Before Exterior House Painting July 6th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/9-things-to-do-before-exterior-house-painting-omaha) [![Basement kitchen with a fresh black paint color and smooth finish on cabinets in a home in Omaha, nE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4532.jpeg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_4532.jpeg) ### 9 Mistakes for Choosing a Cabinet Paint Color & Finish June 26th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/mistakes-for-choosing-a-cabinet-paint-color-finish) [![Caulk on the outside of a home before painting in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6018.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_6018.jpg) ### Why Your Exterior Caulk Is Cracking After One Year June 22nd, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-your-exterior-caulk-is-cracking-after-one-year) [![Wall of paint color swatches in a hardware store for homeowners to pick paint colors in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jun-19-2026-02-22-33-4456-PM.png?width=800&height=418&name=Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jun-19-2026-02-22-33-4456-PM.png) ### Why Paint Chips Don’t Match Your Actual Paint June 19th, 2026|3 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-paint-chips-dont-match-your-actual-paint) [![Wall with imperfections with brown paint before painting again in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Burnham%20Before%201-1.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=Burnham%20Before%201-1.jpg) ### Why Do My Walls Look Worse After DIY Painting? 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