When you first paint a room or move into a freshly painted home, the color on the walls looks just right. But over time, you might start to notice subtle—or even dramatic—changes in the shade. A soft gray might begin to look beige, a crisp white could develop a yellowish tint, or a once-bold color may appear faded and dull.
If you’ve noticed this, you’re not alone. It’s natural to wonder: Does paint color change over time? And if so, why does it happen, and how can you prevent it?
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been painting homes in Omaha since 1996. We use only high-quality paint products and take the necessary steps to ensure every job looks great and lasts. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how paint can change over time, and we’ve helped countless homeowners avoid these issues by using the right products and techniques.
In this article, we will go over why old paint can change color over time, the biggest factors that contribute to fading and discoloration, and how to prevent your next paint job from suffering the same fate. By reading this article, you will understand what causes paint to fade, learn practical steps to maintain your wall colors for longer, and know what to do if your paint has already started changing color.
Yes, paint color can and often does change over time. If your walls look different than they did when they were first painted, it’s likely due to one or more of the following factors:
Not all paints are created equal. Low-quality paints contain fewer binders and pigments, making them more susceptible to fading. Over time, exposure to light and air can cause the pigments to break down, leading to noticeable color changes.
Example: If you painted a room with budget-friendly paint and noticed it looking dull or washed out within a couple of years, the quality of the paint could be the culprit.
The more sunlight a wall gets, the faster it will fade. UV rays break down the chemical bonds in paint, causing it to lose its original color. This is especially noticeable in rooms with large windows or areas that receive direct sunlight throughout the day.
Over time, the oxygen in the air reacts with paint, which can cause subtle (or sometimes not-so-subtle) shifts in color. Additionally, things like cooking fumes, candles, and even indoor air pollution can cause discoloration.
Example: If a wall near your kitchen is looking more yellow or brown, it could be from years of exposure to cooking oils and smoke.
Excess moisture in a home can affect paint color, especially if the walls aren’t properly primed and sealed. In areas like bathrooms and basements, moisture can cause streaking, blotching, or even mildew growth, which alters the appearance of the paint.
If you’ve tried to touch up a wall with leftover paint from the original job, you may have noticed the touch-up looks different. Paint can age and change slightly in the can, meaning even the exact same paint might not match perfectly over time.
When this happens, the touched-up area might look shinier or duller.
The good news? There are ways to prevent fading and discoloration. If you want your next paint job to stay true to its original color for years to come, here’s what you can do:
Investing in high-quality paint can make all the difference. Premium paints contain better pigments and binders, making them more resistant to fading and color shifts.
If you’re painting a room that gets a lot of sunlight, look for paints specifically designed to resist UV damage. Some paints have built-in UV protection to slow down the fading process.
Darker colors tend to fade faster in direct sunlight, so if you’re painting a sunlit room, consider using a lighter shade that won’t fade as quickly.
If possible, use an air purifier and regularly clean walls to minimize discoloration from airborne contaminants like smoke, cooking fumes, and dust.
If you need to touch up your walls, mix the paint thoroughly and try blending the touch-up into the existing color. If the difference is noticeable, consider repainting the entire wall instead of just one spot.
If you’ve noticed your paint isn’t looking the same as when it was first applied, don’t worry—there are solutions. Here’s what you can do:
Not necessarily! If you use high-quality paint, protect it from excessive sunlight, and maintain a clean environment, your paint can stay true to its original color for many years. However, all paint will experience some level of change over time—it’s just a matter of how quickly and noticeably it happens.
If you’re dealing with fading, discoloration, or unexpected color changes in your home, now you know why it’s happening—and how to prevent it in the future. Using high-quality paint and taking proper precautions can make a huge difference in keeping your walls looking fresh for years to come.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’re here to help homeowners in Omaha make the best decisions for their painting projects. If you’re considering a repaint, we can guide you through selecting the best paint and techniques to ensure long-lasting results.
Click the button below to get a quote and ensure your next paint job looks great for years to come.
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