Not All Paint Is Created Equal

Paint is one of those things that looks great… until it doesn’t. One summer your house looks crisp and fresh, and a few seasons later it’s peeling, fading, or chalky and everyone’s wondering what went wrong.

Here’s the not-so-secret truth: paint quality and prep matter as much as choosing a paint color.

Good exterior paint isn’t just about looks. It’s designed to flex with temperature swings, resist moisture, and stand up to sun exposure year after year. Cheaper paints tend to fade faster, peel sooner, and show wear much more quickly, especially in climates like ours where the weather varies throughout the year. This is exactly why our go-to paint is Benjamin Moore Aura for exterior projects. It’s durable, breathable, and designed to hold up to weather without looking tired after just a few years. When paired with proper prep, it doesn’t just look good — it lasts!

But even the best paint won’t save you if the prep work is skipped. Exterior prep is where longevity is won or lost. Cleaning the surface properly, scraping loose paint, sanding rough spots, and priming (where needed) all takes time — and they’re often the steps people rush through. The result? Paint that fails long before it should.

So, if your exterior is starting to look a little worn, it might not be time for a new color — it might be time for high quality paint and better prep. Your future self, pocketbook (and your siding) will thank you.

Marie Hanson

Marie Hanson, daughter of David and Kim, wears many hats at Hanson Carlen, where she proudly represents the fourth generation of builders. After studying accounting at both EWU and WSU, she took charge of all marketing and media for the company while also assisting Kim with accounting.

https://www.hansoncarlen.com/about-the-author-marie-hanson
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Why Every Custom Home Should Start with a Thoughtful Site Plan