Paint that is good enough for your regular residence can last for years, however, some rooms last longer than others. The paint in your office or bedroom at your regular residence may outlast the same rooms in your lake home, due to lower humidity and less frequent use. This, however, can be worsened if inexpensive paint or bad prep was previously used.
High-Traffic Areas Fade Faster
It’s worth noting that baseboards in hallways, family rooms, entrances and stair landings are usually the first to get scratched or marked. This is different from single family homes where the wear and tear is usually distributed differently since the owner-occupant is living there. In rental properties, however, these areas tend to show more wear and tear. Also, areas where tenants move in and out (e.g. stair landings) will show more wear and tear than areas where they live long-term (e.g.
Kitchens and Bathrooms Need More Durability
Other areas of the home such as kitchens have high moisture levels with lots of steam and splashing and are regularly cleaned using a variety of products. Therefore it is advisable to use a higher quality paint and choose a hard wearing paint finish.
Quality Prep Makes a Difference
What makes paint last forever? Everything. All of the above: Patching, sanding, priming, and finish. A good coat of paint only lasts as long as the surface preparation before it went on to your walls. A nice fresh coat of paint doesn’t last. It will look great at first, but it won’t last long if it’s painted on over worn or peeling paint.