Fading Fast: What the Sun is Doing to Your Building’s Paint

When people think about what damages a building’s exterior, they often picture storms, rain, or freezing temperatures.

But one of the biggest causes of damage is something we see every day: the sun.

Over time, sunlight, especially the ultraviolet (UV) rays, breaks down paint. This can cause colors to fade, surfaces to feel chalky, and paint to start cracking or peeling. It doesn’t happen all at once, but it’s always happening in the background.

What’s Actually Happening?

UV rays slowly break down the components of paint that hold it together and give it its color. This process is called photodegradation, and it affects paint in several ways:

• Colors fade, especially bold or dark colors

• Paint gets chalky, leaving a dusty feel when touched

• Coatings crack or peel, making the building look worn out

• Surfaces lose protection, which can lead to bigger problems like moisture damage

  
  

Areas that face the sun all day, like south or west walls, metal doors, or rooftop equipment, tend to show damage the fastest.

The Good News: There Are Paints Made to Fight This

Some paints are formulated with special ingredients that help them withstand sun exposure.

These UV-resistant paints work in a few ways:

• They include additives that block or absorb UV rays

• They use stronger resins and binders that don’t break down as easily

• Some contain reflective pigments that bounce sunlight away instead of soaking it in

  
  

These advanced paints help keep buildings looking fresh for longer, even in full sun.

Why It Still Matters Who Applies It

Even the best paint won’t work well if it’s applied incorrectly. Factors such as the surface cleaning method, the number of coats applied, and even the weather conditions during the job can all impact the paint's longevity.

Professionals know how to apply these coatings correctly, ensuring that everything, from the primer to the final coat, is done correctly for maximum durability.