Understanding Paint Warranties: What’s Covered and What’s Not
When you invest money into any home project, you want that job to last as long as possible. This especially applies to house painting services. If you expect the paint to last, only to see cracking, peeling, or bubbling, it can be very frustrating. That is why hiring a professional painting company that offers a warranty is so important. This warranty provides you with peace of mind in knowing that your money spent is protected and your home looks the way it should for the lifespan of the job.
Paint warranties are often misunderstood by homeowners. While many assume a warranty covers everything that could go wrong with a residential paint job, the reality is more nuanced. But what does your paint warranty cover exactly? Understanding what is covered and what isn’t will help set a realistic expectation and serve as protection for your investment.
So before starting your next interior painting or exterior house painting project, read below to learn more about how warranties work and why professional application by a licensed painter makes all the difference.
What a Typical Paint Warranty Covers
Typically, a paint warranty will fall into one of the two categories: a manufacturer warranty and contractor or a workmanship warranty.
- Manufacturer warranty: Manufacturer warranties typically cover defects in the paint product itself. This may include issues like premature peeling, blistering, or excessive fading when the paint is applied correctly and under appropriate conditions. These warranties are often limited to specific timeframes and may vary based on whether the paint is used indoors or outdoors.
Interior paint warranties usually last longer because interior surfaces are protected from weather, UV exposure, and temperature extremes. Exterior paint warranties, while still valuable, are often shorter due to environmental factors beyond anyone’s control.
- Workmanship warranty: this is a warranty that usually covers any problems caused by the painter’s quality of work
It’s important to note that manufacturer warranties usually cover the paint material and not the cost of the labor.
What Paint Warranties Usually Do Not Cover
While warranties provide peace of mind, they also come with exclusions. Common issues that are outside of the painter’s control are typically excluded from any warranty coverage. For instance normal wear and tear is almost never covered, as paint naturally ages over time. This can include:
- Damage caused by weather events
- Moisture intrusion
- Structural movement
Improper maintenance can void a warranty as well. For example, failing to clean exterior surfaces or allowing moisture issues to persist may lead to paint failure that isn’t covered. Pre-existing problems, such as rotting wood, damaged drywall, or underlying substrate issues, are also outside the scope of most warranties. Understanding these limitations helps homeowners avoid surprises down the road.
How Professional Application Affects Warranty Coverage
To make sure that your warranty is valid, proper surface preparation and application by a professional licensed painter is critical. Even if you choose the best and highest-quality paint from trusted brands like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams, it won’t perform as well as expected if the painter applies it to dirty, damaged, or improperly prepared surfaces.
Our experienced painting contractors follow manufacturer guidelines in regard to surface prep, priming, application methods, and drying times. This not only improves the appearance of the finished project but also ensures the paint performs as intended over time.
In addition to manufacturer warranties, reputable painting companies often provide a workmanship warranty. This covers labor-related issues and reflects confidence in the quality of the work. Choosing experienced professionals helps protect both your home and your investment.
Learn More About Warranty-Backed Painting Services
Not all painting warranties are the same. Make sure to ask questions before the paint project begins. Understanding the difference between product warranties and workmanship guarantees allow you to make informed decisions and set realistic expectations. Licensed painters will prioritize the following:
- Follow proper surface preparation process
- Use high-quality paints and primers based on project type
- Consider the elements and how they impact curing
- Properly document your project
Guaranteed Painting Company is the trusted choice for local painting needs in Houston, Bryan, College Station, The Woodlands and throughout the entire Brazos County area. We provide best in class warranties that last, from 5 year to 7 year up to 10 year warranties! We stand behind what we do and are determined to ensure all customers are satisfied with the work our team provides.
While warranties offer solid protection, long-lasting results ultimately depend on proper preparation, quality materials, and professional application. That’s why it is so important to choose a qualified professional for your upcoming paint job. Contact Guaranteed Painting today to schedule a paint estimate and learn more about our top notch paint warranties!
Paint Warranty FAQs
Q: Does a paint warranty cover labor costs?
A: Most manufacturer warranties cover the paint product only. Labor is typically covered under a separate workmanship warranty, if offered.
Q: How long do paint warranties usually last?
A: Warranty lengths vary by product and application. Interior warranties are often longer than exterior warranties due to reduced environmental exposure.
Q: Can improper maintenance void a paint warranty?
A: Yes. Neglecting routine maintenance or allowing moisture and structural issues to persist can void warranty coverage.
Q: Is professional painting required for a valid warranty?
A: Many warranties require proper application according to manufacturer guidelines, which is best achieved through professional painters.