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Maintaining Exterior Grade Acrylic Latex Paint
July 21, 2021 at 4:00 AM
Learn how to maintain exterior grade acrylic latex paint.

UCI'S 100% exterior grade acrylic latex paint will last in excess of 7 years on exterior walls. Roof and decks require re-coating more frequently. But the real question is, "will the painted surface look aesthetically pleasing?'

UCI Paint is formulated with a very high degree of dirt and mildew resistance. However, due to atmospheric conditions, carbon, and other contaminants based on the profile of the surface, such as rough stucco or parapet and tops of walls, some degree of dirt will stick. This dirt accumulation will enhance the growth of Mildew & Algae, a given in our climate.

It is this dirtying and mildewing that can make a paint film appear to be worn when in fact, there are many more years of life remaining. Painted decks are particularly subjected to wear and tear, dirt accumulation, and foreign matter staining.

Many people feel that washing a painted surface with only a hose or even with a LIGHT pressure cleaning should clean a surface. However, did you ever try washing your car, clothes, etc., without the use of a detergent or sanitizing cleanser? Of course not! Then why shouldn't you use a detergent or other chemical to clean dirt or contamination off of a surface with exterior grade acrylic latex paint?

The ultimate answer to extending paint life and maintaining a painted surface is to give the building an occasional bath utilizing our specially formulated "MILDEW PREP" OR CPC 100 CLEANING SOLUTIONS. We recommend a pressure-less chemical cleaning to wash the building(s). A pressure cleaning with high pressure is excellent when preparing a surface for painting. However, high pressure may cause unnecessary harm to the painted surface when used for a maintenance cleaning.

It stands to reason that you would not leave a brand-new car in a driveway for 4, 5, or 6 years without washing and then complain that there is something wrong with the paint. The same situation applies to the exterior grade acrylic latex paint on your building. It is commonplace that balcony or roof run down and other atmospheric contaminants will discolor or disfigure the paint. That phenomenon is not a defect in the paint system, but it is a natural occurrence that can be removed with occasional cleaning and maintenance.

A regularly scheduled maintenance cleaning will extend the excellent appearance of your exterior grade acrylic latex paint and increase the longevity of the coating system.