Heatwave Threatens Garden Colour
With a 40C heatwave set to hit the UK this week, homeowners may notice their fences, sheds and garden furniture looking more faded than a few weeks ago. While rain often gets blamed for tired paintwork, experts from Premium Paints say strong sun and extreme heat can be just as tough, especially on certain colours.
According to Bill Jarvis, Co-Founder of patio paint supplier Premium Paints, some paint shades are far more likely to lose vibrancy when exposed to sunlight for long periods. Birmingham is forecast to reach 39C on Wednesday and Thursday.
UV Rays Break Down Pigments
"Most people don't realise how much impact the sun can have on paint," says Bill. "Over time, UV rays break down the pigments that give paint its colour, which is why some shades can start to look washed out or faded after a few summers."
Shades that tend to struggle most when exposed to strong sunlight include bright red, navy blue, dark green, black, and bright yellow.
Bright Red: Bold but Vulnerable
"Bright red is one of the colours that's most likely to fade over time," says Bill. "It looks fantastic when freshly painted and really stands out in a garden, but strong sunlight can gradually take the edge off that bold colour. After a few summers, it can start to look a lot less vibrant." He says this is especially common on fences and sheds that spend most of the day in direct sunlight.
Navy Blue: Popular but Fades Gradually
"Navy blue is a really popular choice for fences and garden features, but it's another colour that can fade over time," says Bill. "When freshly painted, it has that deep, rich look, but after years of sun exposure, it can start to look washed out and lose depth." The change tends to happen gradually, so many homeowners don't notice until they compare it to a freshly painted area.
Dark Green: Blends In but Fades
"Dark green looks great in a garden because it blends in with plants and greenery," says Bill. "But if it's getting a lot of sun year after year, it can start to lose that rich colour and end up looking faded." He says it changes so gradually that most people don't notice until they see a freshly painted fence next to it.
Black: Absorbs Heat, Shows Wear
"Black paint absorbs a lot of heat, which can make signs of ageing and weathering more noticeable," says Bill. "It can still look good, but it's one of those colours that often needs more care to keep it looking fresh over time."
Bright Yellow: Needs Attention
"Yellow can be a bit tricky in strong sunlight," says Bill. "Brighter yellows especially can fade over time and start to lose their punch, so they don't always stay as vibrant. It can still look great, but it needs attention to keep that vibrant look."
Tips to Protect Paintwork
"Going for a good-quality exterior paint really does make a difference," explains Bill. "It's also worth making sure the surface is properly prepped before you start, and staying on top of little bits of maintenance instead of leaving it until the colour's really gone." He adds that south-facing fences, sheds and walls tend to show fading first, since they get the most direct sunlight. "The sunniest spots in the garden are usually the toughest on paint," says Bill. "If you're planning to repaint this summer, it's worth thinking about how much sun the surface gets and whether some colours might need more attention down the line."
