By Cameron Maltby, owner of PB Painting · Updated October 2026
Almost every painter will tell you they “stand behind their work.” A written warranty tells you exactly how far. When you are comparing proposals, the warranty is one of the clearest signals of how much a contractor trusts their own prep. Here is how to read one.
Two different warranties
The paint manufacturer’s warranty
Many paint cans say “limited lifetime warranty.” That warranty is from the manufacturer, and it generally covers defects in the paint itself. In practice it usually means replacement product, not the labor to repaint, and it assumes the paint was applied correctly. If paint fails because of poor prep, the manufacturer’s warranty typically will not help.
The contractor’s workmanship warranty
This is the one that matters most to homeowners. It covers failures caused by how the job was done: surface preparation and application. If paint peels, blisters or flakes because the contractor did not clean, scrape, prime or apply it properly, the contractor comes back and fixes it, including labor.
What a good workmanship warranty covers
- Peeling and flaking
- Blistering and bubbling
- Loss of adhesion on surfaces the contractor prepared and painted
- Labor and materials to correct covered problems
What is normally excluded (and why that is fair)
- Water damage from leaks. If a roof, window or plumbing leak soaks the wall from behind, no paint will hold.
- Structural movement. New stucco or drywall cracks from settling are not a paint failure.
- Impact and abuse. Dings from furniture, kids, pets or landscaping equipment.
- Normal fading and chalking. All paint fades in sun over time. That is wear, not a defect.
- Surfaces the contractor did not paint.
- Floors and horizontal walking surfaces are often excluded or covered for a short period, because foot traffic wears them no matter what.
How long should a painting warranty be?
Many painters offer one to two years. Some offer none in writing. Longer warranties are possible only when the contractor is confident in their prep and products. For reference, here is ours:
| Type of work | PB Painting workmanship warranty |
|---|---|
| Exterior, premium paint (SW Emerald or Duration, Dunn-Edwards Evershield or Aristoshield) | 7 years |
| Exterior, other paint lines | 5 years |
| Interior | 5 years |
| Cabinets | 3 years |
| Fences, pergolas, stain, wrought iron and railings | 2 years |
It is also transferable: if you sell your home, the remaining coverage goes to the new owner. Full details are on our 7-year warranty page.
Why premium paint gets a longer warranty
Premium lines have better resins and more solids. They adhere better, stay flexible longer and resist UV and mildew. Pairing them with thorough prep is what lets us cover an exterior for seven years. See the paints we use and the best exterior paint for coastal homes.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is the warranty in writing, and is it part of the contract?
- How long does it last for each type of surface?
- Does it cover labor, or only materials?
- What exactly is excluded?
- Does it transfer if I sell the house?
- How do I make a claim, and how quickly will someone respond?
- Is the contractor licensed, so the warranty is backed by a real business? You can check any California contractor license on the CSLB website.
How to keep your warranty in good standing
- Keep sprinklers off painted walls and wood.
- Fix leaks promptly.
- Rinse exterior surfaces occasionally, especially near the coast.
- Report problems early with photos. Small issues are easy to fix.
- Keep your proposal and warranty paperwork with your home records.
Our maintenance guide has more tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is a “lifetime” paint warranty better than a contractor warranty?
They cover different things. The manufacturer covers the product. The contractor covers the work, which is where almost all paint failures come from.
Does the warranty cover fading?
Generally no. Some fading in sun is normal for any paint. Darker colors fade faster.
What happens if a problem comes up in year four?
With our warranty, if it is a covered defect within the coverage period, we inspect it and fix it. Call (619) 394-3888 or contact us with photos.
Comparing proposals? We are happy to walk through ours line by line. Request a free estimate or call (619) 394-3888.
About the author
Cameron Maltby owns PB Painting, a licensed and insured painting contractor in Del Mar, CA (PB Painting LLC, Lic. #1099764). Since 2020 he has estimated and managed hundreds of interior and exterior painting projects across San Diego County. Every PB Painting project is backed by a written warranty of up to 7 years. See warranty details.
