Around Emporia, exterior paint fights humidity for half the year and freeze-thaw cycles for the other half. When paint starts peeling after two or three summers, the cause is almost always underneath: moisture in the wood, mildew left on the siding, or a glossy old coat the new paint never bonded to.
A lasting exterior job starts with washing. Pressure washing at the right pressure for the surface removes dirt, chalking, and the green mildew that grows on shaded walls. Painting over mildew just traps it, and it comes back through the new coat.
Next comes scraping, sanding, and repair. Loose paint has to come off, soft or rotted trim has to be replaced, and gaps around windows and doors need fresh caulk. Bare wood gets primed. It's slow work, and it's the part that decides how long the job lasts.
Timing matters too. Paint needs dry surfaces and mild temperatures to cure properly, so we watch the forecast and avoid painting right before rain or in early-morning dew. With good prep and good conditions, a quality exterior coat should look good for years, not seasons.