Your Comprehensive Guide to Exterior Painting in NZ

Oil-based paint: Lasts longer and withstands wear and tear while providing a glossy finish.

Water-based paint: Easier to work with; dries faster; easily cleanable; resists peeling better than some oil-based paints.

Acrylic paint: Best suited for outdoor features like doors, door frames and furnishings due to its durability and high-gloss finish.

Choose paint that is high-quality, durable, and specifically formulated to withstand New Zealand’s hot and cold climates, moisture, and salty air.

Choose paint with high UV protection to keep your home’s exterior safe from New Zealand’s harsh UV rays.

Choose paint with mould or mildew resistance to withstand New Zealand’s wetter climates.

If an eco-friendly option is important to you, opt for low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that reduce environmental impacts.

Choose complementary colours and finishes that will lend to the natural surroundings of New Zealand.

Seek advice from professionals experienced with New Zealand’s unique conditions, who can also provide tailored recommendations on the best materials for your project.

Poor adhesion: Heat causes paint to dry too quickly, preventing it from bonding well. Extreme cold and rain can prevent the paint from drying evenly, leading to peeling, blistering, and flaking over time.

Uneven drying: Heat can cause the surface paint to dry too rapidly, trapping solvents beneath the surface, and leading to bubbles and blisters. Cold weather can result in a tacky finish that attracts dirt and is more susceptible to damage.

Compromised finish: Extreme temperatures can result in a finish that is either too thin (in hot conditions) or too thick (in cold conditions), leading to visible brush marks, streaks, and an overall poor texture.

Humidity: Elevated humidity levels can significantly extend the drying time of exterior paint.

Drying too quickly: Wind accelerates the drying time of paint, preventing the paint from adhering properly to the surface. This can lead to uneven layers and a patchy finish.

Dust and debris: Wind can carry dust, dirt, and other particles onto wet paint surfaces, embedding them in the finish, and affecting the smoothness, appearance, durability and protection.

Safety concerns: In the case of using ladders or scaffolding for higher areas, wind can pose a safety risk. Strong winds increase the risk of accidents and hazards.

Application challenges: Wind can make it difficult to control the application of paint. It can force painters to work faster than is ideal, compromising the quality of the job.

Prioritise preparation: It’s the most expensive and time-consuming stage, but can give you the best finish, while addressing any cracks or damage that could cause issues down the line.

Know your stuff: You may want to do the preparations yourself but first get to know what’s required. This can reduce time and budget, and give you control over the end result.

Use quality materials: Ensure you or your tradie is using quality brushes, sprayers and paint rollers before application.

Compare paint techniques: Spraying your home is quicker, but requires cracks and gaps to be filled perfectly. Alternatively, rolling and brushing, especially in the wrong weather conditions, can compromise the finish unless performed by a professional.

Understand the conditions: Wet paint over semi-dry paint when it’s too hot might mean the look is compromised, resulting in a less natural and seamless look.

Attention to detail: Painting windows and door frames may require thinning the paint if conditions are hot, otherwise the painter needs to move quickly, while watching for runs to avoid dripping and sagging. Using masking tape on glass is recommended..

Review workmanship: Hire a quality tradie that has experience with exterior painting, and is clear in their quoting. For example, make sure they explain how they intend to prep the surfaces. Don’t be afraid to follow up and have daily check-ins during the job.

Select quality paint: Choose a quality exterior paint, whether it’s Dulux Weathershield or the Resene equivalent, and check if it has a warranty.

Protecting your home: Beyond looks, exterior painting protects your home from the harsh elements of nature, such as moisture and sun, to preserve its integrity.

Choosing the right paint: Oil-based, water-based, and acrylic paints each offer unique benefits, ranging from durability, to ease of application, to suitability for different surfaces and weather conditions.

Proper preparation: Including cleaning, repairing, and sanding exterior surfaces, helps new paint adhere well and look great.

Weather awareness: Humidity can prolong drying times, while wind can cause rapid drying, attract dust and debris, and create challenges in paint application.

Understanding the environment: When selecting exterior paints, consider those that are formulated to withstand New Zealand’s specific environmental conditions, including UV rays, moisture, and salty air.

Maintenance matters: Homes in New Zealand may require repainting every seven to 10 years, with more frequent maintenance needed for homes exposed to extreme weather.

Seeking a skilled tradie: Professionals who are experienced in New Zealand’s unique conditions can provide the best materials and practices for your exterior painting job.