Insights
How to Choose the Right Exterior Paint for a New Zealand Home
New Zealand weather is hard on the outside of a house. Strong UV, driving rain, coastal salt and big swings between sun and frost all attack paint, so the product you choose matters as much as the colour. Here is how we think about it when we spec an exterior job.
Start with the surface. Weatherboard, plaster, fibre cement and concrete block all behave differently, and they each want a system suited to them. Timber moves with the seasons, so it needs a flexible coating that can stretch without cracking. Plaster and masonry want a breathable membrane that lets moisture escape rather than trapping it behind the paint. Getting this match right is the single biggest thing that decides how long the job lasts.
Next, think about exposure. The north and west faces of most Kiwi homes take the brunt of the sun and weather, and they will always fade and chalk faster than sheltered walls. If you are near the coast, salt adds another layer of wear. For those spots we lean towards the top tier exterior ranges, because the better resins and pigments genuinely hold their colour and film for longer.
Colour choice is not just about looks. Dark colours absorb a lot of heat, which makes timber and the paint film expand and contract more, and they fade faster under our UV. That does not mean you cannot have a dark house, but it pays to use a fade resistant colourant and to expect a bit more maintenance. Light to mid tones are the easy, long lasting option if you are unsure.
Do not cheap out on prep products. The primer and undercoat are what bond the system to the house. Bare timber needs the right wood primer, rusty fixings need a metal primer, and chalky old paint needs a binding sealer so the new coats do not lift. Skipping these to save a few dollars is a false economy, because the topcoat is only ever as good as what sits under it.
Finally, match the sheen to the situation. A low sheen finish hides surface imperfections and is the usual pick for walls. A gloss or semi gloss on joinery and doors wipes clean and takes knocks well. Whatever you choose, buy enough for two full topcoats, because one thin coat over a big wall almost never gives an even, durable result.
If you are not sure what your house needs, ask us. We will look at the substrate, the aspect and the condition, and recommend a system that suits the place rather than just selling you the most expensive tin on the shelf.