Tips for Exterior Painting

The journey to a flawless exterior paint finish starts with one critical step: priming. In the painting world, a primer is like setting the stage for the main performance.

Why Use a Primer?

• Surface Preparation: Primers ensure a uniform and smooth surface, readying it for the paint.
• Improved Adhesion: Paint sticks better and lasts longer on primed surfaces, reducing the chances of peeling or chipping.
• Colour Enhancement: A primed surface brings out the true vibrancy of your chosen paint colour.
• Protection: Primers can seal off stains, prevent rust, and offer an added layer of protection to your walls.

Choosing the Right Primer:

Wellington’s unique climate requires a primer tailored to its challenges:

• Moisture-Resistant Primers: For homes in areas with frequent rains or dampness.
• Stain-Blocking Primers: Ideal for surfaces with old paint jobs, tannin, or rust.
• Bonding Primers: Best for tricky surfaces where paint adhesion is a challenge.

Before diving into the colourful world of exterior paints, ensure you’ve laid a solid foundation with the right primer. It’s the secret behind every lasting and vibrant paint job.

In the dynamic weather conditions of Wellington, picking the right exterior paint is more than just about colour; it’s about endurance, protection, and longevity.

Factors to Consider

• Weather Resistance: Wellington’s coastal location means homes are exposed to salty sea breezes. Paints with a high resistance to saltwater corrosion are key.
• UV Protection: The sun’s rays can cause paint to fade and lose its original hue. UV-resistant paints maintain their colour for longer periods.
• Moisture and Mould Resistance: With Wellington’s occasional damp and rainy spells, paints that repel moisture and prevent mould growth are essential.

Water vs Oil-Based Paints:

While water-based paints dry quickly and have a minimal odour, oil-based options are known for their durability and rich finish. Depending on your home’s location and the surface you’re painting, the choice could differ.

Don’t Forget the Finish:

From matte to high gloss, the finish can influence the paint’s appearance and durability. Glossier finishes, for instance, are easier to clean and resist dirt, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

In the world of exterior painting, timing is everything. And in Wellington, known for its sporadic bouts of rain, wind, and sunshine, choosing the right season can determine the lifespan and finish of your paintwork.

Why Season Matters:

Wellington’s unpredictable climate can be a painter’s challenge. The longevity of an exterior paint job depends heavily on the conditions during application. Rain can wash away wet paint, high humidity can prevent it from drying, and direct sunlight can make it blister.

Late Spring and Early Summer – The Ideal Window

These months offer a balanced temperature, neither too cold nor too hot, ensuring that the paint dries at the right pace. The moderate humidity levels during this period also ensure that the paint adheres well and dries evenly.

Tips for Painting in Wellington’s Unique Weather

• Monitor Weather Forecasts: Keep an eye on the forecast to pick consecutive dry days for painting.
• Start Early: Utilize the calm early morning hours before the Wellington winds pick up.
• Choose Quality Paint: Some paints are formulated to dry faster, ideal for places with unpredictable weather.

Remember, the end goal is a paint job that not only beautifies your home but also protects it from Wellington’s elements.