DRJ PAINTING

Painting your home's exterior is one of the most significant investments you can make, both for its street appeal and its protection. In Australia, this is not just a cosmetic job; it's a battle against some of the toughest weather conditions on the planet. Our homes are constantly battered by intense UV radiation, salty coastal air, driving rain, and dramatic temperature swings. Choosing the wrong exterior paint is a costly mistake that will lead to premature fading, cracking, and peeling, leaving your home exposed to the elements. This guide will help you select the right paint to ensure a beautiful finish that lasts.

It's a Protective Shield, Not Just a Colour

Unlike interior paint, exterior paint is a high-tech protective coating. It’s formulated to be flexible enough to expand and contract with your house as temperatures change, tough enough to resist abrasion, and packed with additives to fight off its two biggest enemies: sun and moisture.

Key Features to Look for on the Can

When you're at Bunnings or your local paint shop, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Ignore the marketing hype and look for these key phrases on the labels of premium brands like Dulux Weathershield or Taubmans All Weather.

• UV Protection / UV Blocker: This is the single most important feature for Australian conditions. The sun's UV rays are the primary cause of paint fading and breaking down. Premium exterior paints contain special pigments and binders that are highly resistant to UV damage, ensuring your colour stays truer for longer.
• Self-Priming: Many modern exterior paints are "self-priming" for previously painted surfaces in good condition. This can save you a step, but you will still absolutely need a separate, dedicated primer for any bare timber, metal, or repaired patches.
• Flexible & Crazing Resistant: Look for claims about flexibility. This allows the paint film to move with the substrate (e.g., weatherboards) as it heats up and cools down, preventing the fine hairline cracks (crazing) that let moisture in.
• Mould & Mildew Resistant: Crucial for homes in humid, coastal, or heavily shaded areas. These paints have built-in fungicides that help prevent unsightly mould and mildew growth on the paint surface.

Choosing the Right Sheen Level

Just like interior paints, exterior paints come in different sheen levels. The choice affects both the look and the performance.

• Low Sheen: This is the most popular choice for main exterior walls, such as weatherboards, brick, and render. It provides a subtle, elegant finish that is excellent at hiding minor surface imperfections while still offering good durability and cleanability.
• Semi-Gloss: This is the go-to for all exterior trim. Use it on window frames, door frames, eaves, fascias, and gutters. Its higher sheen provides superior durability and is much easier to clean. The glossier surface helps to repel dirt and dust.
• Gloss: Typically reserved for front doors to create a stunning, high-impact entrance. It offers the ultimate in durability but will highlight every single surface flaw, so preparation must be perfect.

Don't Skimp on Quality

With exterior paint, you absolutely get what you pay for. The extra cost of a premium paint from a reputable brand is a small price to pay for years of extra protection and colour retention. The majority of the cost of painting an exterior is in the labour, so using a cheaper paint that fails in half the time is a false economy.