Introduction
Faded exterior walls, peeling paint and a home that’s lost its street appeal are common problems for Australian homeowners. When searching for the best exterior paint Australia has to offer, it’s not simply about choosing one nice colour from a swatch card.
Outdoor paint must perform better than just look good. It must match the substructure below and withstand the climate of the area in subsequent years. You can use this guide to make a confident choice for your next exterior project when it comes to durability, weather resistance, surface type, finish, colour, paint quality, application and maintenance.
What Makes the Best Exterior Paint Australia Has to Offer?
When it comes to exterior paint Australia homeowners can use, the best option is one that possesses some simple qualities, rather than brand name or cost.
The most important criteria are weather resistance and resistance to UV; Australian sunshine is harsh and can quickly fade and damage lower quality paints. The durability and high adhesive strength of the coating ensures its stability during temperature fluctuations and maintains colour stability over time, which helps to keep your home looking fresh for a longer period. Here are some more important characteristics to look for: resistance to peeling and cracking, and easy-to-clean.
If you aren’t using the right paint on the right surface, a paint can can cost a lot of money and wind up being a waste. The ideal exterior paint for a rendered wall may not necessarily apply to a weatherboard wall, so knowing these characteristics enables you to make an informed choice and not choose a paint based on the price.
Why Australian Weather Matters When Choosing Exterior Paint
Exterior paint has to stand up to the conditions in Australia and selecting the best exterior paint Australia has involves considering the local conditions.
Fading is caused over time by strong sunlight and UV exposure, and moisture can be a problem if the paint film isn’t of good quality, due to rain and humidity. Changes in temperature cause materials to expand and contract and can cause a poor quality coating to crack. Dust and debris from the wind are also an issue and the coastal environment is also subject to salt exposure.
There are significant differences in climate between Australian regions and the environment a product is suited to will differ from one region to another. The exterior paint Australia has to offer for a particular area is not as vital as selecting whatever is popular in the country.
Best Outdoor Paint Australia Homeowners Can Consider
Instead of listing particular products, it is better to know the major product classes that are used for painting the exterior of houses in Australia.
- Acrylic exterior paint is a general application paint and can be used for a variety of surfaces and applications.
- Exterior paint that has a lower finish and keeps dirt and marks off but has a softer appearance.
- Trusted exterior masonry paint, created particularly for brick, render and concrete surfaces.
- For rendered surfaces: Paint for rendered surfaces that are formulated to work with the texture and flexibility of renders.
- Paint on weatherboard surfaces which expand and contract with the timber.
- Paint designed for walls that have been painted before, which will adhere to the wall paint.
These each have their own unique function and the proper use of each always relies on the manufacturer’s recommendations for its use on the type of surface.
How to Choose the Best Paint for Exterior Walls
There are a few key factors you’ll find when choosing the best exterior paint Australia you can trust to use for your walls, and they’re not something you would have to guess.
Your initial decision should be based on the type of wall material and condition of existing paint because a cracked and peeling wall will require different preparation than a clean wall that has no previous paint. This is also because of the weather exposure, the finish and colour desired, and the amount of maintenance you are willing to go through in the future.
The amount of paint coverage and the number of paint coats will impact project time and costs. Careful reading of the product directions before purchasing enables you to understand the exact purpose of the can of best wall paint, so that you will not assume that all paint products are alike.
Best Wall Paint for Different Exterior Surfaces
It is important to remember that often the best exterior paint Australia produces for brick will not be suitable for timber or cement, and thus different paint systems are required to work for different surfaces.
Generally, a flexible product is required for rendered walls as they can move slightly without cracking, but masonry specific types of paint may be suitable for brick surfaces. Weatherboards require paint which can move in line with the timber and cement-based surfaces have their own set of requirements with respect to porosity and adhesion. Walls that are already painted must be treated with a product that will not damage the existing paint. There is in fact no best wall paint for all surfaces; therefore, it is essential to read the surface preparation requirements and product suitability before making the decision to purchase a product based upon price or package alone.
How to Choose Exterior Paint Colours for Australian Homes
It’s important to choose the right colour just as much as exterior paint Australia has to offer in terms of quality, because colour plays a huge part in how your home will look and feel to those of the outside world.
Lighter shades are less likely to fade in the Australian sun, while dark colours absorb more heat, and may fade more quickly in in harsh sun. Neutral colours and natural tones can look good for a long time, and when used appropriately, feature colours can accentuate architectural aspects. When choosing a colour for your wall, think about how it will look with the roof and trim, and make sure to pick a colour that will work well when seen from the street.
Testing paint samples outdoors on your home, and in direct sun and shade will give a better idea of the colour’s appearance throughout the day, so it is worthwhile extra time before opting for a complete exterior paint repaint using the best exterior paint Australia has to offer.
Best Paint vs Best Indoor Paint: What Is the Difference?
Just because an interior and exterior paint look the same in the can does not make them the same paint. Being aware of the difference is a key part in explaining why it is generally not wise to use the best indoor paint for the exterior of a building, versus using the best exterior paint that Australia has designed for the purpose.
| Factor | Best Indoor Paint | Best Exterior Paint |
| Weather exposure | Not designed for outdoor conditions | Formulated to handle sun, rain and wind |
| UV exposure | Minimal UV resistance needed | Strong UV resistance required |
| Durability | Suited to gentler indoor wear | Built for constant outdoor stress |
| Cleaning | Often washable for indoor marks | Needs to resist dirt, mould and grime |
| Flexibility | Less flexibility required | Must expand and contract with weather |
| Surface requirements | Smooth interior surfaces | Textured, exposed exterior surfaces |
Best indoor paint is intended for indoors, and best exterior paint Australia offers should be able to withstand the constant exposure to the outdoors that indoor paint was never meant to withstand.
Comparing Australian Paint Companies
The real difference between Australian paint companies isn’t their popularity but rather the facts that really count when it comes to determining the best exterior paint Australia can offer to your project.
Any product specifications, recommended surfaces, weather suitability should all be taken into consideration as well as the finish options and coverage information on the tin. Warranty data (if provided) provides some clue as to the manufacturer’s confidence in the product. Your customers’ comments and product availability also play a role, and you can get some professional advice to help hone the possibilities until you’ve found something that’s appropriate for your particular home.
The aim is not to determine which one of the australian paint companies is the winner, but how to make a fair comparison of the products under your project requirements.
Why Choose Sam Simon Painters for Exterior Painting?
For exterior painting, Sam Simon Painters has authentic Melbourne painting knowledge and understanding of Melbourne homes, the best exterior paint in Australia and what it can endure the Melbourne weather.
The team is careful in preparing the exterior surfaces because this is the determining factor for any exterior paint job, irrespective of the brand. Careful colour guidance, application and professional project planning are all part of the process and are supported with first inspection to final coat communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best exterior paint Australia homeowners can use?
This selection is based on the surface, the amount of exposure to the weather, the finish, and the product’s suitability for your project.
What is the best outdoor paint Australia has for exterior walls?
Buy a good exterior paint that is suitable for your wall surface and climate.
What is the best wall paint for exterior walls?
Exterior wall paint type should reflect the type of the wall – e.g. render, brick, timber or cement.
Can I use the best indoor paint outside?
No, paint for inside the house is for inside the house; paint for outside the house is for outside the house.
How do I choose the best outside paint for my home?
Take into account the surface type, weather exposure, colour, finish, durability and manufacturer’s recommendations.
How many coats of exterior paint does a house need?
This will depend on the existing surface, the color change, the type of exterior paint that is being used, and the condition of your walls.
How long does exterior paint usually last in Australia?
The lifespan depends on the quality of the paint, preparation, weather, and surface type and maintenance.
How do I choose between Australian paint companies?
Check product specifications, surface suitability, cover, options on the finish, reviews and manufacturer information.
What should I do before applying exterior paint?
Scrub the surface and fill in any repairs, remove paint that has been chipped away and sand down as necessary, then prime the surface before painting with the best exterior paint Australia provides.
Is professional exterior painting worth the cost?
Hiring a professional paint company can be beneficial in terms of time saved and to assist in preparing, applying and painting difficult exterior surfaces.
Conclusion
The ideal exterior paint Australia homeowners select always relies on the surface they are painting, how exposed the paint is to the elements, the colour and finish, and how long they expect the job to last for their project. There isn’t one product available that fits every home, and that’s why it’s important to understand these factors rather than going for a specific brand.
As with choosing the right products, preparation should be just as crucial, as even the best paint doesn’t last long on a poor surface. Don’t just go by the price, compare carefully, and when in doubt, consult a professional for advice on surface preparation and the product that is best for your house for exterior paint. Call Sam Simon Painters and let them guide you through your next exterior painting project.
