Many Auckland homeowners do not realise that dirt, mould, lichen and salt build-up gradually break down painted surfaces. Regular house washing removes contaminants before they damage paint, helping your home stay cleaner, look better and potentially extend the lifespan of exterior paintwork. Think of house washing as preventative maintenance. It is significantly cheaper than repainting and helps protect one of your biggest investments.

The quality and longevity of a paint job is usually determined long before the first coat goes on. Professional preparation can include washing surfaces, filling holes and cracks, sanding, scraping loose paint, priming damaged areas and protecting surrounding surfaces. The difference between a paint job that lasts 3 years and one that lasts 10 years is often preparation.

Water-based paints dry faster, have lower odour and are easier to clean up. Oil-based paints provide a hard-wearing finish and excellent flow. The right choice depends on the surface and desired finish. I usually opt for oil-based on high traffic areas (i.e., doors, skirting boards or windows). More recently, water-based enamels offer many of the benefits of oil-based paints, without the lingering odour.

Factors such as sun exposure, coastal salt, weather and preparation quality affect paint life. Many Auckland homes require exterior repainting approximately every 7 to 10 years.

Warning signs include fading, cracking, bubbling, exposed timber, mould growth and surfaces that are difficult to clean. Addressing issues early can prevent costly repairs later.

Paint protects against UV exposure, rain, moisture and weathering. Good paint protects. Great paintwork protects for years.