Learn · Guide
how long does exterior paint last?
Sydney sun, salt air and summer storms are hard on a house. Here is how long a good paint job should hold up, and how to tell when it’s time.
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the short answer.
- A well prepared exterior with quality paint commonly lasts 7 to 10 years.
- Sun-baked, salt-exposed and timber surfaces wear out sooner, often in 5 to 8 years.
- Poor preparation, moisture and cheap paint are what cut a paint job short.
- Peeling, chalking and cracking are your cue to act before repairs get bigger.
how long exterior paint lasts, by surface.
These are typical ranges for a properly prepared and painted surface in Sydney. Your house may sit above or below them, depending on sun, salt, shade and what is underneath the paint.
| Surface | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|
| Rendered and brick walls | 8 to 12 years |
| Weatherboard and timber cladding | 5 to 8 years |
| Fascia, eaves and trims | 5 to 8 years |
| Doors and windows in full sun | 4 to 7 years |
| Roof paint | 8 to 10 years |
Treat these as a guide, not a promise. A shaded south wall can outlast a western wall that gets the afternoon sun.
what cuts a paint job short.
Rushed preparation
Paint sticks to a clean, sound, sanded surface. Painting over dirt, mould or flaking paint is the number one reason paint fails early.
Moisture
Leaks, rising damp and water getting behind the paint will blister it from the inside. The leak has to be fixed first.
Sun and heat
West and north facing walls take the most punishment. Dark colours absorb more heat and fade faster.
Salt air
Close to the coast, salt builds up on surfaces and breaks down paint. A gentle rinse now and then helps.
The wrong paint
Exterior paint is made to flex and resist weather. Interior paint outside will not last.
Skipped repairs
Small cracks and gaps let water in. Fixed early, they cost little. Left alone, they rot timber.
signs it is time to repaint.
- Chalking: a white powder comes off on your hand when you rub the wall.
- Peeling, flaking or blistering paint, especially around windows, eaves and the bottom of walls.
- Cracks in the paint film or open gaps along joins and trims.
- Fading that makes the colour look patchy or washed out.
- Mould or mildew that returns soon after cleaning.
- Bare timber showing through, which means water can get in.
Waiting is rarely cheaper. Once water reaches timber or render, the job changes from repainting to repairing, and the price rises with it. Our guide on when to repaint your house covers the signs inside and out.
how to make your paint last longer.
- Choose a painter who spends the time on preparation. Ask what the preparation includes.
- Use an exterior system made for Sydney sun and salt air. We use Dulux and Taubmans exterior paints for this reason.
- Wash the walls gently once a year with a soft brush and water. Avoid harsh cleaners and high pressure.
- Fix small cracks and gaps early, before water finds them.
- Keep gutters clear and plants trimmed back from the walls so surfaces can dry.
what we do differently.
We wash away dust and grease, scrape and sand failing paint, fill cracks and holes, and prime bare or repaired areas. Only then does the colour go on.
We stand behind that preparation with a 5 year workmanship warranty. If paint we applied fails because of our workmanship, we fix it at no cost to you. See what the warranty covers.
thinking about your exterior?
Our exterior painting service covers walls, eaves, fascias, doors and trims. We come out, check the surfaces and give you a clear written quote. See typical Sydney prices.
common questions.
How often should I repaint the outside of my house?
As a guide, every 7 to 10 years for walls, and sooner for timber, trims and sun-exposed doors. The condition of your paint matters more than the calendar.
Does the colour affect how long the paint lasts?
Yes. Dark colours absorb more heat, so they tend to fade faster on sunny walls. Lighter colours are usually kinder to the paint, but a good exterior system handles most colours well.
Can you paint over peeling paint?
Not directly. Peeling paint has to be scraped back to a sound surface, sanded, and primed where needed. Painting over it only hides the problem for a few months.
Does salt air really matter?
Yes. Homes near the coast get salt on the walls, which shortens the life of paint. Regular rinsing and the right exterior system make a real difference.
Is it worth painting just one wall?
Sometimes, but fading means fresh paint can look different from the paint beside it. It is usually better to paint a full wall or elevation. We will tell you honestly at the quote.
getting a quote is easy.
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We book a time to come out for your complimentary quote. No obligation attached.
We visit and measure
We come out, measure up and check the surfaces, so your written price is accurate.
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