As expert painters servicing the Gold Coast region for many years, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is “How can I make my exterior paint job last longer?” With the bounty of sunshine, high temperatures, humidity, and salt air that properties must endure, ensuring paint coatings have maximum longevity is always top of mind. Frequent repainting gets costly, so taking the proper steps upfront is crucial.
From their experience refreshing and repainting countless Gold Coast homes’ exteriors over the decades, here are the professional secrets painters utilise to deliver long-lasting, durable results that withstand Australia’s harsh subtropical climate:
Proper surface preparation
One of the most important prerequisites for any long-lasting exterior repaint is properly preparing and cleaning the surface first. Painters spend ample time:
- Pressure washing to remove dirt, mildew, chalkiness
- Sanding or applying chemical de-glosser to dull glossy areas
- Scraping and feathering any areas of peeling or flaking paint
- Making any dent, crack or hole repairs required
- Ensuring the surface is clean, dull and ready for maximum adhesion
Skipping thorough prep is a guarantee that any new paint applied won’t have the longevity homeowners desire.
Selecting specialised exterior paints
For use on Gold Coast homes that see intense heat, UV exposure and salt spray, painters rely on top-quality 100% acrylic resin paints specifically formulated for exterior conditions. Unlike general-purpose interior coatings, specialised exterior paints provide superior:
- Flexibility and breathability to resist cracking
- Resistance to colour fade and chalking from UV
- Protection against moisture damage and mildew
- Ability to expand and contract with temperatures
Premium products from reputable Australian suppliers like Dulux, Taubmans and Wattyl ensure paints can withstand the extreme climate extremes.
Applying with proper primers/Undercoats
To guarantee a long-lasting, well-bonded finish, experienced painters don’t skip applying specialised primers and undercoats first. These seal and provide the ideal surface for top coats to adhere, preventing peeling and blistering. Different combinations may be applied based on the exterior material:
- Etchers or grippers for powdery or chalked surfaces
- Stain-blocking primers for cedar or tannin-rich wood
- Galvanised iron primers for coastal metal corrosion
- Smooth high-build undercoats to level textures
Proper undercoat selection ensures the topcoat of paint has a sealed, stable base to cling directly to and lengthen its usable lifespan.
Following application best practices
Even with the right paints and primed surfaces, painters take care to apply coatings using best practices for adhesion and durability, such as:
- Applying each coat at recommended spread rates
- Observing proper drying/recoat times between layers
- Boxing/mixing pails to maintain consistent colour
- Back-brushing and rolling in one direction for even coats
- Applying thicker coats on high-exposure areas
No cutting corners with application means premium protection.
Regularly scheduled maintenance
To maximise that full life cycle, painters advise homeowners stay proactive with regular, scheduled maintenance to exteriors, such as:
- Soft washing yearly to remove mildew, chalk and contaminants
- Caulking any cracks, joints or trim separations as needed
- Light sanding and touch-ups on high-wear areas like overhangs
- Treating metal areas with cavity protection and rust-proofing
This continual TLC approach prevents minor issues from worsening into larger repaints.
Conclusion
With Australia’s intense sun, humidity and seaside air, Gold Coast homes require specialised painting practices and premium coatings proven to provide protection and longevity in this extreme climate. By adhering to the proper surface preparation, utilising top-quality paints tailored for exteriors, applying using industry best practices, and maintaining that finish regularly, experienced painters can deliver vibrant colour that lasts for years. It’s attention to detail and expert-level application that separates a decent repaint from an exceptional, ultra-durable finish that homeowners will enjoy for the maximum serviceable period before requiring a refresh.
