Protecting a home from the elements requires more than simply choosing an appealing paint colour. The Australian climate presents severe challenges, including intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, sudden temperature fluctuations, high humidity, and salt spray in coastal regions. Without the correct preparation and paint selection, exterior paints can fail prematurely, leading to blistering, cracking, and peeling.
Since 1935, Haymes Paint has manufactured premium, Australian-made paints in Ballarat. As a family-owned business in its fourth generation, we are focused on crafting quality products designed specifically to withstand the harshest local environments.
Weatherboard Walls and Timber Cladding
Timber weatherboards are a classic feature of Australian residential architecture. Because wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, it requires a topcoat that moves with the substrate without cracking.
Exterior Solashield® is specifically formulated to protect exterior vertical timber cladding and weatherboards. This premium acrylic paint features anti-ageing Surface Lock Technology, which creates a tough barrier that repels dust, dirt, and mould. The flexible acrylic film allows the paint to stretch and contract, providing a durable defence against the sun's harsh rays.
Exterior Solashield® is self-priming on most sound exterior surfaces. It provides a coverage rate of up to 16m2 per litre, dries to a touch-dry state in 20 minutes, and can be recoated in 2 hours. This paint is backed by a 20-year guarantee against peeling, flaking, and blistering, provided the surface preparation guidelines are strictly followed.
To achieve a professional finish, you can learn how to paint exterior weatherboards with our detailed step-by-step instructions.
Masonry, Cement Render, and Brickwork
Exterior masonry and brick feature walls are highly porous, making them susceptible to moisture absorption. If water penetrates the substrate, it can lead to dampness, efflorescence, and microcracking as the structure settles. To prevent these issues, you must use an integrated paint system that seals the surface and resists weathering.
For masonry substrates, we recommend a system combining Acrylic Sealer Undercoat and Exterior Solashield®. Acrylic Sealer Undercoat is a high-performance sealer designed to bind porous masonry, control surface absorption, and ensure optimal adhesion of subsequent topcoats.
Before painting, meticulous surface preparation is essential:
- Curing: New concrete and cement render must cure for a minimum of 28 days before any paint application to avoid trapping alkaline moisture.
- Cleaning: Use a high-pressure washer to clean the surface thoroughly, removing dirt, dust, and loose particles. Ensure the masonry is completely free of formwork release agents, bond breakers, or efflorescence.
- Application: Apply one coat of Acrylic Sealer Undercoat over the clean, dry substrate to seal the surface. Once dry, apply a minimum of two coats of Exterior Solashield® to provide long-term weather resistance and ultimate UV protection.
Trims, Doors, and Window Frames
Exterior trims, doors, and window frames receive frequent handling and contact, requiring a highly durable, chip-resistant paint. Traditionally, solvent-based enamels were used for these areas, but they are prone to yellowing, embrittlement, and slow drying times.
Water-based acrylic enamels provide a high-performance alternative. Trimplus is a premium water-based trim paint designed for both interior and exterior applications. This paint is block-resistant, meaning it prevents painted surfaces from sticking to each other when windows and doors are closed.
Key performance characteristics of these water-based enamel paints include:
- Non-Yellowing: Unlike oil-based alternatives, these paints retain their original colour and do not discolour over time.
- Fast Drying: Trimplus is touch-dry in 20 minutes and ready for a recoat after 2 hours, allowing multiple coats to be applied in a single day.
- Toughness: They provide a hard-wearing, chip-resistant finish that withstands regular wear and abrasion.
When coating exterior timber trims, ensure any bare wood is prepared properly. Apply one coat of Primer Sealer Undercoat to seal the timber. On tannin-rich wood or substrates prone to knot bleeding, apply one coat of Primer Sealer (Solvent) before painting with Trimplus.
Exterior Timber Decks and Railings
Timber decking is a prominent feature of Australian outdoor living spaces, but it is subjected to heavy foot traffic, direct sunlight, and moisture. Choosing the right protective finish is vital to keep the wood from splitting, cracking, and greying. We offer three woodcare systems to suit different aesthetic and practical requirements.
Quick-Drying Protection with Woodcare Dexpress
For high-traffic decks, Dexpress Deck & Timber Stain provides a water-based finish that lasts up to three times longer than traditional decking oils. This hard-wearing paint is highly resistant to UV rays and mould growth, making it ideal for both hardwoods and softwoods such as Merbau, Spotted Gum, and Treated Pine. It dries quickly, allowing you to apply two coats in a single day. The recoat time is 2 hours, and it features the convenience of water wash-up.
Nourishing Timber with Woodcare Decking Oil
If you prefer a classic, natural finish, Decking Oil is an oil-based formula that penetrates deeply into the timber fibres. It nourishes the wood from within, creating a protective barrier that repels water and prevents the wood from cracking or splitting. This paint weathers naturally over time, meaning it will not crack or peel. It dries to a beautiful, classic matt finish. The recoat time is 6 hours, and cleanup requires mineral turpentine.
Ultimate Durability with Woodcare UVEX Finish
For the highest level of exterior timber protection, UVEX Finish is a premium water-based coating formulated specifically for harsh Australian conditions. It provides outstanding durability and high UV resistance while highlighting the timber's natural grain with an attractive satin finish. The UVEX system requires an integrated approach. You must apply one coat of UVEX Primer, followed by two coats of UVEX Finish. The recoat time is 2 hours, with water wash-up.
Essential Timber Preparation
No timber finish can perform without proper preparation. For new wood, you must apply Rapid Prep to draw out natural tannins and extractives, ensuring the paint can penetrate. If the timber has weathered for six weeks or more, use Wood Cleaner instead. Always conduct a water penetration test by splashing water on the dry timber. If the water beads rather than absorbing, the timber is not ready for coating and must be prepared again. For a successful project, you can explore the Woodcare range online.
Concrete Paving, Paths, and Patios
Driveways, walkways, and patios are subjected to abrasion and tyre traffic, requiring specialised paving paints. Applying standard house paint to these areas will result in rapid wear and peeling.
Quick-Drying Paving Paint
For open exterior walkways, driveways, steps, and patios, QuickPave Paving Paint is a water-based satin finish. It is highly durable, dries to a touch-dry state in 20 minutes, and can be recoated in 2 hours. Walkways are ready for foot traffic in just 2 hours, and cleanup requires only water.
Covered Area Paving Paint
For covered exterior spaces and residential garage floors, QuickPave Garage Floor is a solvent-based gloss paint. It is self-priming and highly resistant to hot tyre pick-up, protecting the surface in heavy-use environments. However, this paint has a critical limitation. It is formulated for covered or sheltered areas only and must not be used on exposed exterior paving. It has a recoat time of 16 hours, and cleanup requires mineral turpentine.
Paving Preparation and Safety
Preparation of concrete is critical to ensure proper paint adhesion:
- Curing: New concrete must cure for at least 28 days before painting.
- Moisture Testing: Tape a 300mm x 300mm sheet of clear plastic tightly over the concrete in direct sunlight for 2 hours. If condensation appears or the concrete darkens, the substrate contains excess moisture and requires further drying.
- Etching: Smooth concrete must be etched using a 10% citric or hydrochloric acid solution. Allow the acid to stand for 10 minutes or until bubbling ceases, then pressure wash thoroughly. All etching debris must be cleaned away, vacuumed, and tested with adhesive tape to ensure no dust remains.
- Slip Resistance: For improved safety on steps and pathways, add a Non-Slip additive at a rate of 20 grams per litre to both coats of your paving paint.
To get started on your paving project, you can read our guide on how to paint exterior concrete for more detailed tips.
Metallic Assets
Gates, fences, and metal roofing are exposed to extreme sun and moisture, making them highly vulnerable to corrosion. To protect these surfaces, we recommend the MetalPlus range, which is specifically engineered to provide ultimate rust protection.
Step 1: Surface Preparation
All surfaces must be clean, bare, dry, and free of grease, wax, and contaminants. For new Zincalume, Zincanneal, or galvanised steel, clean and sand the surface to promote paint adhesion, then clean again. For previously painted metal in sound condition, sand and clean using Brushable Enamel Thinner. If rust is present on ferrous metals, remove loose scale with a wire brush, then apply Rust Converter Primer Sealer to stabilise and seal the surface.
Step 2: Priming
Apply a specialised primer to protect the metal from moisture and oxygen:
- Mild steel and wrought iron: Apply Etch Primer or Universal Primer.
- Aluminium and galvanised steel: Apply Etch Primer to ensure excellent adhesion over non-ferrous metals.
- Damaged galvanised steel: Apply Cold Gal to restore the protective zinc layer.
Step 3: Top Coating
Apply two coats of UV Superior Enamel. Formulated with advanced silicon alkyd enamel technology, this premium topcoat provides outstanding weather defence and ultimate rust protection. It is designed to maintain its colour and gloss even under direct-sun exposure. The paint is touch-dry in 4 hours, can be recoated after 16 hours, and cleanup is performed using Brushable Enamel Thinner.
To protect your home's steel assets, you can browse our metal protection range to find the correct system.
Important Climate Considerations for Application
Even with premium paint selection, applying exterior finishes under incorrect conditions can compromise the final result. Always observe these climate rules during your project:
- Temperature Limits: Do not apply paint if the temperature is below 10°C or above 35°C, or if the temperature will drop below 10°C during the drying period.
- Sunlight exposure: Never apply paint in direct sunlight, as the heat can dry the paint too quickly, causing brush marks, poor adhesion, and blistering. Paint sheltered or shaded areas of the building as the sun moves.
- Moisture and Rain: Do not apply paint if rain, dew, or frost is expected within 24 hours (or 48 hours for stains and oils). Moisture settling on wet paint will ruin the film and cause white, milky marks.
- Natural Light Impact: The intense Australian sun makes colours appear lighter and cooler on exterior walls than they do indoors. Always apply generous test patches to different sides of your home to see how the colour behaves from sunrise to dusk before purchasing your paint.
Achieving a Long-Lasting Finish
By choosing a paint system matched to your specific substrate and executing thorough surface preparation, you ensure your home remains protected and beautiful for many years. Using high-quality Australian-made products from a brand with over 90 years of experience guarantees a finish built to withstand local conditions.
If you are ready to begin, you can find your nearest Haymes Paint stockist to get expert advice and purchase your materials. You can also book an online colour consultation to speak with a design professional and choose the perfect palette for your home's exterior.
