Whether you're welcoming guests, preparing to sell, or simply taking pride in your home, the exterior paint matters. But in Australia, that clean, freshly painted look is constantly exposed to the harsh sun, heavy rain, coastal salt, humidity, mould, and grime. These conditions all work against your paint finish, often faster than you'd expect.

Choosing the right exterior paint isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about protection, performance, and long-term value. The right product keeps your home looking better, longer, with less work, and less stress.

Haymes Paint have been crafting premium paints for Australian homes since 1935. As the nation’s largest Australian Made and Owned paint brand, our family-run business has spent 90 years perfecting coatings that can withstand everything this climate throws at them. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what to look for in an exterior paint, and why Haymes Paint stands out for homes that need lasting performance and minimal upkeep.

Why Exterior Paint Matters More Than You Think

Paint does more than add colour, it acts as your home’s outer armour. It keeps the elements out, protects building materials underneath, and makes everything look fresh and cared for.

Australia’s conditions are especially tough on paint. UV rays fade colour quickly. Moisture and humidity can cause swelling, peeling or mould. And in coastal areas, salt spray eats away at lesser coatings.

Low-quality paint might look fine for a few months, but it often breaks down faster than you’d expect. Cracks can appear, fading sets in, and before long, your home looks tired, and you’re stuck repainting sooner than planned.A high-performing exterior paint protects your investment and saves you time in the long run. 

What to Look For in an Exterior Paint That Lasts

When choosing exterior paint, there are a few key qualities to keep in mind, each one essential to getting a finish that goes the distance.

• UV protection: Prevents premature fading and chalking, especially in sunny or exposed areas.
• Weather resistance: A robust formula helps paint stay intact during heatwaves, storms, and seasonal shifts.
• Mould and dirt resistance: Ideal for humid, shaded or high-traffic areas, this keeps your home looking clean with less effort.
• Surface compatibility: Look for a product that works on a range of surfaces, weatherboards, brick, render, cement sheeting, and even Colorbond®, to simplify your project.
• Manufacturer guarantee: A long-term product guarantee (10 years or more) shows the paint is made to endure, not just impress on day one.

These features aren't just technical, they’re practical. They mean fewer repaints, less scrubbing, and a better-looking home over time.

Why Solashield® Stands Out

For homeowners looking for a product that delivers on all fronts, Solashield® Exterior is a standout. This premium exterior paint is formulated specifically for Australian conditions, offering a balance of durability, ease of use, and impressive finish.

• Ultimate UV protection: Solashield® is designed to maintain colour clarity and resist sun damage over time.
• Surface Lock Technology: This advanced coating repels dirt, mould, and moisture, keeping surfaces looking cleaner for longer.
• Self-priming on most surfaces: No need for separate primer on suitable substrates, which saves time and cuts down on prep work.
• Salt and weather resistance: Perfect for coastal homes and properties exposed to wild weather.
• Tintable in a full range of colours: Choose from Haymes’ extensive palette to suit your home’s style.
• 20-Year Guarantee: Long-term peace of mind, backed by Haymes, covering peeling, flaking, and blistering.

Whether you're repainting timber weatherboards, updating a rendered façade, or freshening up fences and eaves, Solashield® Exterior provides a consistent, low-sheen finish that’s tough, attractive, and low-maintenance.

What You’ll Notice Living With It

This isn’t just about technical performance. With the right exterior paint, you see benefits every day.

• Your home stays cleaner between washes.
• You spend less time maintaining paintwork.
• Colours remain rich and consistent, even in harsh sunlight.
• Repainting isn’t something you need to worry about again for years.

Solashield® Exterior is designed with the homeowner in mind. It dries fast, is easy to apply with brush, roller or spray, and gives you a high-end result without needing a professional.

Answering Common Concerns

Is it worth spending more on premium paint?

Absolutely, especially when you factor in the cost of repainting sooner with cheaper options. A quality paint like Solashield® provides years of protection, reducing your total outlay over time.

Can I apply it myself? 

Yes. Solashield® is formulated for easy use and doesn’t require a separate primer on most surfaces. If you can handle a roller or brush, you can get great result

Will it work in my area?

Whether you live by the coast, in a bushfire-prone zone, or in a dry inland climate, Solashield® has been tested and proven across a range of environments. It’s built for Australia.

What if I’m not sure which surface I’ve got?

The team at your local Haymes Paint stockist can help you choose the right preparation steps and confirm if your surface is suitable for direct application 

Give Your Home the Finish It Deserves 

There’s no shortage of paint options out there, but few are truly designed to perform in Australian conditions. Solashield® combines advanced protection with beautiful, lasting colour, so your home stays looking its best, no matter what the weather does.

Buy Solashield® Exterior if you’re ready to give your exterior the care it deserves, and make your next paint job the last one you’ll think about for a long time.