New Zealand's weather can be pretty unpredictable. One day it’s super humid, the next it’s blazing sunshine, and yes, it can even snow in the South Island during summer! This crazy weather can really take a toll on your house paint, making it wear out faster than you’d like. Keeping your home looking fresh and beautiful is something every homeowner should stay on top of. We’ll walk you through 5 signs that it might be time to give your home a fresh coat of paint. Let’s dive into the signs you should watch out for and make sure you don’t miss any!
Paint Peeling and Turning to Dust
Mould and Mildew on Walls
Cracked Paint
Faded and Dull Paint
Blistering Paint
Paint Peeling and Turning to Dust
When your house paint starts peeling and turning to dust, you'll notice a fine powder that comes off when you touch the painted walls. This powder can be white or the same colour as the paint. This issue usually happens to exterior paint that's been exposed to harsh weather like strong sunlight, rain, and high humidity. It can also occur on walls that have been painted for a long time, causing the paint to fade and easily turn to dust.
Why Your Paint is Peeling
Low-Quality Paint
Using cheap exterior paint with low adhesive properties can lead to peeling. Over time, sunlight breaks down the paint, causing it to lose its grip and turn to dust.
Skipping the Primer
Not using a primer or using the wrong type of paint, like interior paint on the outside, can cause issues. Interior paint isn’t built to withstand outdoor weather.
Moisture in the Walls
Painting over damp surfaces can cause problems. Moisture in the walls reacts with the paint, breaking down the adhesive and causing it to peel and turn to dust.
Poor Surface Preparation
If the surface isn’t clean—think dirt, dust, grease, or mould—the paint won’t stick properly.
How to Prevent Peeling Paint
When your paint starts peeling and turning to dust, you can prevent it by making sure the surface is clean and completely dry before painting. Get rid of any dust, grease, and other dirt. Also, fix any cracks and chips before you start painting. Choosing high-quality, weather-resistant paint will help it last longer. If the peeling is widespread, it might be best to repaint the entire house.
Mould and Mildew on Walls
When you see green or black patches on your walls, it’s likely mould or mildew. These usually show up in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or walls near water sources. Mould and mildew can make your walls look dirty and unappealing. Over time, they can also cause serious damage, like rotting wall materials, cracks, and weakening the wall structure. If you don’t deal with it properly, mould and mildew can spread to other parts of your home, leading to health issues like allergies, respiratory irritation, and skin problems.
Why Mould and Mildew Grow on Your Walls
High Humidity
High humidity is the main reason mould and mildew grow on walls, especially in areas with poor ventilation.
Water Leaks
Leaks from the roof, plumbing, or cracks in the walls can lead to high moisture levels, creating a perfect environment for mould.
Non-Moisture-Resistant Materials
Some building materials aren’t great at resisting moisture, making it easier for mould and mildew to develop.
Inadequate Cleaning
Not cleaning your walls regularly can lead to dirt and mould buildup.
How to Prevent Mould and Mildew
To keep your walls free from mould and mildew, make sure to keep them clean and dry. Good ventilation is key—open windows or use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Check for and fix any leaks or cracks in your walls right away to prevent moisture buildup. Using moisture-resistant materials and mould-resistant paint can also help reduce the chances of mould and mildew growing on your walls.
Cracked Paint
Cracked paint on your walls is a common issue in homes. These cracks, often called "Crazing" look like tiny, tree root-like lines spreading across the surface, usually less than 0.5 millimetres wide. While these cracks typically don't harm your home's structure, leaving them untreated can lead to bigger problems. Water can seep into the cracks, causing moisture buildup, which can make the paint peel, the walls swell, or even lead to mildew growth. This can make your home look old and worn out quickly.
Why Your Paint is Cracking
Not Pre-Wetting Bricks
If bricks aren’t pre-wetted before plastering, they can absorb water from the plaster, causing uneven expansion and contraction.
Temperature and Environment Differences
Differences in temperature and environment between the inside and outside of your home can cause the plaster to expand and contract unevenly.
How to Prevent Cracked Paint
To prevent paint from cracking, use high-quality primer and wall paint. An elastic primer can cover cracks and prevent water from seeping into the walls. Following the correct painting procedures and paying attention to surface preparation can help prevent cracking in the long run.
Faded and Dull Paint
Faded paint is a common issue for homes exposed to harsh weather conditions like strong sunlight, heavy rain, and high winds—typical of New Zealand's climate. The once vibrant paint can start to fade and turn to dust when touched, especially in areas that get a lot of direct sunlight. Faded paint can look patchy and uneven, making your home appear old and unattractive. Additionally, the deteriorating paint film can leave a chalky residue on your hands when you touch the walls.
Why Your Paint is Fading
Sunlight and UV Rays
Strong sunlight can break down the paint film, causing it to fade quickly.
Moisture and Water Seepage
Moisture seeping into cracks in the walls can dissolve the salts in the plaster, leading to paint deterioration and fading.
Low-Quality Paint
Using low-quality paint or paint not suited for exterior use can cause it to wear out faster.
Skipping the Primer
Not using a primer or using the wrong type of primer can make the topcoat paint not adhere well and deteriorate quickly.
Using Interior Paint Outside
Interior paint isn’t designed to withstand outdoor weather conditions, so it fades faster when used outside.
How to Prevent
To keep your house paint from fading in New Zealand, start by choosing high-quality paint that can withstand harsh weather and UV rays. Make sure to clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dust and dirt, and repair any cracks with a good filler. Use a durable primer to enhance the adhesion of the topcoat. Opt for topcoat paint that reflects heat and resists stains to extend the life of your paint job. Additionally, regularly check and repair your drainage system to prevent water from seeping into the walls, which can cause moisture-related paint damage.
Blistering Paint
Paint bubbling or blistering happens when the paint loses its grip on the surface, causing it to swell and form bubbles. This issue is common in areas with high humidity or water leaks, like bathroom walls, exterior walls, or the lower levels of buildings. Frequent weather changes—rain, wind, and sun—can lead to moisture buildup in the walls. If the surface isn’t properly prepared or the right materials aren’t used, paint bubbling can become a frequent problem.
Why Paint Bubbles and Blisters
Painting on a Dirty Surface
Painting over dust, dirt, or grease can prevent the paint from sticking properly.
Skipping the Primer
Primer helps the topcoat adhere to the surface. If you skip this step, the paint won’t last as long.
Moist Walls
Moisture from cracks, leaks, or lack of waterproofing can cause the paint to bubble.
Environmental Conditions
Painting in high humidity or rainy conditions can prevent the paint from drying properly, leading to bubbling.
How to Prevent
To prevent paint bubbling in New Zealand, start with proper surface preparation. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dust and dirt, and make sure it’s completely dry before painting. Using a primer is a crucial step you shouldn’t skip, as it helps the topcoat adhere better to the surface. Choose a dry, low-humidity day for painting to ensure the paint dries properly and doesn’t bubble. For high-risk areas like exterior walls or bathrooms, apply a waterproofing sealant before the topcoat to keep moisture out. Lastly, using high-quality paint that resists moisture and UV rays will help your paint job last longer and reduce the chances of bubbling.
Keeping your home looking fresh and beautiful is key to making it a great place to live. If you notice signs that it’s time for a new paint job, we’re here to help.
At Moravia Painters, we offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial projects, using only the highest quality materials. Whether it’s interior painting, where we specialize in all types of paint jobs, wallpaper removal, exterior painting to protect your home from the weather, plastering to smooth walls after wallpaper removal, or house washing to prep surfaces before painting, we’ve got you covered.
If you’d like more information or are interested in our services, feel free to get in touch:
Moravia Painters
Auckland, New Zealand
Email: info@moraviapainters.co.nz
Tel: 021-179-1051
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