Is your weatherboard home starting to look a little tired or worn out? A fresh coat of paint can do wonders, breathing new life into your home while adding an extra layer of protection against Australia’s harsh climate. Weatherboard homes have a unique charm, but exposure to the elements means they need regular care to maintain their beauty.
If you’re considering tackling the job yourself, it can be a rewarding project, though it does require time, effort, and attention to detail. On the flip side, hiring professionals ensures efficiency, expert craftsmanship, and the confidence that tricky repairs or hard-to-reach areas will be handled safely. Think about your time, skill level, and the size of your project when deciding which route to take.
Proper painting does more than just freshen up appearances; it protects your home for years to come. Whether you’re a hands-on DIY enthusiast or thinking about calling in the pros, this guide covers everything you need to know about weatherboard house painting.
Why Weatherboard Homes Need Special Care
Typically made from timber, they’re durable but require regular maintenance to prevent issues like timber rot, peeling paint, and weather damage.
When it comes to painting weatherboards, preparation isn’t just a step; it’s the foundation. Think of it like baking a cake: if you don’t prep your ingredients properly, the result won’t be great.
Here’s how we prep for perfection:
- Pressure Washing: Remove dirt, mould, and flaky paint. Use mould removers or mild detergents for stubborn stains.
- Scraping and Sanding: Get rid of blistering, peeling paint for a smooth surface. Use 80-grit sandpaper for rough areas and 120-grit for final smoothing.
- Timber Rot Check: Identify rotting timber. Signs include musty smells, discoloration, and soft, crumbly wood. Minor rot can be repaired with fillers, while extensive damage might require new boards.
- Filling Gaps: Use UV-resistant, weatherproof fillers to address cracks and imperfections. Apply with a caulking gun for precision.
- Priming: Apply primer to all bare timber. Use oil-based primers for older homes and water-based for newer weatherboards.
If you’re dealing with older homes, be cautious of lead-based paint. Use protective gear, seal off the area, and dispose of materials safely according to local guidelines.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Painting Weatherboards
Choosing the right paint is key to a lasting finish. Dulux Weathershield is great for tough weather, while Resene offers finishes like Hi-Glo for gloss, Sonyx 101 for semi-gloss, and Lumbersider for a satin look.
Essential Tools:
- Brushes and rollers for even application.
- Sanding machines for smooth surfaces.
- Caulking guns and primers for sealing.
- Safety gear to protect yourself.
- Painter’s tape to keep edges clean.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Check the Weather: Ensure temperatures are between 10°C and 35°C. Avoid extreme heat, cold, or rain.
- Clean the Boards: Use a broom or pressure washer. Apply mould killer solution for mould-prone areas.
- Scrape & Sand: Remove flaking paint with a scraper. Sand using orbital sanders for flat areas and detail sanders for corners.
- Fill the Gaps: Apply UV-resistant filler with a caulking gun, then sand smooth once dry.
- Mask Off Areas: Use painter’s tape to protect edges, trims, and other areas you don’t want painted.
- Apply Primer: Prime bare timber and repaired areas to prevent patchiness. Allow it to dry completely.
- Cut In: Use angled brushes for clean lines around windows, doors, and trims.
- Roll On the Paint: Use long, horizontal strokes, starting from the top down. Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
- Apply a Second Coat: Ensure full coverage and an even finish. Repeat the same technique as the first coat.
- Finishing Touches: Remove painter’s tape while the paint is slightly wet to avoid peeling. Touch up any missed spots as needed.
The Cost of Painting a Weatherboard House
The cost of painting your weatherboard home depends on several factors. Larger homes naturally require more paint and time, increasing both material and labor costs (if your planning to pay someone). The condition of your weatherboards also matters; extensive repairs, like fixing timber rot or dealing with old, peeling paint, will add to the overall cost. The type of paint you choose affects the budget as well; premium paints may cost more upfront but last longer, provide better coverage, and withstand harsh weather conditions, saving you money over time. Hiring professionals adds to the budget, but their expertise and high-quality finish can make the investment worthwhile. For example, painting a small weatherboard cottage might cost around $5,000, while a larger two-story home could exceed $15,000.
Maintenance Tips
Keeping your weatherboard home looking fresh is easy with regular maintenance. A simple annual clean using warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush helps remove dirt and mould, especially around eaves and windows. Regular inspections every few months help you catch chips, cracks, or mould early, preventing bigger issues. When small problems like chipped paint appear, quick touch-ups can save time and money. Repainting every 7 to 10 years keeps your weatherboards vibrant and protected, depending on exposure to the elements.
Common Issues and Solutions
Bubbling paint often signals trapped moisture, which may result from poor sealing or ventilation. Fixing this involves addressing the moisture source, scraping off the affected paint, sanding, and repainting. Peeling paint usually stems from poor adhesion, often due to inadequate surface prep or extreme weather during application. Sand, prime, and repaint to fix it. Mould growth, common in damp, shaded areas, requires thorough cleaning with a mould remover before repainting with mould-resistant paint.
Thinking of DIY? It’s rewarding but time-consuming. Pros bring efficiency, expertise, and a flawless finish. They also handle tricky repairs and work at heights safely. Consider your time, skill level, and project size before deciding.
Ready to Transform Your Home?
Whether you’re refreshing a tired exterior or restoring a heritage gem, weatherboard painting is a game-changer. Need help? Get a quote today and let our expert team bring your vision to life.
Happy painting!
