Introduction
If you own a weatherboard villa or bungalow in Auckland, you’ve probably wondered how long a good paint job should last. Between the city’s humidity, coastal air, and strong UV, exterior paint is constantly under stress.
We’re often asked by homeowners across Ponsonby, Mt Eden, and Devonport how often they should repaint. The general rule in New Zealand is every 7–10 years, but that can vary depending on exposure, surface condition, and the paint system used.
How Often Do Weatherboard Homes Need Repainting
For most Auckland homes, 7–10 years is a realistic repaint cycle for weatherboard exteriors.
If your home gets plenty of sun — whether you’re in Grey Lynn, Remuera, or another north-facing area — the paint may start to fade or chalk after around 7 years.
Homes in more sheltered or tree-lined streets, like parts of Mt Eden or Herne Bay, can stretch closer to 10 years before needing attention.
These figures assume professional prep and use of quality coatings such as Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen or Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen.
What Shortens the Life of Your Paint Job
Even the best paint system can fail early if conditions aren’t right.
Common Factors
- Poor preparation: Skipping sanding or priming reduces adhesion.
- Inferior paint: Low-cost paints can’t handle Auckland’s UV and salt air.
- Lack of maintenance: Annual washing prevents mould and salt build-up.
- Sun exposure: North- and west-facing walls fade faster than shaded sides.
How to Extend Paint Life
At Auckland City Painters, we use premium systems like Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen and Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen, both proven to stand up to Auckland’s mix of humidity and UV.
Annual Maintenance
Give your home a gentle wash once a year — it keeps the paint looking sharp and protects your weatherboards. This is particularly important in coastal suburbs like Mission Bay, Kohimarama, and Bayswater.
Choosing the Right Finish
For homeowners who prefer a traditional look, semi-gloss options such as Resene Sonyx 101 or Dulux Weathershield Semi-Gloss highlight trims and period details while improving cleanability.
Signs It’s Time to Repaint
Look for these early warning signs your paint is nearing the end of its lifespan:
- Fading or chalky colour
- Peeling, cracking, or flaking
- Exposed timber or grey patches
- Cracked caulking or open nail holes
- Recurring mould or mildew
If your weatherboards show any of these — especially after 7–10 years — it’s time to get them checked.
Preparation Is Everything
A lasting finish starts with thorough prep. For older villas and bungalows around Epsom, Kingsland, or Sandringham, this means scraping loose paint, sanding smooth, priming bare timber, and filling imperfections before applying topcoats.
It’s the attention to detail during prep that determines whether your paint job lasts 5 years — or a full decade.
Conclusion / Call to Action
Whether you’re maintaining a modern home in Stonefields or restoring a villa in Grey Lynn, repainting every 7–10 years keeps your weatherboards protected and looking their best in Auckland’s coastal climate.
Thinking about repainting? Get in touch with Auckland City Painters for honest, expert advice and a free quote from painters who know Auckland homes inside and out.
