Whether you’re sprucing up a single room or revamping your entire home’s exterior, a professional paint job is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to add value and refresh your space. But if you live in Wellington, painting is not just about color — it’s about understanding the unique demands of the local climate and architecture.
At Tidy Pads, we’ve completed a number of interior and exterior painting jobs throughout Wellington, including suburbs like Karori, Johnsonville, Petone, and Porirua. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before you start your painting project — from choosing the right products to avoiding weather-related issues.
If you're considering painting in Wellington, this article will help you avoid common pitfalls, save money, and get the results you deserve.
1. Why Painting Your Wellington Home Is a Smart Investment
Repainting your home is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. A fresh coat of paint:
- Protects timber and cladding from the harsh Wellington wind and rain
- Prevents moisture damage and rot
- Improves thermal efficiency with light-reflective colours
- Increases your property’s market value and appeal
In particular, exterior painting in Wellington is crucial due to the region’s unpredictable weather and salty coastal air, which can degrade paint faster if the wrong products or methods are used.
2. Choosing the Right Paint for Wellington Conditions
Not all paints are created equal—especially when it comes to Wellington’s exposure to wind, moisture, and salt.
🏠 For Exterior Painting:
Choose premium exterior acrylic paints with UV protection and mould resistance. Brands like Resene, Dulux, PPG or Wattyl offer ranges suited for Wellington’s coastal and hilltop conditions.
- Use low-sheen for weatherboards (better coverage and durability)
- Use semi-gloss or gloss for trims and doors (easier to clean and more resistant)
- Choose colours that reflect heat if sun exposure is high (especially for north-facing homes)
🖼 For Interior Painting:
Focus on washability, light reflection, and mood.
- Low sheen or eggshell for living rooms and bedrooms
- Semi-gloss for bathrooms and kitchens (resistant to moisture)
- Ceiling white for overhead areas to keep rooms looking bright
💡 Tidy Pads Tip: We help clients colour-match to their existing style or recommend on-trend tones that lift the entire space.
3. Prepping Your Home for a Long-Lasting Finish
The secret to a great paint job isn’t just in the paint—it’s in the prep.
Exterior Surface Prep:
- Water blast the surface to remove dirt, moss, and flaking paint
- Repair cracks, holes, and weatherboard gaps
- Prime bare timber and seal knots to prevent bleeding
- Sand down any rough or glossy areas for paint adhesion
Interior Surface Prep:
- Clean walls to remove grease, dust, and cobwebs
- Fill holes and imperfections with plaster compound
- Sand surfaces smooth and apply undercoat if changing colour drastically
- Mask windows, trims, and furniture to protect from splashes
Cutting corners on prep leads to bubbling, peeling, or patchy finishes—especially in Wellington where the weather puts extra strain on coatings.
4. Timing is Everything: When to Paint in Wellington
Due to the city’s high rainfall and strong winds, you need to time your project carefully.
Ideal Times for Exterior Painting:
- Late spring to early summer (October to January)
- Aim for 2–3 consecutive dry days
- Avoid painting in direct midday sun or during strong winds
Ideal Times for Interior Painting:
- Any time of year, but best during dry months to assist with drying
- Open windows and ventilate well to speed up curing
⚠️ Painting in winter? Use fast-drying, low-temp tolerant paints and dehumidifiers for interior projects.
5. DIY vs. Professional Painting — What’s Best?
While a small room can be tackled over a weekend, larger jobs — especially exteriors — are better left to professionals.
DIY Risks:
- Inconsistent brushwork
- Skipping prep steps
- Using low-quality paint
- Weather delays or moisture traps
Why Hire a Professional in Wellington:
- We know how to work with the wind, elevation, and material types common in local homes
- We use scaffolding safely and legally
- You’ll get a guaranteed, professional finish—no missed spots or early peeling
6. How Much Does Painting Cost in Wellington?
Painting costs vary depending on:
- Surface area
- Type of surfaces (e.g. timber vs. concrete)
- Prep required
- Scaffolding or height access needs
General price estimates:
- Interior walls (per room): $300–$700
- Full house exterior repaint: $7,000–$15,000
- Small touch-ups or trim refresh: $300–$800
At Tidy Pads, we offer free quotes and tailor packages to suit both small and large budgets. Contact us now.