Painting or rendering over existing brickwork can completely transform the look of your home — and it's a project many NZ homeowners tackle themselves or with a bit of trade help. Whether you're freshening up a tired brick fence, updating a 1970s brick veneer exterior, or adding a smooth render finish to an interior feature wall, getting the preparation right makes all the difference between a result that lasts and one that peels or cracks within a season.
Assess the Brickwork First
Before you reach for a brush or trowel, take a close look at the existing brickwork. Check for:
- Cracked or crumbling mortar joints — these must be raked out and repointed before any coating goes on
- Efflorescence (white salt deposits) — a sign of moisture movement that needs to be addressed at the source
- Damp or rising moisture — painting or rendering over wet brick traps moisture and causes the coating to fail
- Loose, spalling, or hollow-sounding bricks — these need repair first
- Previous paint or sealer — some coatings are incompatible with new products
If you spot significant structural cracking, rising damp, or large areas of damaged mortar, it's worth getting a qualified bricklayer to assess the wall before you proceed. You can find experienced local bricklayers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Painting Over Brickwork
Painting brick is the more DIY-friendly option. Here's the process:
Step 1 – Clean the surface
Scrub the brick thoroughly with a stiff brush and a suitable masonry cleaner to remove dirt, moss, lichen, and efflorescence. A light pressure wash can help, but allow the wall to dry completely — in NZ's more humid regions (Northland, West Coast), this may take several days.
Step 2 – Repair and repoint
Rake out any loose mortar to a depth of around 10–15 mm and repoint with a suitable mortar mix. Allow to cure fully before painting.
Step 3 – Apply a masonry primer
A quality masonry sealer or primer is essential. It stabilises the porous surface, improves adhesion, and helps prevent efflorescence from bleeding through. Resene and Dulux both offer dedicated masonry primers suited to NZ conditions — check with your local paint store for the right product for your situation.
Step 4 – Apply masonry paint
Use a paint specifically formulated for masonry or exterior brick. These are more flexible and breathable than standard wall paints, which is important in NZ's variable climate. Apply two coats with a thick-nap roller, working the paint into the texture. A brush is useful for cutting in around mortar joints.
Important note: Once you paint brick, it's very difficult to reverse. The brick will need repainting every several years as part of ongoing maintenance.
Rendering Over Brickwork
Render gives a smooth or textured finish and can dramatically modernise a brick exterior. It's a more involved process and, for large exterior areas, is generally best left to a professional plasterer or bricklayer.
Choosing a render system
| Render Type | Best For | DIY Friendly? |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional sand/cement | Solid brick walls, experienced DIYers | Moderate |
| Polymer/acrylic render | Most surfaces, flexible, crack-resistant | Yes, with care |
| Fibre-reinforced render | Lightweight cladding, movement-prone walls | Less so |
| Texture coat (over base coat) | Feature walls, decorative finishes | Yes |
For exterior work, check that your chosen render system is compatible with the NZ Building Code — particularly Clause E2 (External Moisture), which governs how cladding systems manage water. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on cladding and weathertightness.
Key steps for rendering
- Clean and prepare the brick surface as above
- Apply a bonding agent or scratch coat to improve adhesion — products from Sika or Ardex are widely used in NZ
- Apply the base coat in even passes, working from the top down
- Scratch the surface while still green if applying a second coat
- Apply finish coat to the desired texture
- Cure slowly — avoid direct sun and wind during curing, especially in hot NZ summers
For interior feature walls, the process is simpler and more forgiving. Acrylic-based renders are popular for this application.
NZ Climate Considerations
NZ's climate varies enormously — from the humid subtropics of Northland to the cold, wet winters of the South Island. Choose products rated for your region:
- In high-rainfall areas, prioritise breathable, water-resistant coatings
- In coastal areas, use products with salt-resistant formulations
- Avoid applying render or paint in temperatures below around 10°C or above 35°C, or when rain is forecast within 24 hours
BRANZ publishes research and guidance on exterior coatings and cladding performance in NZ conditions — worth a read before you start a large project.
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring a qualified bricklayer or plasterer if:
- The wall has significant cracking, damp, or structural issues
- You're rendering a large exterior area — consistency and technique matter a lot
- The brickwork is part of a weathertight cladding system — incorrect work could void warranties or create compliance issues
- You're unsure whether a building consent is required (major re-cladding work may need one — check with your local council or MBIE Building Performance)
Note: Painting and rendering are not restricted trades in NZ, so homeowners can legally do this work themselves. However, any associated electrical work (e.g. moving exterior light fittings) must be done by a registered electrician — see EWRB for more information.
For peace of mind and a quality result, find a trusted local bricklayer or plasterer on tradedirectory.co.nz.