Choosing a painter is only half the battle — the paint brand and product they use can make a huge difference to how long your finish lasts and how good it looks. Before your painter picks up a brush, here are the key questions to ask so you know exactly what's going on your home.
Why Does the Paint Brand Matter?
Not all paints are created equal. Premium paints typically contain more pigment, better binders, and higher-quality additives than budget alternatives. In New Zealand's varied climate — from the UV-intense summers in the North Island to the damp, cold winters in the South — the right paint for the job can mean the difference between a finish that lasts 10 years and one that starts peeling in three. BRANZ research consistently shows that surface preparation and product quality are the two biggest factors in paint durability.
Ask: Which Brand and Product Line Are You Using?
Your painter should be able to name the specific brand and product range they plan to use — not just say "a good quality paint." New Zealand's most trusted and widely available paint brands include:
- Resene — a NZ-owned brand with an extensive range for interior and exterior use, well regarded for colour accuracy and durability.
- Dulux — a major international brand with a strong NZ presence and a wide product range including weatherboard and roof coatings.
- Wattyl — another well-established option with products suited to NZ conditions.
If your painter proposes a brand you've never heard of, it's perfectly reasonable to ask where it's sourced and whether it meets NZ standards.
Ask: Is This Paint Right for the Surface and Environment?
Different surfaces need different products. A waterborne acrylic might be ideal for interior walls, but your weatherboards in a coastal area may need a high-build exterior system with a specific primer. Ask your painter:
- Is this product rated for exterior or interior use (or both)?
- Is it suitable for the substrate — timber, fibre cement, plaster, or masonry?
- Does it account for our local conditions, such as coastal salt air, high UV, or high humidity?
James Hardie fibre cement products, for example, have specific coating requirements that your painter should be aware of if you have a Hardie home.
Ask: What Sheen Level Are You Recommending and Why?
Sheen level (flat/matt, low sheen, semi-gloss, gloss) affects both the look and the washability of the finish. High-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens generally benefit from a semi-gloss or low-sheen finish that can be wiped down. Ask your painter to explain their recommendation so you understand the trade-offs.
Ask: Does the Paint Come With a Manufacturer's Warranty?
Many premium paint brands offer a manufacturer's warranty on their products when applied correctly. Ask:
- Does this product carry a warranty, and for how long?
- Does the warranty require a licensed or accredited applicator?
- What conditions could void the warranty (e.g., painting over a damp surface)?
Some warranties are only valid when the full system — primer, undercoat, and topcoat — is from the same brand, so it's worth clarifying this upfront.
Ask: Will You Use a Primer or Undercoat, and Which One?
Skipping primer is one of the most common shortcuts that leads to early paint failure. A good painter will specify the primer or undercoat they intend to use and explain why it suits your surface. On bare timber, a quality primer seals the wood and improves adhesion. On previously painted surfaces, a bonding primer may be needed if the existing paint is in poor condition.
Ask: How Much Paint Will You Use, and Can I See the Tins?
It's reasonable to ask your painter to show you the paint tins or provide the product name and colour code so you can verify what's being used. This also helps if you need touch-up paint in the future — you'll know exactly what to buy. Reputable painters won't have any issue with this request.
Ask: Are You Applying the Recommended Number of Coats?
Manufacturers specify a minimum number of coats for full coverage and durability. Cutting from two topcoats to one is a common way to reduce costs — but it reduces the life of the job. Ask your painter to confirm they're following the manufacturer's application guidelines, which you can often check directly on the brand's website.
| Question to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Which brand and product line? | Confirms quality and suitability |
| Right for the surface/environment? | Prevents early failure |
| Sheen level recommendation? | Affects look and washability |
| Manufacturer's warranty? | Protects your investment |
| Primer or undercoat included? | Essential for adhesion and durability |
| Number of coats? | Ensures full coverage per spec |
When to Call a Professional
While a confident DIYer can tackle interior painting, exterior painting on multi-storey homes, painting near electrical fittings, or any work involving lead paint (common in homes built before 1980) should be handled by a qualified professional. Lead paint removal is a health and safety matter — WorkSafe NZ has guidance on safe handling. For any painting work, a skilled tradesperson will know which products suit NZ conditions and will stand behind their workmanship. You can find qualified local painters on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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