How long should exterior paint last in NZ?

A quality exterior paint job with proper preparation should last 8 to 15 years depending on exposure, climate, and the substrate. Coastal and high-UV areas may require repainting sooner. Using premium exterior paints and thorough surface prep extends the lifespan significantly.

Should I worry about lead paint?

If your home was built before 1980, there is a good chance lead-based paint was used. Sanding or scraping lead paint creates toxic dust that is dangerous to inhale or ingest. A professional painter should test for lead and follow safe work practices if it is found. This is especially important if you have young children.

Hiring a Painter Checklist — What to Check Before You Hire | Call A Tradie NZ

A good paint job can transform your home and protect it from the elements. A bad one peels, cracks, and looks terrible within a year. The difference almost always comes down to preparation and the quality of the painter you hire. Use this checklist to find a professional who will do the job properly.

Qualifications & Experience

4 items

Ask about their trade qualifications

While painting is not a licensed trade in NZ, a National Certificate in Painting and Decorating (Level 4) shows formal training in surface prep, coatings, and application techniques.

Check if they are a member of Master Painters NZ

Master Painters members agree to a code of practice and offer a guarantee on workmanship. Membership requires meeting quality and experience standards.

Ask about their experience with your project type

Interior and exterior painting require different skills. Weatherboard preparation, plaster repairs, and multi-storey work all demand specific experience.

Confirm they have lead paint awareness training

Homes built before 1980 may contain lead paint. A responsible painter will test for lead before sanding or scraping and follow safe removal procedures to protect your family.

Preparation & Materials

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Ask about their surface preparation process

Good preparation is 80% of a paint job. Ask about washing, sanding, scraping, filling, priming, and how they handle problem areas like mould, rust, or peeling paint.

Confirm what paint brands and products they will use

Reputable painters use quality paint brands like Dulux, Resene, or Taubmans. Ask for the specific product names and finish types (e.g., Resene Lumbersider for exteriors).

Ask how many coats they will apply

Standard practice is one coat of primer and two coats of topcoat for new or bare surfaces. Repaints over a sound existing colour may need only two topcoats.

Check if they will protect surrounding areas

Professional painters use drop sheets, masking tape, and plastic sheeting to protect floors, furniture, landscaping, and other surfaces from paint splatter and overspray.

Ask about their approach to colour advice

Many professional painters can advise on colour choices and will apply test patches. Some offer colour consultation as part of their service.

Quotes & Scope

4 items

Get at least three detailed quotes

Quotes should specify the surfaces to be painted, preparation work, paint products and number of coats, and what is excluded. Compare scope, not just price.

Confirm what is included and excluded in the quote

Common exclusions: scaffolding, repairs to rotten timber, wallpaper removal, moving furniture. Make sure you understand exactly what you are paying for.

Ask about their workmanship guarantee

Professional painters typically guarantee their workmanship for 2 to 5 years. Master Painters members offer a minimum 2-year guarantee. Get the guarantee in writing.

Clarify the payment schedule

For larger jobs, payments are usually staged: a deposit (10-20%), progress payment, and final payment on completion. Never pay in full before the work is finished.

Insurance & Safety

4 items

Request proof of public liability insurance

Public liability insurance covers accidental damage to your property. Working at height on ladders and scaffolding makes this especially important for painters.

Ask about their scaffolding and height safety practices

For work above 3 metres, scaffolding should be used rather than just ladders. Ask whether scaffolding costs are included and who provides it.

Confirm they will manage waste and clean up

Professional painters should remove all waste, paint tins, and materials from your property and leave the site clean and tidy at the end of each day.

Check their approach to weather delays

Exterior painting is weather-dependent. Ask how they handle rain delays — will they communicate schedule changes and is there a clause in the quote for weather-related extensions?

Red Flags to Watch For

Does not test for lead paint on pre-1980 homes
Skimps on surface preparation or rushes the job
Uses cheap, unbranded paint or will not disclose the products
No written quote — only a verbal price
Cannot provide before and after photos of previous work
No public liability insurance
Wants full payment upfront
No workmanship guarantee
Uses only ladders for multi-storey exterior work instead of proper scaffolding

Painters Hiring FAQ

Painting is not a licensed trade in NZ, so there is no legal registration requirement. However, membership of Master Painters NZ or holding a National Certificate in Painting and Decorating indicates a professional commitment to quality and standards.