Exterior Paint FAQ and Guide

1. How often should I repaint the exterior of my house?

How often you should repaint the exterior of your house depends on a few factors, such as the type of exterior paint used, the material of your house, and the climate you live in. Generally, it's a good idea to repaint every 5 to 10 years. If you have wood siding, you might need to repaint every 3 to 7 years, while fibre cement siding can last a bit longer, up to 10 to 15 years before needing a new coat. For areas with harsh weather conditions, you might need to repaint more frequently to protect your home from the elements. However, if you apply Dulux Weathershield Powerflexx, you may not need to worry for a longer time, even with harsh weather conditions. This is because the Dulux Weathershield Paints are designed to offer superior protection against various weather conditions, helping to extend the life of your paint job.

Also, keeping an eye on the condition of your paint, like fading, peeling, or cracking, is a good way to know when it's time for a fresh coat. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your exterior paint, keeping your home looking its best.

2. How to paint over existing exterior paint?

• Clean the Surface: Start by washing the exterior walls. You can use a pressure washer or a hose with a cleaning solution to remove dirt, mould, and peeling paint an. This step is important for ensuring the new paint adheres properly. Refresh your walls with this steps.
  
  
• Scrape and Sand: Once the surface is dry, scrape off any flaking paint with a paint scraper. Then, use sandpaper to smooth out rough edges and surfaces. This helps create a good base for the new paint.
  
  
• Repair Damages: Look for any cracks or damages in the walls. Use exterior-grade filler to repair these areas. Once the filler dries, sand it down to ensure its flush with the rest of the wall.
  
  
• Prime the Surface: Apply a primer designed for exterior use, especially if you’re making a significant colour change or if there were many repairs. For this step, Dulux Weathershield Primer is a great option. This high-quality primer is specially designed for external plaster surfaces to improve adhesion between the wall and the topcoat material. Its acrylic-based formulation ensures non-chalking and high adhesion properties, preventing peeling and flaking of the topcoat.
  
  
• Paint: Now you’re ready to paint. For the best results on the exterior, Dulux Weathershield products are an excellent choice. These high-quality exterior paints are suitable for various materials and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, providing long-lasting protection and beauty to your home. Apply it with a brush, roller, or sprayer, depending on the size of your project and the texture of your walls. Start from the top and work your way down to prevent drips.
  
  
• Dry and Apply Second Coat: Allow the first coat to dry completely, then assess if you need a second coat for even coverage.
   

3. What are some tips for painting exteriors in hot/cold weather?

Hot Weather Tips:

• Paint in the Shade: Try to paint the parts of your home that are in the shade and follow the shade as the sun moves. This prevents the paint from drying too quickly, which can cause it to peel or blister.
  
  
• Start Early or Late: Aim to paint in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak temperatures of the day.
  
  
• Choose the Right Paint: Some paints are formulated to work better in hot conditions. Look for exterior paints that can handle high temperatures.

Cold Weather Tips:

• Watch the Temperature: For exterior painting, it’s best not to paint when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Some modern paints are formulated to be applied at lower temperatures, even down to 35°F (2°C), so check your paint’s specifications.
  
  
• Avoid Frost and Dew: Paint only when the forecast shows no sign of frost, and make sure surfaces are dry. Morning dew should be completely evaporated before you begin painting.
  
  
• Warm Up the Paint: If it’s on the colder side, keep your paint at a moderate temperature before use, as cold paint is thicker and harder to apply.

General Tips for Both Conditions:

• Check the Forecast: Beyond just temperature, look for a dry spell, as both hot and cold weather painting require a few days without rain.
  
  
• Proper Prep: Ensure surfaces are clean and primed as needed. Proper preparation can help the paint adhere better and last longer, regardless of the temperature.
  
  
• Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality paint and supplies. Higher-quality exterior paint, like Dulux Weathershield, can withstand temperature fluctuations better and provide a lasting finish. Its advanced formula is specifically designed to protect your home in varying climates, ensuring your paint job looks great for years to come.
  
  

4. What are the different types of weathershield paints? Where to buy them?

• Dulux Weathershield Roof: This is a high-quality, 100% acrylic-based emulsion designed specifically for roofs. It helps your roof to stay cool and resist fading, alkali, and mould. It's like giving your roof a shield to keep it looking good and lasting longer.
  
  

• Dulux Weathershield Acrylic Exterior Wall Finish: A premium exterior wall paint with advanced Dualshield Technology, this product offers double the protection against colour fading, dirt, dust, alkali, algae, and fungus. It also features Keep Cool technology to reflect more sunlight, reducing interior temperatures, along with being low in VOCs and odour, making it a healthier choice for the environment and your home.
  
  

• Dulux Weathershield Powerflexx: This top-quality ultra-premium exterior wall paint stands out with its Triple Defence Technology. It can stretch to cover cracks 10 times wider than standard paints, providing ultimate crack-proofing, weather resistance, and water repellence. It comes with a 12-year warranty (terms and conditions apply), KeepCool™ technology, and is also low in VOCs and odour.
   

Where to Buy: Dulux Weathershield paints can be purchased at authorized Dulux paint stores, home improvement stores, or online through Dulux Malaysia official website. Many retailers offer colour mixing services, allowing you to choose custom colours tailored to your home’s design.

5. How do choose the right exterior paint colour?

• Architectural Style: Different architectural styles have traditional colour palettes associated with them. Research colour schemes that are commonly used for your home's architectural style to stay true to its heritage.
  
  
• Climate Considerations: Factor in your climate when selecting a paint colour. Lighter colours tend to reflect heat, making them ideal for warmer climates, while darker colours absorb heat and can be suitable for cooler regions.
  
  
• Consider Your Home’s Style: Whether you have a modern home or a classic one, some colours will naturally suit it better. Research a bit on what colours complement your home’s architectural style.
  
  
• Think About the Landscape: Your home’s surroundings can influence how a colour looks. If you have lots of greenery around, certain colours might stand out more. Similarly, the amount of sunlight your home gets can affect how a colour appears at different times of the day.
  
  
• Don’t Forget the Roof: Your roof colour is something you might not change often. Make sure the exterior paint colour you choose goes well with the roof colour.
   

Test Before Deciding: Before you make your final decision, buy small samples of your chosen exterior paint colours. Paint small sections of your home to see how the colour looks in different lighting throughout the day. Additionally, use the Dulux Visualizer tool to experiment with different colours virtually on your home, giving you a better idea of the final look before committing to a new paint job. This tool can be a great way to see how your chosen colours will look in real life, helping you make a more informed decision.