Living close to the coast in Wollongong and the wider Illawarra brings beautiful views, but it is also tough on the outside of your home. Salt-laden air, strong sun and driving rain all work together to break down paint faster than they would inland. Good preparation is what separates a repaint that lasts for years from one that starts flaking within a couple of seasons.
The first step is a thorough wash. Salt and grime build up on walls, eaves and trim, and any coating applied over a dirty surface simply will not bond well. Surfaces should be cleaned, allowed to dry completely, and checked for any mould or mildew, which is common in shaded and humid spots.
Next comes scraping and sanding. Loose or peeling paint has to come off so the new coating has a sound surface to grip. Bare timber, fibro and rendered walls each need their own approach, and any gaps or cracks should be filled and caulked to keep moisture out.
Priming is the step people are most tempted to skip, and it is the one that matters most in a coastal setting. A quality primer seals the surface, improves adhesion and gives the topcoat a much better chance of standing up to salt and sun. Choosing exterior paints designed for harsh Australian conditions makes a real difference to how long the finish holds its colour.
At Colourland Painting we are based right here in Wollongong, so every recommendation we make is based on what actually works in our local climate rather than a generic brochure. If you are planning an exterior repaint, taking the time to prepare properly is the best investment you can make.
