Taking the right approach when painting your home’s exterior is important , especially if you want it to last for up to 15 years. If you simply rush in and paint over your existing exterior colour, you may find yourself having to repaint in a few years, which will obviously cost you more.
Noel Mashayamombe, Head: Technical - Decorative at Kansai Plascon provides a basic A-Z from choosing the time to paint, trending and classic colours, to the more technical paint details
Time to paint
“The best time to paint your home's exterior is late winter to spring when temperatures are moderate (10°C-30°C) and rainfall is minimal, humidity is below 70%, and there’s no predicted rain for 24-48 hours,” says Mashayamombe. “This is to ensure proper drying and adhesion of the paint that can be affected by extreme heat, cold, or high humidity.”
How much to spend?
Generally, a higher initial cost often reflects superior paint quality and durability, says Mashayamombe, because the producer will likely have used enhanced ingredients and advanced formulations, but meticulous surface preparation and application remain paramount for longevity.
“It's also crucial to acknowledge that the maintenance cycle for more economical paints is typically shorter, leading to increased long-term expenses. Conversely, paints with extended durability, such as those boasting a 15-year lifespan, offer a significantly prolonged maintenance cycle, ultimately providing a more cost-effective solution over time.”
Durability
Most paint producers like Plascon, provide a comprehensive range of exterior paint solutions, each meticulously formulated and rigorously tested by expert technical teams to ensure exceptional durability and longevity. In Plascon’s case, for example, you can secure guarantees ranging from 8-15 years based on a quality tier, and designed to be resilient against different weather elements.
Preparation
If you are intent on achieving a flawless and long-lasting exterior paint finish, you need to prepare your walls. “Thorough preparation is paramount because it directly impacts the paint's ability to bond with the surface, resist weathering, and maintain its aesthetic appeal over time. Without proper preparation, even the highest-quality paint can fail prematurely, leading to peeling, blistering, fading, and an overall diminished appearance,” says Mashayamombe. These preparation steps are vital for a professional and lasting finish.
He recommends the following:
Before any application, ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleansed, firmly intact, and completely dry. This crucial step eliminates contaminants that could impede adhesion and compromise the paint's longevity.
Should you be working with previously painted surfaces in poor condition, complete removal of the existing paint through scraping or coarse sanding is essential, allowing you to proceed as per new surface recommendation.
For friable (powdery/crumbly) surfaces, apply a bonding liquid to ensure that the surface is sound before using the selected topcoat.(These foundational layers enhance adhesion and provide vital protection against environmental factors.)
Address any imperfections by filling defects with the appropriate wall filler, creating a smooth, uniform canvas.
Allow 16 hours and 4 hours drying for solvent- and water-based primers respectively before applying your chosen topcoat, to ensure strong inter-coat adhesion.
Technical specs to consider, when choosing your paint:
Durability ratings: Look for weather, UV, and fade resistance.
Coverage: Higher coverage means fewer coats, saving money.
Primer recommendation: Primer choice is very important for achieving best adhesion.
Finish: Sheen impacts durability and appearance (e.g., matte, satin, gloss).
Guarantee: Indicates manufacturer confidence in longevity.
Application specs: Temperature and humidity ranges for optimal application.
VOC (volatile organic compounds) content: Lower VOCs are preferred especially for sustainability and health reasons.
Further value-adds include:
Alkali resistance: Crucial for new cement/plaster, ensuring adhesion. Use suitable primers.
Application ease : Ready for use products are preferred for smooth DIY applications.
Efflorescence/Salt migration: Use appropriate primers to combat efflorescence damage.
Antimould/Fungal Properties: Especially vital in humid and coastal areas.
Environmental Impact: Opt for products that support sustainability, e.g. low VOCs.
Trending colours for 2025 and timeless classics
Most reputable paint producers, like Plascon, provide a wide range of standard colours available off-the-shelf in various finishes, from textured to matt, as well as tint-able colours to keep your home stylish and modern. Mashayamombe’s all-time favourite is a combination of “Plascon Micatex Cape Fynbos BBO 608, which is versatile and can be used as a trim colour or main colour when paired with Misty Valley BBO 609 for a natural scheme,” he says.
In 2025, the colours that are most popular include greys, beiges, deep charcoals, soft greens, and warm metallics. Timeless exterior colours for residences include whites (crisp, versatile), greys (sophisticated, adaptable), and neutral tones (warm, earthy). “These offer enduring appeal, complement various architectures, blend with landscapes, and often conceal dirt well,” says Mashayamombe. “But it is important to consider local sunlight and architectural style for optimal selection.”
Value after painting
A fresh exterior paint job can increase a home's value by an estimated 5 -10%, confirms Mashayamombe. “Not only does it make the house look good, which buyers like, it also shows you take care of it. Your return on investment is usually high, but this can be influenced by paint quality, workmanship, colour choice (neutrals preferred), and market conditions.”
