New Zealand has some of the harshest UV levels in the world. Add salt air, high humidity, and plenty of rain, and you have got a tough environment for exterior paint. Not all paints are created equal, and after years of using them all, I have my favourites.
Here is my honest take on the main paint brands available in NZ and when we use each one.
Dulux
Dulux is probably the brand we use most often, and for good reason. Their exterior range — particularly Dulux Weathershield — is formulated specifically for NZ and Australian conditions. It has excellent UV resistance, good flexibility to cope with timber expansion and contraction, and a wide colour range.
For interior work, Dulux Wash & Wear is a solid all-rounder. It is washable, low-VOC, and goes on smoothly. We use it a lot for family homes where walls need to stand up to kids and pets.
**Best for:** Exterior weatherboards, general interior walls, budget-conscious jobs that still need quality.
Resene
Resene is a New Zealand company, and they know our conditions as well as anyone. Their Resene Lustacryl and Hi-Glo ranges are excellent for exterior trim, fascias, and doors. Resene also has an unmatched colour matching system — if you can dream up a colour, they can mix it.
Resene's SpaceCote Low Sheen is a great interior wall paint, especially for kitchens and bathrooms where you need moisture resistance. Their Lumbersider is the go-to for exterior timber surfaces.
**Best for:** Custom colours, exterior trim and doors, kitchens and bathrooms, premium finishes.
Wattyl
Wattyl (owned by Hempel) makes solid paint, though we use it less frequently than Dulux or Resene. Their Wattyl Weathergard is a good exterior option, and their interior ranges are reliable. Wattyl is often a bit cheaper, which can make sense for larger commercial jobs where cost matters.
**Best for:** Commercial projects, budget-sensitive jobs, large surface areas.
What About Cheap Paint?
I will be straight with you — cheap paint is false economy. I have been called out to fix jobs where the previous painter used budget paint, and within 18 months it is chalking, fading, or peeling. The customer ended up paying twice — once for the cheap job and again for the repaint.
Premium paint costs more per litre, but it lasts years longer, goes on better, and looks better. On a typical exterior, the difference in paint cost between budget and premium might be a few hundred dollars. The difference in lifespan is years.
Interior vs Exterior: Different Needs
Exterior paint needs to handle UV, rain, salt, and temperature swings. It needs flexibility and durability. Interior paint needs to handle scuffs, washability, and low odour. They are formulated differently, and you should never use interior paint outside or vice versa.
Our Approach
On every job, we talk through the paint options with you. We recommend the best paint for your specific surface, location, and budget. For most Auckland homes, that means Dulux Weathershield on exterior weatherboards and Dulux Wash & Wear or Resene SpaceCote inside. But every house is different, and we tailor our recommendation to yours.
If you want to chat about the right paint for your home, get a free smart estimate on our homepage. We include paint recommendations in every quote.
Maikolo Tuionetoa
Owner & Lead Painter, Love Waterhouse Painters
Born in Falevai (Waterhouse), Tonga. Painting across NZ since age 18. Pacific Island work ethic, Kiwi standards.