The Wellington Homeowner’s Checklist: What to Prep Before Exterior Painting This Summer

Painting your home’s exterior is one of the most effective ways to refresh your property and protect it from Wellington’s coastal winds, moisture and strong UV. But before a single brushstroke goes on, proper preparation matters just as much as the paint itself.

Summer is the ideal season for exterior painting—but Wellington’s climate also demands careful planning.

Below is the complete, homeowner-friendly checklist to make sure your property is perfectly ready for a smooth, efficient and long‑lasting summer repaint.

1. Inspect Your Exterior for Damage

Before painters arrive, a quick walkthrough of your exterior helps speed up quoting, planning and repairs.

Look for:

• peeling or bubbling paint
• soft or swollen weatherboards
• cracked or open timber joints
• mould or mildew (common on south-facing walls)
• rust on metal surfaces
• gaps around windows and trims

Issues like rot or water damage need addressing before painting begins.

2. Clear the Surrounding Areas

Painters need clean access to the entire exterior. Before the project starts, ensure you:

• move cars out of the driveway
• shift outdoor furniture away from walls
• trim back hedges or branches touching the house
• remove pot plants close to walls
• cover the BBQ and patio area

A clear perimeter ensures painters can set up safely and efficiently.

3. Wash the Exterior (Critical in Wellington)

Salt, dust and moisture build up quickly on Wellington homes thanks to constant wind—and they can affect paint adhesion.

Your home should be washed to remove:

• dirt and dust
• airborne salt
• mould and mildew
• spider webs
• grime around window joinery

A professional soft wash is recommended to avoid damaging weatherboards or forcing water behind cladding.

4. Check Windows, Doors & Trims

Windows and trims often need extra prep. Before painting:

• close all windows fully
• remove fly screens if possible
• check for cracked putty or loose beading
• identify any timber rot around sills

Painters will repair minor issues, but bigger damage may require a builder.

5. Protect Gardens & Outdoor Areas

Wellington homeowners love their gardens—so take a moment to prepare:

• tie back plants
• cover delicate shrubs
• move hanging baskets
• create access paths for ladders

This protects plants from paint splatter and ensures the team can work safely.

6. Decide on Your Summer Colour Scheme

Summer is the perfect time to brighten your home with modern NZ colours.

When choosing:

• consider Wellington’s strong UV (lighter colours last longer)
• match trims and accents to your home’s style
• check with council if you live in a heritage or villa zone
• ask your painter for test patches

Pro tip: Avoid very dark colours on sun‑exposed weatherboards—they absorb heat and can shorten paint life.

7. Plan for Noise & Access

Exterior painting is non‑intrusive, but it helps to prepare:

• ensure pets are secure
• let neighbours know scaffolding will be installed (if required)
• plan parking ahead of time

Painters may need:

• outdoor power access
• garden tap access for washing
• consistent site access during daylight hours

8. Repair Before Painting

The biggest cause of premature paint failure is painting over damaged substrates.

Common repairs include:

• filling small cracks
• replacing rotten boards
• sanding flaking areas
• re‑priming bare timber
• resealing joints and trims

Your painter will handle these, but spotting them early helps with accurate scheduling and quoting.

Final Step: Book Your Wellington Summer Repaint Early

Wellington’s summer painting window is short—and demand is high.

Booking early ensures:

• the best weather conditions
• shorter project times
• optimal paint curing
• you secure a reputable painter before the season books out