Newcastle's Weatherboard Heritage
Many of Newcastle's older suburbs — Hamilton, Merewether, Islington, Waratah — are filled with weatherboard homes from the early to mid 1900s. These homes have character but require careful attention when it comes to maintenance painting.
Common Weatherboard Issues We Encounter
- Lead paint on homes built before 1970
- Rot in low boards, around window sills and near ground level
- Split or cupped boards from moisture movement
- Nail holes that have rusted and stained
- Multiple layers of old paint building up and causing adhesion failure
Lead Paint Considerations
Homes built before 1970 almost certainly contain lead paint. This doesn't mean you can't repaint — but it does require careful handling. Our painters are trained in lead-safe work practices.
Preparation for Weatherboard
Prep is more intensive than for brick or render. Scraping, sanding, filling gaps with flexible caulk, treating bare timber with oil-based primer — these steps are non-negotiable for a result that lasts.
Product Recommendations
For weatherboard exteriors, we use premium flexible acrylic systems from Dulux or Taubmans. Flexibility is critical — timber moves more than any other substrate.
How Many Coats?
On an older weatherboard home, you should expect primer plus two topcoats as a minimum. Trim typically requires additional attention.