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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you paint weatherboard houses in Newcastle?
Weatherboard homes need scraping, sanding, oil-based primer on bare timber, and at least two coats of quality acrylic. Brush and roller is recommended over spray to ensure coverage between boards.
What paint should I use on weatherboard in NSW?
Use a flexible, water-based acrylic with UV resistance. Dulux Weathershield, Solver Exterior or Taubmans Endure Exterior are professional favourites. Always prime bare timber first.
How often should weatherboard be painted?
Newcastle weatherboard homes should be repainted every 7–10 years. Homes near the ocean or on exposed sites may need repainting every 5–6 years due to UV and salt spray.