Sydney's unique climate can be tough on your home's paint job. Let's look at some common paint problems, how our local weather contributes, and what you can do about it.
Most of the time, you can tackle common paint problems yourself. But in more severe cases, you might need to book a professional tradie.
Table of Contents
Common Paint Problems in Sydney Homes
These problems aren't just unsightly. They're often warning signs of bigger issues that need addressing before they get worse.
- 1. Blistering and bubbling: paint forms raised bubbles.
- 2. Chalking: some bits of paint no longer stick to the wall and leaves a powdery residue when you touch it.
- 3. Cracking and flaking: paint splits and chips fall off.
- 4. Mould and mildew: fungal growths that appear as black, grey or green spots.
- 5. Yellowing: discolouration, especially in white paints in areas with low sunlight.
How Sydney's Weather Makes Paint Problems Worse
Sydney's sunny coastal climate brings unique challenges. The combination of heat, humidity and rainfall can create perfect conditions for paint problems.
Moisture is the biggest culprit. Moisture can get behind paint and cause it to peel or crack. Those sudden afternoon downpours followed by hot sunshine can cause blistering to occur.
During our humid summer months, freshly applied paint can struggle to dry properly which leads to wrinkling and sagging.
Prolonged periods of dampness create a prime time for mould and mildew to develop, especially in bathrooms and laundries that have limited ventilation.
How to Fix Existing Paint Problems
1. Blistering and Bubbling
What causes it:
Blistering happens when moisture gets trapped under your paint film and form bubble-like bumps. The main culprits are:
- Painting over dirty or greasy surfaces (the paint can't grip properly)
- Slapping paint onto damp wood before it completely dries
- Painting in direct sunlight on a hot surface
- Classic Aussie weather patterns of sudden downpours followed by blazing sunshine
How to fix blistering:
To fix blistering, you need to prime the area properly before repainting:
- Scrape away all the blistered paint completely
- Sand the area smooth, feathering the edges
- Prime any bare spots with a quality primer
- Wait for cooler parts of the day to repaint
- Make sure the surface is bone dry before you start
The key is patience. Rushing this job will just create more headaches down the track.
2. Chalking
What causes it:
Chalking is when your paint breaks down and leaves a powdery residue on the surface. It's basically your paint aging ungracefully. Common causes include:
- UV exposure (usually occurs with lower quality exterior paints)
- Applying paint too thinly (not enough protection)
- Painting over porous surfaces without proper priming
- Using interior paint in exterior conditions
How to fix chalking:
- Give the surface a thorough clean with a pressure washer or strong detergent solution
- Scrub away all that chalky residue (it should come off easily)
- Let everything dry completely
- Apply a high-quality primer to seal the surface
- Finish with a durable exterior paint
3. Cracking and Flaking Paint
What causes it:
Cracking and flaking happen when paint loses its ability to flex with your home's natural movement. The main reasons are:
- Moisture getting behind the paint
- Applying a hard topcoat over a softer undercoat
- Slapping on paint too thick in one go
- Poor surface prep
- Natural expansion and contraction of timber that's exposed in weather
How to fix cracking and flaking:
- Scrape away all loose and flaking paint (don't leave any dodgy bits)
- Sand the edges smooth so there's no step between old and new paint
- Fill any deep cracks with flexible exterior filler
- Prime all bare areas properly
- Apply thin, even coats of quality exterior paint
4. Mould and Mildew
Don't paint over mould and mildew. Painting will only mask the problem without fixing it.
What causes it:
Mould and mildew grow on damp, poorly ventilated spots. You'll often see them on:
- South-facing walls that don't get much sun
- Areas with poor drainage or ventilation
- Surfaces painted with interior paint in exterior or high-moisture areas
- Surfaces that weren't cleaned properly before painting
How to fix mould and mildew:
Before dealing with moulds, gear up with gloves, goggles, and make sure there's good ventilation. Then:
- Scrub the affected area with white vinegar or diluted bleach solution (1:3 ratio)
- Let the cleaning solution sit for 10–15 minutes
- Scrub thoroughly and rinse with clean water
- Allow to dry completely (this is crucial)
- Apply a mould-resistant primer
- Finish with quality paint, preferably with mould-resistant properties
5. Yellowing
What causes it:
Yellowing is particularly common with white and light-coloured paints. The main causes are:
- Lack of sunlight (oxidative yellowing, especially in oil-based paints)
- Exposure to heat and certain chemicals like ammonia
- Using oil-based paints in low-light areas
- Age (some paints just yellow over time)
How to fix yellowing:
Unfortunately, once paint has yellowed, the only real fix is repainting.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For
Catching paint problems early can save you time and money. Here's what to look out for:
- Small bubbles forming under the paint surface.
- A chalky powder that comes off on your hand when you touch the wall.
- Hairline cracks that start small but gradually widen.
- White, grey or yellowish patches in corners or near windows.
- A yellowish tinge on white paint, especially in hallways or rooms with little natural light.
It's worth doing a quick inspection of your home at least once a year. Pay special attention to south-facing walls and areas exposed to the elements.
Prevention Is Better Than Repainting
Here's how to keep your paint looking fresh for longer:
1. Prep walls throughly before rolling the first layer of paint.
- Clean walls thoroughly before painting.
- Repair any cracks or holes.
- Make sure surfaces are completely dry.
- Sand glossy surfaces to allow paint to stick better.
2. Choose quality paint.
Using top-quality acrylic paints might cost a bit more upfront. They'll save you money in the long run. Quality paints contain more binder for better stain resistance and higher solids content. This is the main
difference between premium and budget paints.
3. Apply paint with the right technique.
- Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces
- Don't paint when it's too humid or rain is expected
- Apply thin, even coats rather than thick layers
- Allow proper drying time between coats
4. Prevent moisture.
- Install vents and exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens
- Keep gutters clean and maintain proper drainage
- Fix any leaks or damaged sealant before repainting
When to Call Professional Painters
Sometimes a DIY approach isn't enough. Consider calling professional painters when:
- You're dealing with problems in different places throughout your home.
- You're not sure what's causing the issue.
- You're working with very high walls or ceilings.
- You're dealing with excessive mould.
- You want a guaranteed professional finish.
- You live in an older home and you're not sure if lead is present in the existing paintwork.
Professional painters bring expertise about the best products for Sydney's conditions. With the right approach, you can keep your home looking fresh despite whatever the weather throws at it.
How SnapTradie Can Help You Find Painters
Need more advice on tackling common and uncommon paint problems? We're here to help you find the right tradie for the job. Our network of local painters knows Sydney conditions inside-out and can guide you to the perfect finish for your home and budget.
Here's what SnapTradie can do for you:
- Provide you with AI-powered, human-curated estimates so you know what to expect.
- Match you with the right painter for your specific job, budget and timeline.
- Offer an extra level of guarantee to ensure quality work, every time.
Don't let paint problems stress you out. Professional help is just a few clicks away.
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