Matt Rojewski

Fibre cement cladding takes paint very well and is one of the most stable exterior surfaces. New sheets need any cut edges sealed and the correct primer before topcoats, while pre primed products just need topcoats. Existing painted cladding needs a standard clean, sand and two coats.

Paint bubbles or blisters when it loses adhesion to the surface, lifting into raised pockets. Common causes are moisture behind the paint, heat or painting in direct sun, painting over a dirty, damp or glossy surface, and poor preparation. The fix is to remove the affected paint, prepare properly, and repaint.

An epoxy garage floor is a durable, two part resin coating applied over prepared concrete, creating a hard, glossy, stain and chemical resistant surface. It stands up to vehicles, traffic and spills, and is easy to clean. Its longevity depends entirely on proper concrete preparation, including grinding and moisture control.

Efflorescence is the white powdery deposit on brick and render, caused by moisture carrying natural salts to the surface, where the water evaporates and leaves the salt behind. It must be brushed off and the moisture understood, not painted over, since painting over it traps the problem and the paint fails.

Rust stains bleed through ordinary paint and return unless the source is treated. To fix them, find the corroding metal causing the stain, treat or remove the rust, clean the stained surface, apply a rust converting or stain blocking primer, then repaint. Painting straight over rust does not last.

Roof painting is a restoration process, not just a coat of paint. It involves cleaning the roof, carrying out repairs such as rust treatment or repointing, priming, then applying protective topcoats. Done on a sound roof, it restores the look, adds protection and can reflect heat, for far less than replacement.

Commercial painting differs from residential in scale, scheduling and standards. It involves working around a running business, often after hours, with more durable coatings, greater access and height requirements, stricter safety and compliance, and more coordination. Choosing a painter experienced in commercial work matters for a smooth, low disruption result.

It is usually best to remove wallpaper before painting, not paint over it. Removal involves loosening the paper, often with water or steam, peeling and scraping it off, cleaning away the old adhesive, then repairing and preparing the wall before priming and painting. Painting over wallpaper tends to fail.

To paint a concrete floor, the surface must be clean, dry, sound and properly prepared, usually including etching or grinding, before priming and coating. Bare concrete also needs to be free of moisture and sealed. A proper floor coating such as epoxy lasts far longer than ordinary paint.

Roof painting in Sydney typically costs 3,000 to 8,000 dollars for a metal or Colorbond roof and 5,000 to 12,000 dollars for a tile roof in 2026, including cleaning, repairs, priming and two coats. It suits a sound roof that is faded or worn, not one that is structurally failing.

Before painters arrive, clear and move valuables and breakables, take down wall hangings, clear surfaces, and make space around the walls being painted. Confirm your colours and finishes, plan access and parking, arrange for children and pets, and note any concerns. Good preparation helps the job run smoothly.

To touch up paint, first try gently cleaning the mark, as many marks wipe away. For chips and scuffs, use the exact original paint, apply a small amount with a matching tool, and feather the edges. Touch ups work best with leftover original paint in the same finish.