Home & Garden
A seasonal paint refresh is one of the easiest ways to lift the look of your home, protect your outdoor spaces, and add instant street appeal. Whether it’s a sun-faded fence, a tired-looking deck, or garden furniture in need of love, the right products and a little prep can completely transform your space.
1. Choosing the Right Paint
Not all paints are created equal – especially when it comes to Southland’s climate. For exterior jobs, head into Wrens on Yarrow Street (next to Brownies Mattress) and talk with the team about the Resene range.
- Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen – a tough, waterborne paint perfect for weatherboards, fences, and exterior trims.
- Resene Woodsman Oil Stain – ideal for enhancing the natural grain of timber decks, pergolas, or outdoor furniture while protecting against UV damage.
- Resene Enamacryl Gloss – a durable gloss option that makes front doors, gates, and trims pop with colour.
- Resene CoolColour technology – available in many dark shades, reducing heat absorption so your paint lasts longer in strong sunlight.
2. Preparation is Everything
A professional finish starts before the first coat goes on.
- Clean surfaces thoroughly: remove dirt, mildew, moss, and chalky residue. Resene Paint Prep and Housewash is a good option.
- Repair & sand: Fill cracks, replace damaged timber, and sand back rough areas. This helps paint stick properly.
- Prime bare surfaces: If you’re working with new timber, galvanised metal, or repaired spots, always apply the recommended Resene primer.
3. Tools of the Trade
The right gear makes a big difference:
- Rollers and extension poles for large, flat areas like fences and weatherboards.
- Angled brushes for trims, window frames, and detail work.
- Drop cloths to protect paths, decks, and garden beds from splatter.
- Quality masking tape to achieve crisp, clean edges.
4. Colour & Creativity
This is where you can really add personality:
- Refresh outdoor furniture in bold Resene accent shades like Resene Bright Spark (yellow) or Resene Blue Lagoon for a fun pop.
- Choose timeless neutrals (Resene Black White, Resene Double Tea) for fences and trims to complement any garden.
- Make a statement by painting your front door in a striking colour like Resene Red Berry or Resene Nero.
5. Timing and Technique
- Pick your day wisely: Dry, mild weather with little wind is best. Avoid painting in direct sun.
- Follow the system: Primer → first coat → second coat. Don’t rush drying times – the paint needs it.
- Work top to bottom: Start high (eaves, trims) and finish with fences or decks.
6. Long-Term Care
Protect your hard work:
- Wash down exterior walls annually with a gentle cleaner.
- Touch up chips and scratches early to prevent moisture damage.
- Keep leftover Resene paint (well-sealed) for quick fixes down the track.
💡 Pro Tip: Take a before-and-after photo – you’ll be amazed at the difference, and it might inspire your next project.
👉 Where to go: For expert advice and the full range of Resene paints, see the team at Wrens, Yarrow Street (right next to Brownies Mattress).
