From Walls to Canvases: The Best Paints in Australia 2024

Australia’s vast and varied landscapes, combined with its unique climate conditions, mean that choosing the right paint is essential. Whether you’re painting an inner city home, a coastal retreat, or a bushland hideaway, your choice of paint needs to stand up to the elements. In this article, we will explore some of the best paints available in Australia for 2023 based on durability, finish quality, environmental considerations, and value for money.

Painting a home involves so many decisions, and choosing the right paint for the right job is tricky. Here we look at the top paint brands for the jobs at hand.

Taubmans All Weather

Exterior paints need strength to withstand the elements, they do this by adding additional and expensive, top quality resins so fading is less of an issue, and new technology that offers UV protection.  Who wants to repaint a house, right? After years of advancement, you can now achieve great results with acrylic exterior paint, which has the primer built in. Taubmans All Weather and Taubmans Sun Proof are great options here.

Norglass

Exterior features such as fences and front doors are a chance to add extra zing to the design, and very often the best way to produce that effect is with a gloss or enamel paint. While there have been improvements in acrylic gloss products, purists and pros are still reaching for the oil based product – the finish is simply brighter and more reflective, and more to the point will last longer on high traffic spots such as doors. The lesser known Norglass brand offers a magnificent result, and comes in small cans, which is a bonus for feature trim jobs.

Dulux Wash and Wear

Interior walls cop the most passing traffic scuff and grime, especially if you are blessed with kids or pets. The ideal paint here is a washable, acrylic based paint that goes on smoothly, and wipes clean easily. A combination of huge colour range, and great coverage (meaning less coats to put on) is the Dulux Wash and Wear brand. You can actually feel the extra weight on the brush or roller, which is a good thing, but tougher on older hands, or newbies to the roller game.

British Paints Paint and Prime

Getting on top of ceilings is perhaps the most difficult of paint jobs; back breaking and neck stretching, it is a job with little pay off – but is critical to achieve a perfectly finished room. A dead matte finish is ideal, usually in white (but don’t let that stop you from playing with colour), and always acrylic. While you can use a cheaper matte paint, a purpose designed one will go on easier and offer better coverage – it’s designed to be a one stop wonder. British Paints Paint and Prime is reputed to have be a good ceiling paint that goes on thickly, and works particularly well with a long nap roller, reducing spray.

Berger Paints

Houses have damp zones, and yes they need extra care because paint that doesn’t deflect the wet will get mould, mildew and then peel. The elasticity of acrylic paint is great here, and Berger Paints have a product, Kitchen and Bathroom Everlast which offers a five-year guarantee against mould and mildew. Best tip here is to steer clear of a matte ceiling paint, but the soft or lo sheen bathroom paint.

Haymes

A secret of professional painters is the top paint brand Haymes. Haymes is perhaps a lesser known brand to the home decorator but it has been rated by Canstar as the top paint in Australia for the last six years. Haymes has been produced by the one family in Australia for generations, and commands respect from those who spend their lives up a ladder. They don’t need expensive ad campaigns, because those in the know don’t need reminding of this solid and impressive brand. Always consider checking out their products when starting a project.

Environmental Considerations

As environmental awareness grows, many Australians are seeking eco-friendly paint options. Look for paints labeled as low VOC or zero VOC. These paints emit fewer chemicals, making them healthier for the environment and for the inhabitants of the painted space. Brands like Haymes and Porter’s have taken commendable steps in this direction.

Choosing the Right Paint

Remember, the best paint for your project depends on the specific requirements of the job:

• Surfaces: Different paints are formulated for different surfaces such as wood, brick, or metal.
• Location: Consider the specific climatic challenges of your region. Coastal homes might need salt-resistant paints, while homes in tropical areas might benefit from mould-resistant options.
• Finish: Decide if you want a matte, semi-gloss, or gloss finish. This can affect the look and feel of the space as well as the paint’s durability.

Australia has a broad range of paints tailored to its unique environments. From the intense sun to the coastal breeze, our selection of paints have been tried, tested, and emerged as top picks for 2023. Remember to consider the specific needs of your project and, when in doubt, consult with a local professional for guidance.