A fresh exterior paint job can completely transform a home—but when paint starts peeling, blistering, or fading, that charming curb appeal disappears fast. In this guide, you’ll learn the most common exterior paint problems Melbourne homeowners face and exactly how to fix them. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a seasoned renovator, you’ll find clear, professional advice you can trust.
1. Peeling and Flaking Paint
Why It Happens
Peeling occurs when moisture gets underneath paint, or the previous coat wasn’t cleaned or primed properly. Melbourne’s humid coastal climate can accelerate this issue.
Signs and Real‑World Example
You might see curling edges or loose flakes, especially around window sills or eaves. One Melbourne homeowner shared that after a torrential downpour, several patches lifted dramatically from their weatherboard cladding.
How to Fix It
- Remove all loose paint using a scraper or power sander.
- Clean the surface—dust, dirt, and chalk can prevent adhesion.
- Let thoroughly dry in dry weather.
- Apply a quality exterior primer.
- Recoat with 2 coats of high-quality exterior paint designed for Aussie conditions, such as those used by Chumz Painting.
(Tip: Always check the weather forecast and avoid painting before rain.)
2. Blistering and Bubbling
What Causes It
Blisters form when moisture or heat gets trapped under fresh paint, causing pockets that lift the coating.
Example
A townhouse in Glen Waverley developed small bubbles on sunny walls—a classic reaction to painting a warm surface in direct sunlight.
How to Fix It
- Preventive Step: Avoid painting in direct midday sun or when surfaces are hot.
- Repair Steps:
- Wait for a cool, dry day.
- Pop blisters with a utility knife and sand the area smooth.
- Clean, prime, then repaint.
3. Mildew, Mold & Algae Growth
Why It Happened
Damp shade, spattered sprinkler lines, or insufficient cleaning can lead to black or green mildew patches—common in Melbourne’s wetter suburbs.
Signs & DIY Example
If you notice green streaks on north-facing walls or under overhangs, those are signs of fungal growth.
Remediation
- Scrub with a mix of water and household bleach (1:3 ratio).
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Let completely dry.
- Apply a mould-resistant primer.
- Repaint with an anti-mould exterior paint.
Note: Always wear protective gloves and goggles when handling bleach solutions.
4. Colour Fading or Chalkiness
Why It Happens
UV degradation from sunlight, especially in bright suburbs like Brighton or Yarra, can fade paint colours and leave behind chalky white residue.
Clues You’ll Spot
Faded hi-light areas, especially on western walls or trim exposed to afternoon sun; dusty residue you can rub off with your hand.
How to Treat It
- Wash the surface to remove chalking.
- Allow to dry fully.
- Repaint using a high-UV resistant formula—ask our team at Chumz Painting for product specifics.
5. Cracking and Crazing
What It Looks Like
Fine fissures or spider-like cracks across the paint surface—usually due to age or inadequate flexibility.
Example
A Victorian home in Carlton had patchy crazing over previously painted cement renders after winter frost.
Solution
- Remove all cracked paint.
- Fill gaps with exterior-grade filler.
- Sand smooth and prime.
- Repaint using a flexible paint system that can expand and contract with temperature changes.
6. Efflorescence (White Powder on Masonry)
Cause
Mineral salts are drawn out from brick or masonry, leaving a white, powdery residue on your paint.
How It Appears
Greyish–white haze near the base of brick walls or around stonework after rain.
Removal Steps
- Dry-brush the salts when fully dry.
- Wash with a mild acid solution (vinegar diluted 1:4 with water).
- Rinse well and let dry for several days.
- Apply a salt-resistant masonry primer before repainting.
Pro Tips for Long‑Lasting Exterior Paint
- Prep is everything: Always power-wash, scrape, sand, fill, and prime before repainting.
- Mind the weather: Melbourne’s fickle climate demands painting during dry spells (ideally above 10 °C & below 30 °C).
- Choose quality: Invest in premium exterior paint for mildew resistance, UV protection, and flexible binders.
- Regular check-ups: Inspect walls annually for early signs—fixing small issues saves major repairs.
Why Hiring Professionals Matters
Skilled painters like Chumz Painting bring the right tools, materials, and experience to get it done fast and effectively. We’ll spot hidden issues—like damp decay or protection gaps—and fix them before they escalate. That means your home’s paint looks great and lasts longer.
FAQ
Tackling exterior paint problems now—before peeling, blistering, or mildew take hold—helps your Melbourne home maintain its beauty, value, and protection from the elements. You’ve learned to identify the most common issues, understand why they form, and confidently fix them.
When you’re ready for a professional touch (or just guidance), reconnecting with Chumz Painting can be a helpful step. No pressure—just friendly expertise to turn your vision into reality.