Why Paint Peels, Flakes and Bubbles, and How to Repaint It Properly

At first glance, all three might look like the result of “a bad paint job”, but they each tell a slightly different story.

Each type is a clue to what’s going on beneath the surface. Knowing which one you’re dealing with helps you figure out whether it’s a quick sand-and-seal job or something that needs a professional eye.

Our climate is tough on houses. High UV levels in the north can bake paint until it fades or cracks, while coastal areas are constantly battling salty air. Down south, colder climates and morning frosts create moisture that can seep in behind paint layers.

Older villas and bungalows with timber weatherboards often peel if moisture gets trapped behind boards, while modern plaster-clad homes can bubble if the wrong paint type is used.

Sometimes the problem starts long before the weather hits — skipping primer, painting on a humid day, or applying incompatible paints. Over time, these small shortcuts lead to peeling and flaking.

Once the surface is exposed, the real risk is water getting in and damaging the cladding beneath. Catching it early keeps repairs simple and your maintenance costs down.

Not all exteriors are created equal. Timber weatherboards, plaster, brick, and fibre-cement each behave differently under paint.

Choosing the wrong paint or prep method for your cladding can shorten its lifespan dramatically.

That’s why many homeowners hire professional painters to repaint — they know which primers and products last the longest in Kiwi conditions. A professional painter who understands your cladding can save you from expensive do-overs later.

If your paint is already cracking or curling, sanding and repainting the affected area might buy you a bit of time, but it’s often a sign that the whole side is ready for a fresh coat.

Leaving it too long can let water in, which is especially problematic for weatherboards, as it leads to rot or mould.

A professional painter can assess how deep the damage goes and advise whether it’s a spot repair or a full strip and repaint job.

For many homeowners, that expert opinion saves time, effort and money in the long run.

Repainting isn’t just about rolling on a new colour; it’s about giving your home a fresh, protective skin that can stand up to New Zealand’s wild mix of UV, rain, salt and wind. 

It follows a process like this:

It sounds straightforward, but getting each step right takes skill, timing and experience.

If you’ve just noticed a small flaky patch on a sunny wall, a light sand, clean and repaint might do the trick.

But if it’s on the upper storey, or near windows where leaks could be hiding, it’s best to bring in a professional.

Professional painters understand the challenging weather conditions and best painting materials for your house.

Professionals can spot hidden moisture, test paint compatibility, and handle the safety side — scaffolding, lead paint, tricky access.

While a DIY patch might tide things over, a proper repaint can give your home long-term protection and a clean, even finish.

House repainting costs depend on the job type, surface and prep required.

Based on Builderscrack job data in September, here’s what homeowners across New Zealand typically spend when repainting their house:

It’s worth getting at least three quotes so you can compare what’s included — prep, undercoat, number of coats, and clean-up.

With Builderscrack, you can post your job for free and receive multiple quotes from local professional painters, complete with reviews from other homeowners.

We spoke with Shawn Thompson from Property Enhancement in Christchurch. Here’s what he had to say about keeping paintwork looking its best in New Zealand conditions.

“Sun damage is a big one, homeowners often leave it too long between maintenance, and of course, the weather itself is always a challenge — especially through winter,” he explains.

Shawn says preparation makes all the difference.

“We’ll often strip timber right back to bare wood, fill gaps, and use an oil-based undercoat to seal it. The key is using the right product for the right surface,” he mentions.

“Every material needs different prep and timing. There’s usually more work involved on exteriors than interiors because you’re dealing with weather, cladding types and access.”

“Wooden windows take ages. You’ve got tiny corners, hinges, and sills to prep. It’s fiddly but worth doing properly.”

And if you’re thinking of doing it yourself:

His rule for painting around the weather sums it up perfectly.

“Really hot days aren’t good either — paint dries too fast and you don’t get a nice finish. You want that sweet spot: warm, dry, a light breeze, and no direct sun.”

When to call a pro:

“Honestly? Before your partner tells you to,” he jokes.

He says this especially matters when selling a home:

“If you’re trying to get ready to go to market, painting and plastering yourself just adds stress. A pro can get it done faster and you’ll get a better finish for the sale.”

In a nutshell: what’s involved in a repaint

Peeling, bubbling and flaking might look alarming, but they’re also a chance to catch issues early on before they spread. Whether you patch it yourself or call in the pros, taking action now can protect your cladding, improve your home’s look, and keep maintenance costs down long-term.

If you’re unsure what’s causing the problem or just want it done for you, post your job on Builderscrack. You’ll get quick responses from professional painters who know how to tackle NZ’s unique climate and make your home shine again.

A big thank you to Shawn Thompson from Property Enhancement for sharing his insight.