The cost of painting a fence in New Zealand on average is about $3,150 to $4,950 for a 50-meter fence, or approximately $35 to $55 per square meter. These prices can vary a lot depending on the complexity of the project, factors like size, material, paint quality, preparation time, and location all matter. A smaller, simple fence is going to be more affordable, while an intricate larger fence will cost more.

---

Factors Affecting the Cost

Several factors influence the cost of painting a fence in New Zealand, including:

1. Fence Size

Larger fences require more paint and labour, which increases costs. Here are approximate costs for fences of different sizes in New Zealand:

Fence Length (Linear Metres)	Fence Height (Metres)	Area (Square Metres)	Typical Cost ($NZD)
10	1.8	18	$630 – $990
20	1.8	36	$1,260 – $1,980
50	1.8	90	$3,150 – $4,950
100	1.8	180	$6,300 – $9,900

---

2. Fence Material

Different materials change the cost:

Wooden fences: Generally the easiest and cheapest to paint, costing $35–$55 per square meter.

Vinyl fences: More expensive as they require specialty paints for proper adhesion, costing $40–$60 per square meter.

Metal fences (e.g., wrought iron): Requires rust-proof primer and extra labor, costing $50–$75 per square meter.

Wood is the most common fence type in New Zealand, making it the most affordable to paint.

---

3. Paint Type and Quality

The type of paint you choose can increase the short term cost but mean you won’t need to repaint as often. 

• High quality paints: These cost more upfront, but provide better and longer lasting coverage. These are ideal for New Zealand’s weather conditions. 
• Staining: A clear stain is usually cheaper, while a solid or premium stain costs more. 

You can expect to pay between $60 to $120 per 10L bucket of paint or stain. 

---

4. Accessibility

If your fence is hard to reach this will mean an increase in labour and costs if cutting back vegetation or ladders are required. 

To save costs, consider to the following: 

• Clear a easy access to the fence 
• Clean back any rubbish or vegetation surrounding the fence
• Is extra care required around the fence, for example not damaging decorative gardens? 

---

5. Labour Costs

Hiring a professional painter in New Zealand typically costs $40–$80 per hour, with labour making up about 50–60% of the total cost. Professionals ensure proper preparation, even application, and long-lasting results, particularly for fences with complex designs or materials.

---

How to Save on Fence Painting Costs in New Zealand

Some tips on how to save money before painting your fence: 

1. Do your own prep work: Clean, sand and repair your fence before hiring the professionals. 
2. Select cost effective paints: A mid range paint that still offers good quality durability might be worth considering. 
3. Combine jobs: Need another area of your home painted? Combine jobs and save money on transportation and labour. For example: Roof painting, Exterior painting, Interior painting. 
4. Simple finish: Use a clear stain, or a basic colour avoiding designer colours of gloss finish. 

---

Why Paint Your Fence 

Painting your fence isn’t just about the appearance – if you plan on staying in your home for years to come, replacing a deteriorating fence itself is going to be a lot more expensive than painting it. Painting your fence protects it from UV rays, rain, frost, rust and warping.

---

Repainting the exterior of your home not only refreshes your homes look, it also protects it from Nelson’s unique climate. The cost of painting a home exterior can vary a lot depending on the project, ranging from $10,000 for a single story home to $50,000+ for more complicated projects. So how much should you budget for your project in Nelson, let’s break it down. 

---

What Affects the Cost of Painting Your Home’s Exterior?

• Complexity & size of your home: Larger homes will need more materials and labour to complete, while more intricately detailed homes such as older villas take longer to paint. 
• Preparation: A renovation, weather damaged and older homes require a lot more preparation before paint such as water blasting/cleaning, repairs, filling and sanding.
• Paint type: While higher quality paints can cost you more upfront, they will save you money in the long run. 
• Accessibility: Multi-story homes or homes on steep sections can require scaffolding and other special equipment which can quickly drive costs up. 

Cost estimate: On average you can expect to pay $120-150 per square meter* for a professional to paint the exterior of your home. *

*This sqm rate is the area needing painting not the home size. This rate will vary depending on the job complexity and is only an indicator of estimated cost. 

---

How Long Does it Take to Paint a Homes Exterior in Nelson? 

Here is a timeline for a high quality paint job: 

1. Preparation: 2-4 days (cleaning, repairs, sanding, priming) 
2. Painting: 3-7 days (depending on size and weather) 

Projects can take longer than this, our painters will give you a more accurate timeline before the project begins and provide you with regular updates along the way. 

---

What Should I Look For Before Hiring a Painter? 

You get what you pay for, you should look for a painter with experience and quality over the cheapest price. A good painter will make sure all surfaces are properly prepared before painting, giving for a high quality finish that not only looks good but protects your home. Ask for references of previous work, check they are licensed and insured. 

---

Preparing Your Home for Painting

Proper preparation is crucial for a quality paint job. Here’s the basic outline. 

1. Clean the surface: A softwash or pressure wash to remove dirt, mold and debris. 
2. Remove old paint: Scrape off old peeling paint, on some older homes it is important to check if the paint contains lead. 
3. Repairs: Replacing rotten timber, repairing cracks and filling gaps. 
4. Sanding and priming: Sanding surfaces smooth and applying primer for a stronger paint adhesion. 

Why this is important: 70% of a quality paint job comes from the preparation, while slapping some paint over top might look good for a couple years, you will quickly be dealing with cracking and peeling. A good paint job can last 10+ years, doing it right will not only look better in a few years but also protect your home. 

---

How Often Should You Repaint Your Home’s Exterior?

How long a exterior paint job lasts depends on: 

• Climate: Homes in a coastal or sunny area such as Nelson can need repainting every 5 to 7 years if exposed more of the elements then most. 
• Material: Wood needs more regular painting then brick or concrete. 
• Paint Quality: A good quality paint can help extend the time between repainting. 

Most New Zealand homes you can expect need repainting every 7 to 15 years. 

---

Will Repainting Your Home Add Value? 

Repainting your home can add value, here’s how: 

• Increase the curb appeal: A well maintained home exterior is the first thing you see, it can help attract home buyers. 
• Protective benefits: Paint protects your home from weather damage, moisture getting into your home can quickly cause rot which can spread into some very costly repair work. 

---

How  to Choose the Right Paint

When choosing your paint, consider the following: 

• Weatherproof Paints: Find a paint that suits New Zealand’s Climate, during our estimation process we will assist you with choosing the right option for you. 
• Eco-friendly Paints: A paint with lower VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) will be better for your health and the environment. Learn more about the pro’s and con’s of eco-friendly paint.
• Colours: Is this your forever home or are you looking to sell? There are many things to consider when choosing a colour. Should you need help with choosing a colour we are always happy to help!

---

How to Save Money When Painting Your Home Exterior

• Plan ahead: Having a clear plan from the beginning will help save you money from initial consultation and estimation process. Changes, especially once a project has started is where expenses that quickly add up. 
• Do some preparation work yourself: Cleaning and some minor repair work can be done to keep the cost of labour down. 
• Get multiple estimates: Compare different companies, making sure to get a detailed scope of works quote to find the best value for your money. 

---

Why Choose Us?

We’re committed to delivering exceptional results. Here’s why homeowners trust us:

• Experienced Team: Skilled painters who understand Nelson homes.
• Attention to Detail: From prep work to the final coat, we ensure every detail is perfect.
• Competitive Pricing: Our painting services offer great value for money, from residential to commercial – we bring fair, competitive rates every time. 

---

Pros of Eco-Friendly Paints

1. Healthier Living Spaces

• Low VOCs: Standard paints will release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can pollute the air inside your home, leading to headaches, dizziness and sometimes respiratory issues. These VOC’s can be released for up to 6 months after paints application. Eco-friendly paints have low or sometimes no VOCs which means better quality air indoors.
• Fewer Toxins: Many eco-friendly paints are made with more natural ingredients, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals that might cause skin irritations or allergic reactions.

2. Better for the Planet

• Smaller Carbon Footprint: Since they’re made from renewable resources and often require less energy to produce, eco-friendly paints have a smaller environmental impact.
• Sustainable Ingredients: These paints typically use natural materials like plant oils and clay, cutting down on the use of petroleum-based products and other non-renewable resources.

3. Durable and Long-Lasting

• Stands the Test of Time: Many eco-friendly paints are as durable as standard ones, sometimes even more so. This means you won’t need to re-paint as often, saving you both money and reducing waste.
• Fewer Coats Needed: Some of these paints offer great coverage, so you’ll need fewer coats, which means less time painting and fewer materials used.

4. Certified Safe

• Environmental Standards: Many eco-friendly paints come with certifications like Environmental Choice New Zealand, ensuring they meet strict environmental and safety criteria. This gives you peace of mind that you’re making a good choice for your home and the planet.

5. Less Odor

• No More Overwhelming Smells: Without all the harsh chemicals found in traditional paints, eco-friendly options tend to have a much milder smell. This makes the painting process more pleasant and means you don’t have to worry about airing out your space for days.
• Not having as many harsh chemicals as in standard paints, eco-friendly paints tend to have a much more milder smell. This makes not only the painting process more pleasant but also means you won’t need to worry about airing out an interior space as much.

6. Responsible Disposal

• Recycling Options: Some paint brands offer a recycling program for leftover paint and containers, this means you can again save more waste from going to the landfill.

---

Cons of Eco-Friendly Paints

1. Higher Price Tag

• Costs More Upfront: Eco-friendly paints are usually more expensive than your standard paint due to the natural ingredients and a more labour intensive production process.

2. Not Always Easy to Find

• Limited Availability: Though they have become a lot more common recently, some eco-friendly paints can be difficult to buy, especially off the shelve in smaller towns such as Nelson.

3. Fewer Colour Options

• Limited Palette: Some eco-friendly paint brands offer fewer colour choices compared to their traditional counterparts. If you’re looking for a specific shade, it might be harder to find.

4. Can Be Tricky to Apply

• Different Application Process: Depending on the type of eco-friendly paint you choose, the application might be a little different. Some natural paints can take longer to dry or require more careful attention to temperature and humidity conditions.

5. Durability Can Vary

• Not All Are Equal: While many eco-friendly paints are highly durable, some, particularly those made from lime or clay, might not hold up as well in harsh outdoor environments. If you live in a wet or coastal area, you’ll want to choose carefully.

6. Disposal Might Require Extra Care

• Special Disposal Needed: Although many brands offer recycling programs, some eco-friendly paints still need to be disposed of responsibly, especially if they contain natural pigments that could harm waterways. You may need to check local guidelines for safe disposal.

---

Summary of Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Healthier indoor air due to low/zero VOCs	Higher upfront cost
Environmentally friendly and sustainable	Not always widely available
Long-lasting and durable in many cases	Fewer colour options
Mild odor compared to conventional paints	May require special application methods
Environmentally certified and safe	Durability may vary for certain natural paints
Some brands offer recycling options for disposal	Some paints may need special disposal care

---

Final Thoughts

Eco-friendly paints are a great choice for homeowners who care about both their health and the environment. While they can be more expensive and sometimes harder to find, the long-term benefits in terms of durability, air quality, and sustainability often outweigh the initial costs. With the added bonus of lower odors and certifications that ensure safety, they’re well worth considering for your next painting project.

---

How to Choose the Right Exterior Paint Color for Your Home

Choosing the right colour for your house can be a hard decision to make, in this article we will help you choose a colour that not only adds aesthetic value but also fits with your local environment, making your home stand out or blend in beautifully.

1. Consider the Surroundings and Environment

Start by looking around your neighbourhood:

• Neighborhood Trends: Drive around your neighbourhood to get an idea of the common colour schemes. While you don’t have to match them, choosing a complementary colour can maintain the colour harmony of nearby properties but then again, maybe you’d rather stand out!
• Natural Elements: For coastal homes, lighter, airy shades blend in with the ocean and beach sand. In areas with trees you might want to have more deep, earthy tones to blend in with the natural greenery.

Pro tip: Create a visual mood board of exterior colors and landscape elements for inspiration.

2. Match Your Home’s Architectural Style

The architectural style of your home is a great way to start building some exterior colour ideas.

• Modern/Contemporary: Neutrals like grey, white, or beige with bold accent trims.
• Colonial or Traditional: Softer tones like white, cream, or pastel blues with darker trims.
• Victorian: Rich, bold colors such as deep reds, greens, or purples work well to highlight the intricate details of the architecture.

Pro tip: Aim for colors that enhance the character of your home’s architecture rather than overpowering it.

3. Understanding Color Basics

Warm vs. Cool Tones

• Warm Colors: Includes yellows, oranges, and reds. They are ideal for creating a welcoming, energetic atmosphere.

• Cool Colors: Blues, greens, and purples bring a sense of calmness and are great for homes in sunny regions.

Neutral Colors

Neutral colors like whites, greys, and beiges are timeless choices, providing flexibility in accents and trimming.

Neutral colours such as whites, greys and beiges are a timeless choice, providing great flexibility with accents and trims.

Pro tip: Use a colour wheel to visualize how different colour tones fit with one another.

4. Consider the Lighting

The colour of your home can look very different depending on if you have natural or artificial light.

• Natural Light: Exposed to strong sunlight? Cooler shades can balance out the warmth, while warmer tones brighten homes in cloudier regions.
• Time of Day: Colours can look different depending on the time of the day. When testing colours, make sure to check them at different times of the day to see how lighting affects their appearance.

Pro tip: Apply sample paints on different sections of the exterior, check in the morning, afternoon and end of the day.

5. Explore Color Schemes

Monochromatic Schemes

• Use different shades of one colour for a more balanced and clean look.

Complementary Schemes

• Colours opposite to each other on the colour wheel will fit together well, eg: blue and orange.

Contrasting Schemes

• A bold primary color paired with white or grey trim can add sophistication.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to factor in the color of the roof, as it plays a role in the overall scheme.

6. Accents and Trim

If you want to give your home some pop, try different accented colours for your doors, window shutters and trim.

• Front Doors: Bright red, deep blue, or even yellow can create a stunning entryway.
• Trims: Choose a color that contrasts yet complements the main wall color.

Pro tip: If unsure, go classic—white trims always provide a clean, elegant finish to any home.

7. Durability and Maintenance

Consider the practicality of your chosen color:

• Darker Colors: Darker colours will fade quicker under the sunlight, but will help hide dirt and scuff marks a lot better.

• Lighter Colors: These will reflect the sunlight, helping keep your home cooler but they more often then not require regular cleaning to look nice.

Pro tip: Ensure you choose high-quality, weather-resistant paints to withstand New Zealand’s varying climate conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions