Preparation is most of the job
A paint finish is only as good as the surface beneath it. Good preparation usually takes longer than the painting itself, and it is the part most worth asking about when comparing quotes.
Skipping these steps is why fresh paint sometimes peels within a season, particularly over old enamel, chalky exterior walls or patches of loose plaster. Gloss surfaces need sanding or a bonding primer so the new coat can grip.
- Washing walls to remove dust, grease, mould and chalky residue
- Scraping and sanding flaking or blistered paint back to a sound edge
- Raking out and filling cracks, then sanding the filler flush
- Priming bare plaster, filler patches and stained areas
- Masking floors, fittings and windows, and moving furniture
New plaster and efflorescence
Fresh plaster needs time to dry before it is painted, and painting too early can trap moisture. White, powdery salt deposits called efflorescence often appear on new or damp plaster as it dries.
These salts should be brushed off dry and the cause of any ongoing damp addressed. An alkali-resistant plaster primer is then applied before the topcoats. If efflorescence keeps returning, it points to a moisture problem that paint alone won't fix.
Choosing the right sheen for each room
Sheen affects how washable a wall is and how much it shows imperfections. Flatter finishes hide uneven plaster but mark more easily; shinier finishes clean well but highlight every bump.
- Matt: ceilings and low-traffic rooms where a flat look is wanted
- Low sheen: living areas, bedrooms and passages
- Sheen: kitchens, bathrooms, children's rooms and rentals
- Enamel: doors, frames, skirting and burglar bars
Exterior painting and Pretoria's strong sun
Pretoria's strong UV breaks down exterior paint sooner than in milder climates, and north- and west-facing walls take the most punishment. They tend to fade, chalk and crack earlier, so a good-quality exterior acrylic and sound crack repair matter most on those walls.
Darker colours absorb more heat and can fade or stress filler and plaster sooner. If you're in an estate or complex, check with the HOA or body corporate before choosing colours, as many have approved palettes.
Boundary walls need attention at the base, where garden irrigation and soil can keep the plaster damp. Fixing drainage or lowering soil levels against the wall helps exterior paint last longer.
A note of caution on roof painting
Painting a roof is not the same as painting a wall. Rusted IBR or corrugated sheets need rust treatment and a suitable metal primer, and cracked tiles or failed flashing should be repaired first.
Roof work involves real fall risk and may need specialist access. Paint also doesn't fix leaks, so if a roof leaks, waterproofing or roof repairs should come before any paint.
Weather windows for painting in Pretoria
The dry winter months are usually the most reliable time for exterior painting in Pretoria, though cold mornings mean work starts once surfaces warm up. In summer, afternoon thunderstorms can wash off fresh paint, so painting tends to happen in the mornings. Interior painting can be done year-round.
Paint also needs time between coats, and that drying time changes with temperature and humidity. A contractor working around the weather may pause on a stormy afternoon rather than risk a spoiled coat, which is worth allowing for when you plan.
Painting: common questions
How many coats will my walls need?
Usually two topcoats over a sound, primed surface. A big colour change, especially covering a dark shade with a light one, or very porous walls may need an extra coat, and this should be stated on the quote.
Do I need to move out while rooms are painted?
Generally not. Water-based paints have little odour, and work can be planned room by room so the house stays usable. Rooms done in enamel benefit from good ventilation for a day or so.
What makes painting between tenants different?
The aim is a clean, durable finish that is simple to touch up later. Landlords often choose one standard neutral colour throughout so future patches match, and a washable sheen holds up better to wear.
Can damp patches simply be painted over?
Damp will push through new paint, causing bubbling and staining. The source, whether rising damp, a roof leak or a failed seal, needs fixing and the wall needs drying out before painting.
Who supplies the paint?
Either works. Many homeowners let the contractor supply it so quantities and primers are right, but you can buy your own if you've chosen a specific colour. Agree on the paint grade before work starts.
Areas
Enquiries for painting are referred across Pretoria East and Centurion, including: