Dulux India – Exterior Paint FAQ

1. What is the best time for the exterior painting of the house?

The best time for exterior painting is when the weather is dry and mild. This usually means early summer or fall are ideal seasons for painting the outside of your house. During these times, you typically find lower humidity and more predictable weather patterns, which help the home paint to dry evenly and adhere properly to your home's surface.

Avoid exterior painting during very hot or cold months. High temperatures can cause the paint to dry too quickly, leading to cracks or bubbles, while too cold weather can prevent the paint from setting correctly. Also, keep an eye on the forecast for rain. Paint needs time to dry before it gets wet from rain, so look for a clear weather window. To ensure optimal results, consider using Dulux Weathershield Protect products, designed to provide excellent coverage and protection in a variety of weather conditions.

2. What signs indicate that it's time to paint the exterior?

Knowing when it's time for a new coat of exterior paint is key to keeping your home looking its best. Here are some clear signs that it's time to repaint:

• Fading Colour: If your house's colour looks duller than it used to, it’s a sign that the harsh sun has taken its toll. Fading is more than just an aesthetic issue; it can indicate that the paint's protection is weakening.
  
  
• Peeling or Cracking Paint: When you see paint peeling or cracking off your walls, it's a clear signal. This means the paint can no longer protect your walls from the elements, making your home vulnerable to damage from rain and pests.
  
  
• Mould or Mildew: Spots of mould or mildew on your exterior walls suggest that moisture is getting trapped. A fresh coat of exterior paint, along with proper treatment, can help protect your home from these growths.
  
  
• Time Since Last Paint Job: If it's been a long time since the last paint job, consider a new coat. Typically, homes need a new coat of exterior paint every 5 to 7 years, but this can vary based on the weather conditions in your area and the quality of the previous paint job.
  
  
• Damaged Surfaces: Check for signs of wear and tear like wood rot or stucco damage. Before painting, you'll need to repair these issues to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
   

A fresh coat of exterior paint not only boosts curb appeal but also acts as a first line of defence against India's weather challenges, from monsoon rains to intense sun. Dulux Weathershield products are a perfect match for this job, as they're specially designed to stand up to harsh weather challenges, offering your home the protection it needs to look its best year after year.

3. What's the difference between Weathershield products?

Dulux offers a range of Weathershield products, each tailored for different exterior needs, ensuring your home stays protected and looks great:

• Dulux Weathershield Max: This is the go-to for maximum protection, boasting Polyurethane Technology for durability of up to 9 years. Its standout feature is Crack Proof Technology, which bridges cracks up to 0.75mm, preventing water ingress and interior dampness. Plus, it helps reduce temperatures by up to 5 degrees, thanks to Sun Reflect and keeps your walls cleaner with Dirt Guard.
  
  
• Dulux Weathershield Protect Rainproof: Designed for extreme weather, this emulsion uses Silicone technology to fend off rainfall, dust, and sunlight. It’s especially good in humid and rainy regions, providing protection against efflorescence and algal attacks, and has a soft sheen finish that lasts.
  
  
• Dulux Weathershield Flash: A convenient primer and top coat in one, using High Bond Latex technology for all-weather protection. It's a fuss-free option with excellent anti-algal and anti-fungal properties, eliminating the need for a separate primer.
  
  
• Dulux Weathershield Tile: Perfect for tile, brick, and stone, this product uses a latex film to add sheen and protect against algae, fungus, and the elements, ensuring your hard surfaces stay looking good.
  
  
• Dulux Weathershield Signature: For those wanting to add a designer touch, this provides textured finishes that mimic granite. It's highly durable, scratch-resistant, and retains colour well, ideal for both external and internal surfaces.
  
  
• Dulux Weathershield Protect: A premium paint that shields your home against all kinds of weather, especially heavy rain. It's armed with 'Fungal Proof' technology to keep away those ugly black spots and fungal growths. Promising to keep your walls in top shape for 6 years, it also has SunReflect pigments that cool down your house by up to 5 degrees
  
  
• Dulux Weathershield Powerflexx: The ultra-premium option offering the best in crack and weather resistance for up to 12 years. It uses Triple Defence Technology with PU-MA and Silicon additives for a robust shield against heat, dust, and rain..
  

4. How to select paint brushes and rollers for exterior painting

• For Brushes: Look for synthetic bristle brushes if you're using water-based exterior paint. They hold their shape and maintain a smooth finish without soaking up too much paint. For oil-based paints, natural bristle brushes work best as they're durable and help apply the paint evenly
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• For Rollers: The surface you're painting will determine the nap (or thickness) of the roller. Rough surfaces like stucco need a thicker nap (about ¾ inch to 1 inch) to get into all the crevices, while smoother surfaces are best painted with a shorter nap (around ⅜ inch to ½ inch).
   

Always choose high-quality brushes and rollers for exterior painting. They not only make the job easier but also give you a better finish that lasts longer. Remember, investing in good tools is as important as choosing the right paint for your exterior painting project. And using Dulux paints along with the recommended brushes and rollers can ensure you achieve the best possible results on your homes exterior.

5. How to choose the right exterior paint colour?

Choosing the right exterior paint colour for your home is a big decision that can transform its appearance. Here’s how to make sure you pick the perfect shade:

• Consider Your Home’s Surroundings: Look at the colours of your home's roofing, stonework, paths, and surrounding landscape. You want your exterior paint colour to complement these elements. A good rule of thumb is to consider the unchangeable parts of your surroundings as your colour guide.
  
  
• Think About Durability: Some colours fade faster than others. Lighter shades tend to last longer and hide dust and wear better than darker ones. Dulux exterior paints offer a wide range of durable wall paint, ensuring your home looks great for years to come.
  
  
• Test Before You Commit: Dulux offers samples and visualizer tools to help you see what the colour looks like in real life. Paint a small section of your house or use the Dulux Visualizer app to get an idea of how the colour will look at different times of the day and in various weather conditions.
  
  
• Reflect Your Home’s Style: Whether your home is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, choose an exterior paint colour that reflects its style. Dulux has a variety of colour options that can enhance the architectural details of your home.