CANTERBURY'S TOP-RATED CHOICE FOR HOMES AND BUSINESSES
Exterior Painting Christchurch: Plaster Cladding Specialists
Local Painters You Can Trust
Serving Christchurch, Selwyn, Waimakariri and Surrounding Areas
Protect Your Home with Professional Exterior Painting
Three months ago, a couple in Halswell discovered they'd lost their manufacturer's warranty on their plaster cladding. Their home had just hit 11 years old, and they never knew they needed to repaint it professionally to keep the waterproofing warranty active. When small cracks appeared around their windows, they called the manufacturer only to find out they had no coverage anymore. The manufacturer was clear: "You needed professional repainting with an extended warranty at the 10-year mark to maintain protection."
Most homeowners don't realise that your plaster cladding warranty expires after 10 years unless you get it professionally repainted. But here's the good news - when we do exterior painting Christchurch plaster homes, we provide a 10-year extended manufacturer's warranty that keeps your waterproofing system covered for another decade. This isn't just a paint job; it's about maintaining the legal protection and peace of mind that comes with manufacturer backing.
When you're looking for exterior painting Christchurch services for plaster cladding, you need painters who can provide that extended warranty. Not all painters can offer this - it requires using approved products, following manufacturer specifications exactly, and being certified by companies like Resene. We've been painting plaster homes across Riccarton, Wigram, Burnside, and Rolleston for years, and we're one of the few companies that can extend your manufacturer's warranty properly.
We're real Christchurch painters and decorators. We live here. We work here. Our kids went to school here (yes, we are that old). When you call us, you're talking to someone who knows the difference between a 1920s bungalow in Cashmere and a new townhouse in Addington.
Why Choose Us
For Your Next EXterior Painting Project?
We aren't just another painting company; we're part of the Christchurch community. Our team has been serving local homeowners for years, and we've seen every type of home from historic villas in St Albans to modern apartments in the CBD. We take real pride in delivering work that makes our clients happy.
Local Expertise: We've worked in every suburb across Christchurch and understand what homeowners in our area want. We know which finishes hold up best in our climate.
Skilled Craftsmanship: We don't just paint walls—we create finishes that look professionally done and last for years.
Fair Pricing: We provide clear quotes upfront. No surprises or hidden costs.
Respect for Your Home: We protect your plants and outdoor areas, clean up daily, and treat your home like it's our own.
Full-Service Exterior House Painting
Transform your home’s exterior with Pro Decorator‘s comprehensive painting services. We begin with a detailed assessment to understand your vision and the specific needs of your home. Our meticulous prep work guarantees a flawless application, carefully covering every inch.
Make a great first impression with our front door painting service. Our team transforms your entryway into a welcoming statement piece using durable, vibrant paints that reflect your personal style.
Revitalise your garage door with Pro Decorators. Our painting service enhances curb appeal and provides a protective coating against the elements, blending functionality with aesthetics.
Accentuate the details of your home with our Trim, Shutters, & Soffits Painting. We ensure these important features are visually appealing and well-protected.
Protect and preserve your home with our weatherboard repair services. We expertly address wear and tear, preparing your home for a fresh coat of paint and long-lasting durability.
Protect and preserve your Cedar clad home with our Cedar maintenance program. We expertly address wear and tear that keeps the cladding looking great, extending their life-span, but will also add value to your property.
Our gutters & downspouts painting service improves the appearance of your home’s exteriors and extends the life of these essential components.
Revamp your home’s exterior with brick & stucco painting services. We use specialty paints that adhere well and bring out these materials’ unique texture and charm.
Pro Decorator's starts each painting project with thorough pressure washing. This essential prep work ensures the best adhesion and longevity of paint, setting the stage for a flawless finish.
Before painting, we ensure the integrity of your home with carpentry & wood replacement services, removing any rotted areas. This crucial prep work guarantees a flawless finish and long-lasting results.
Booking your FREE Estimate is easy
Exterior Plaster Cladding Painting
Plaster cladding is everywhere in Christchurch, especially on newer homes. But here's something most homeowners don't realise - your plaster cladding needs repainting every 10 years to keep the waterproofing system working properly. We learned about this the hard way when a homeowner in Halswell called us in 2025. Their 12-year-old plaster home was showing spider cracks where the elastomeric paint used on their plaster cladding had broken down.
Manufacturers like Resene are really clear about this: exterior plaster cladding painting isn't just about looking good, it's about protection. The paint is actually part of your home's waterproofing system. When that paint starts failing after 10 years, water can get behind the plaster and cause serious damage. We've seen homes in Riccarton and Redcliffs were ignoring the 10-year repaint cycle led to tens of thousands in repair costs.
The 10-year cycle exists because paint deteriorates from UV exposure, weather, and normal wear. Even the best quality paint from Resene or Dulux breaks down over time. Once the paint film starts cracking or chalking, water finds its way in. Homes near Hagley Park get different weather exposure than houses in Redcliffs, so sometimes we recommend repainting sooner if your home gets hammered by weather.
Exterior plaster cladding painting needs proper prep work to reset that 10-year clock. We always check for cracks first, seal them up, then apply a quality primer. The paint we use for plaster has to be flexible because plaster expands and contracts with temperature changes. Using the right products means your home stays protected for the full 10 years, not just 5 or 6.
Understanding Your Plaster System
Different plaster systems need different approaches. James Hardie's EasyLap plaster is different from Resene Construction's Rockcote or Dulux's Acratex plaster systems. Each manufacturer has specific requirements for painting and maintenance. We keep up with these specifications because using the wrong products voids warranties and causes problems down the track.
Most plaster homes in Christchurch use a monolithic cladding system. That means the plaster, mesh, and paint work together as one waterproof barrier. Break any part of that system and you've got vulnerabilities. A house in Bishopdale we worked on last year had the right plaster but the previous painters used cheap paint. Five years later, the paint was failing and water was getting in.
The base coat, texture coat, and paint coat all matter. We've seen DIY jobs where people just slapped paint over dirty plaster without cleaning or priming. That paint peeled off within months. Exterior painting Christchurch plaster correctly means respecting the whole system, not just the final colour coat.
Signs Your Plaster Needs Repainting
How do you know when its time? Here's what we tell homeowners to look for. If your plaster is chalking (rub your hand on it and white powder comes off), that's a warning sign. The paint's breaking down and needs replacing soon.
Cracks around windows and doors are another red flag. Plaster moves slightly with temperature changes, and when the paint gets old and brittle, it cracks instead of flexing. Small cracks turn into bigger cracks, then water gets in. A home in Avonhead had tiny cracks that the owners ignored for two years. By the time they called us, water had damaged the framing behind the plaster.
Fading color is obvious but less urgent. A faded house looks tired, but it doesn't mean the waterproofing is compromised yet. However, if your homes been painted 8 or 9 years, don't wait for visible problems. Get it done before the 10-year mark hits.
Green or black staining, especially on south-facing walls, means mold or algae growth. These organisms love damp surfaces, and they grow when the paint's protective qualities have deteriorated. Houses in Parklands and Bexley near the wetlands get this problem faster because of higher moisture levels in the air.
The Painting Process
Exterior plaster cladding painting starts weeks before we touch a paintbrush. First, we inspect the entire house for damage. Cracks get filled with flexible filler. Any damaged plaster gets repaired. Control joints (those deliberate gaps in plaster) need checking to make sure they're still doing their job.
Then comes cleaning. We water blast the plaster to remove dirt, mold, and loose material. But here's the trick - too much pressure damages plaster. We use lower pressure than you'd use on brick or weatherboard. The plaster needs to dry completely before painting, which in winter might take three or four days.
Priming is where many painters cut corners. They skip it to save money and time. Bad idea. Primer seals the plaster, provides a consistent base, and helps the topcoat last longer. We use Resene's plaster primers because they're designed for our climate and plaster systems.
Two topcoats minimum. One coat might look ok initially, but it won't last. Two coats give proper thickness and protection. For exterior painting Christchurch homes, we usually recommend Resene x-200 or Dulux Acratex - both are proven performers in our conditions.
Colour Choices for Plaster Homes
Colour affects more than just looks. Darker colours absorb more heat, which makes plaster expand and contract more. That extra movement stresses the paint film and can lead to cracking. If you love dark grey or black, we can do it, but the paint might need replacing sooner than 10 years.
Lighter colours reflect heat and last longer. They also hide dirt better. A white or cream plaster home in Merivale still looks clean after five years. A dark grey home in the same street shows every bit of dirt and pollen.
The good news is modern paints come in thousands of colours. We've painted plaster homes in everything from classic Black White to bold greys. The key is using quality paint regardless of colour. Cheap paint fails fast no matter what shade you choose.
Cost Factors
People always ask: "How much does exterior plaster cladding painting cost?" The honest answer is it depends. A small two-bedroom townhouse costs less than a large two-story family home. Simple boxes with few windows are cheaper than complex designs with lots of detail.
Condition matters too. If your plaster is in good shape with minimal repairs needed, costs stay reasonable. But if we're fixing lots of cracks and damaged areas, that adds time and materials. A house in Sockburn needed extensive crack repairs before painting, which added $2,000 to the quote.
Access is another factor. Single-story homes are straightforward. Two-story homes need scaffolding, which costs money but makes the job safer and produces better results. We never compromise on safety, even if it adds cost.
As a rough guide, exterior painting Christchurch plaster homes typically ranges from $8,000 to $25,000 depending on size and complexity. That includes all prep work, repairs, primers, and two topcoats. It's not cheap but remember - you're protecting a major investment. The average Christchurch home is worth over $800,000. Spending $15,000 to protect that investment every 10 years makes financial sense.
Timing Your Paint Job
Best time for exterior plaster cladding painting in Christchurch is summer and autumn. December through April gives us reliable weather with warm temperatures and low humidity. Paint cures properly and we don't lose days to rain.
Winter painting is possible but challenging. With the new winterised paints from both Resene and Dulux we can work in winter if needed, but we prefer waiting for better weather when possible.
Spring is tricky because of those nor'west winds. High winds make painting difficult and blow dust onto wet paint. September and October often bring unsettled weather that interrupts work schedules.
Book early if you want summer painting. Our schedule fills up months in advance because everyone wants the same weather window. Last summer we had a waiting list by November.
Canterbury’s Premier Exterior Painting Company
Why Professional Painting Matters
DIY plaster painting is tempting to save money. But plaster is unforgiving. Mistakes are expensive to fix. We've repainted many DIY disasters where homeowners used the wrong products, skipped prep work, or didn't understand plaster systems.
Professional painters know what products work. We have relationships with paint suppliers and get trade-quality products that aren't available at retail stores. We understand plaster movement, moisture management, and how Christchurch weather affects different systems.
Insurance is another factor. If something goes wrong during DIY painting - a fall, damage to the house, injury - your on your own. Professional painters carry insurance that protects you and them.
The biggest advantage? Peace of mind. When we finish an exterior painting Christchurch plaster job, you know it's done right. The waterproofing system is renewed, your home is protected, and you've reset that 10-year maintenance clock.
Our Service Areas Across Christchurch
No matter where you are in Christchurch, we can help with your exterior painting needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the 10-year repaint deadline for my plaster home?
Your manufacturer's warranty expires and you can't get it back. We see this all the time in Christchurch - homeowners hit year 11 or 12 and suddenly realise they've lost their coverage. If water damage happens after that, your paying for repairs out of pocket. The good news is you can still get the house repainted professionally, but you won't have manufacturer backing anymore. Some insurance companies also ask about warranty status when processing claims, so missing that deadline can create complications down the track. Best advice? Set a reminder at year 9 to start planning your repaint.
Is the extended manufacturer's warranty actually worth the extra cost of professional painting?
Absolutely. Think about it this way - plaster leak repairs typically cost $10,000 to $30,000 depending on how bad the damage is. We've seen homes in Halswell and Wigram where small leaks turned into major structural repairs because there was no warranty coverage. Professional exterior painting Christchurch with an extended warranty costs around $12,000 to $18,000 for an average home, and that covers you for another 10 years. If anything goes wrong with the waterproofing system during that time, the manufacturer handles it. Its basically insurance that also makes your house look great. DIY painting might save you $5,000 upfront, but you lose that warranty protection which is worth way more.
How do I know if a painter can actually provide the extended manufacturer's warranty?
Ask them directly and get it in writing. Not every painter is certified to offer extended warranties from manufacturers like Resene or Dulux. They need to be approved applicators who follow exact specifications for prep work, products, and application methods. When you get quotes for exterior painting Christchurch plaster work, ask these questions: "Are you a certified applicator?" "Which manufacturer warranties can you provide?" "Will the warranty be in writing?" If they can't answer clearly or seem unsure, move on. Legitimate certified painters will have documentation and can show you examples of warranties they've issued before. We always provide the warranty paperwork as part of our service, and we explain exactly what's covered.
Canterbury’s Premier Exterior Painting Company
Our Experience with Christchurch Plaster Homes
We've painted hundreds of plaster homes around Christchurch since the rebuild ramped up after the earthquakes. The housing boom in Halswell, Wigram, and Rolleston meant thousands of new plaster homes that are now reaching that 10-year mark.
Our team understands local conditions. The Port Hills homes get different weather than flat land homes in Hornby or Belfast. Coastal properties in New Brighton or Southshore deal with salt spray that degrades paint faster. We adjust our approach based on where you live.
We've worked with insurance companies on plaster leak repairs. We've fixed botched DIY jobs. We've maintained high-end homes in Fendalton and first homes in Sockburn. Every project teaches us something, and that experience benefits our customers.
If your plaster home is approaching 10 years old, or if you've noticed signs of paint failure, get in touch. We offer free quotes and honest advice. Sometimes homes need immediate attention. Sometimes they can wait another year. We'll tell you the truth about what your home needs.
Exterior painting Christchurch plaster cladding is what we do best. Give us a call and let's talk about keeping your home protected and looking great for the next decade. Click below to book your free estimate.
One-of-a-Kind Service Team
A team that is like family. From our first conversation to our final walk-through, your experience is top priority.
A Solid Reputation
Our dedication to excellence is reflected in the glowing reviews we receive from our satisfied customers who appreciate our commitment to providing a seamless, fun and professional decorating experience.
Excellent Communication
As a trusted painting and decorating company, we excel in communication, ensuring that we not only help our customers throughout the painting process but also address any questions they may have promptly and comprehensively.
Getting a quote for your home project is simple and hassle-free with Pro Decorators. You can fill out our online form, call us on 03 3652204, or schedule an in-person estimate to discuss your project in detail. We offer FREE estimates allowing you to understand the scope and cost of your project with no obligations.
Absolutely! We understand the importance of trust and security in any home project. Our team of painters are fully insured, providing you with peace of mind knowing that your property is in safe and professional hands. With our commitment to adhering to New Zealand Master Painters industry standards and regulations (AS/NZS 2311 2017 Standards), you can be assured of receiving quality service every time. For more information or to get your FREE estimate, please contact us at 03 3652204.
The painting process can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve developed a client-centred approach that puts you first. We start with a FREE estimate and then scheduling that suits your timeline. We then keep you up to date with progress reports.
Our experienced painters ensure meticulous preparation, painting, and cleanup. The journey concludes with a final walk-through to guarantee your complete satisfaction. We’re committed to building trust, offering creative solutions, and enabling you to make confident decisions throughout your painting experience with us.
The duration of your house painting project varies based on the project’s size and complexity. We prioritize efficiency without compromising on quality.
To get a more accurate timeline tailored to your specific project, contact us at 03 3652204 for a FREE estimate. We’ll work with you to find a schedule that fits your needs.
Before we begin your home project, we ask homeowners to move or cover any valuable items or furniture. Our team takes great care in protecting your belongings and ensures a thorough cleanup after completing the project. We strive to make the process as seamless and non-intrusive as possible.
Pro Decorator's are committed to the health and safety of our clients and the environment. We use high-quality, safe, and eco-friendly paints for all our projects. These paints are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring better indoor air quality and a safer environment for you and your family.