Do You Need to Sand Weatherboards Before Painting? A Step-by-Step Guide

If you own a villa, bungalow, or weatherboard home in Auckland, chances are you’re planning an exterior repaint at some point. One of the biggest questions we hear is: do you really need to sand weatherboards before painting?

The short answer: yes — absolutely.

Skipping this step means the new paint won’t stick properly, leading to peeling, cracking, and wasted money. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step: Preparing Weatherboards for Painting

1. Inspection

   • Look for rot, cracks, or damaged boards that may need replacing.

2. Cleaning

   • Wash weatherboards with a high-pressure hose to remove dirt, salt, and mould.

3. Scraping

   • Remove flaking or loose paint with a scraper.

4. Sanding

   • Smooth rough edges and feather back old paint for a seamless finish.

   • Sanding also helps the new paint bond better.

5. Priming

   • Apply a quality primer to bare timber or exposed areas.

6. Painting

   • Use two coats of premium exterior paint designed for Auckland’s climate.

Why Sanding Weatherboards Matters

• Better adhesion: Paint bonds properly to a sanded surface.

• Longer lifespan: Extends the life of your exterior repaint.

• Professional finish: Smooth weatherboards = flawless look.

Get It Done Right with Key Painting

Weatherboard homes are common in Auckland, and our team are experts in restoring them.

• ✅ Full prep included (washing, scraping, sanding, priming)

• ✅ Premium exterior paints for NZ conditions

• ✅ Free instant estimate via our painting estimator tool