When it comes to painting roofs in New Zealand, not all paint brands are created equal. From the salty air of coastal towns to the frosty mornings inland, Kiwi homes face some pretty tough weather conditions — and your roof wears the brunt of it. That’s why choosing the right paint brand isn’t just a matter of colour or price — it’s about durability, performance, and long-term value.
At Hamilton Roof Painter, we’ve worked with a wide range of paints over the years. We’ve seen what stands up to our unique climate — and what flakes off after a couple of seasons. In this post, we’re sharing our top 5 paint brands in New Zealand for roofs and exteriors — the ones we trust enough to use on our clients’ homes (and our own).
1. Resene – The New Zealand Favourite
Why We Rate It:
Resene is practically a household name in New Zealand, and for good reason. They’ve been producing quality paints locally for decades, with formulations specifically designed to withstand NZ’s harsh UV levels and changeable weather.
Best Product for Roofs:
Resene Summit Roof – This is a high-gloss waterborne acrylic specifically engineered for roofs. It offers great colour retention, UV protection, and is easy to apply.
Strengths:
- Excellent durability
- Broad colour range, including COLORSTEEL® matches
- Locally made and tested for NZ conditions
- Resene Eco.Decorator approved (low environmental impact)
Ideal For:
Clients wanting a long-lasting, trusted solution from a local brand with proven results. It’s especially good for repaints on COLORSTEEL® or longrun metal.
2. Dulux – Premium Finish, Professional Grade
Why We Rate It:
Dulux is known for its high-end performance and premium feel. While it’s a global brand, Dulux tailors many of its products specifically for New Zealand and Australian climates, making it a solid contender in our industry.
Best Product for Roofs:
Dulux Roof & Trim – A self-priming, water-based paint designed to resist chalking, flaking and fading. It’s suitable for COLORBOND® and a range of metal and tile roofs.
Strengths:
- Industry-leading UV resistance
- Excellent gloss and colour hold over time
- Self-priming system cuts down on prep time
- Backed by long-term warranties when applied by accredited painters
Ideal For:
High-value homes or commercial buildings where finish and long-term performance are key. Dulux has an excellent reputation with architects and specifiers too.
3. Wattyl – Reliable Performance Without the Premium Price Tag
Why We Rate It:
Wattyl flies under the radar a bit compared to Resene and Dulux, but don’t let that fool you. This Aussie-Kiwi brand delivers solid quality at a competitive price, making it a smart choice for clients who want performance without going over budget.
Best Product for Roofs:
Wattyl Solagard Roof – A durable, water-based acrylic designed to reflect solar radiation and reduce heat absorption. This can make a noticeable difference in home energy use.
Strengths:
- UV and weather-resistant
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing quality
- Good adhesion and fade resistance
- Ideal for both tiled and metal roofs
Ideal For:
Clients looking for value and performance — especially landlords or homeowners preparing a property for sale. Wattyl’s price point makes it attractive without major compromise.
4. ColorCote – Built for Metal Roofing
Why We Rate It:
ColorCote specialises in pre-painted roofing and cladding systems — and their paint technology is second to none when it comes to metal. While technically not a brush-on product, their systems are the gold standard for new roofs or full roof restorations.
Best Product for Roofs:
ColorCote® ZinaCore and MagnaFlow – These are factory-applied paint systems bonded to metal, known for incredible performance in harsh environments (think: coastal corrosion zones).
Strengths:
- Top-tier performance in marine environments
- Long warranties (up to 30 years)
- Resists chipping, chalking, and corrosion
- Available in a wide range of colours
Ideal For:
New builds, reroofing projects, or high-end homes near the coast. We often recommend ColorCote for clients who want to invest in the very best upfront to avoid maintenance later.
5. Aalto – The Designer’s Choice
Why We Rate It:
Aalto is known more in interior circles, but they’ve developed a small but growing reputation for high-quality exterior paints with a designer edge. They’re boutique, yes — but their colours are rich, deep, and incredibly well formulated.
Best Product for Roofs:
Aalto Roof Acrylic – Designed for both new and previously painted roofs. It offers strong UV resistance, excellent flow, and that signature deep colour saturation.
Strengths:
- Premium finishes with a boutique look
- Small batch, high-quality control
- Ideal for modern architectural homes
- Developed in NZ for our climate
Ideal For:
Homeowners who want something different — not just another off-the-shelf grey or iron sand. Aalto is perfect for modern builds or custom homes where aesthetics are just as important as function.
How to Choose the Right Roof Paint Brand
With so many options out there, it’s not always easy to decide. At Hamilton Roof Painter, we help our clients choose the best product for their roof type, location, and budget. Here are a few tips we often share:
- Check compatibility: Not all paints suit every roof type. Metal, tile, decramastic, or concrete each require different prep and coatings.
- Prioritise UV resistance: NZ has some of the harshest UV levels in the world. Your roof needs a paint that can handle it.
- Consider environment: Coastal homes need paints with excellent salt resistance. Some brands are specifically designed for these areas.
- Ask about warranties: Always opt for products that come with solid manufacturer warranties — especially when applied by accredited professionals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a roof paint brand isn’t just about picking a colour from a swatch — it’s about protecting your home, improving its street appeal, and making sure you don’t have to repaint again for a long time.
At Hamilton Roof Painter, we don’t just use any old paint. We partner with the best suppliers and choose the right product for the job — every time. Whether you’re repainting an old roof, updating a modern build, or just looking to boost property value, the paint you choose will make a difference.
Need advice on the best paint for your roof? Give us a call — we’re always happy to talk through your options and provide a free, no-obligation quote.