Lower sheen finishes have been the preferable choice for interior surfaces among clients and designers alike. But lately, we have been seeing the same trend affecting exterior finishes, too. Since they have to stand up to whatever the weather throws at them, exterior coatings are typically glossier than interior counterparts.

The Resene Technical Team has now formulated a new waterborne option for those after a flatter style finish on outdoor surfaces.

New Resene Lumbersider Matt offers a flatter, more matt look than the low sheen finish of traditional Resene Lumbersider in a waterborne formula. Designed for exterior walls, weatherboards and landscaping elements, Resene Lumbersider Matt will be initially available in whites, pastels, light colours and select off-black tones.

Remember — when specifying a dark colour outdoors, ask for it to be tinted into a Resene CoolColour version of your chosen formula. A Resene CoolColour looks like a normal colour but, thanks to special pigment technology, it reflects more heat so that the surface and substrate doesn’t get as hot as the normal colour.

What to specify where

When choosing from Resene’s range of exterior waterborne paint formulas, it’s smart to pay attention to the substrate, exposure, the style of building and whether or not areas will be out of reach in addition to the sheen level you’re after.

Resene Hi-Glo waterborne gloss paint — Environmental Choice-approved

This paint’s high sheen finish makes it one of the easiest waterborne formulas to clean, but it is not as sympathetic of less-than-perfect substrates. To avoid glare, it’s best not to choose very light colours for areas angled towards the sun.

Typical uses: Aluminium, block and brickwork, concrete and plaster, fibre cement, galvanised steel roofing and cladding, particle board, plywood, repaints, roughcast/stucco, timber, UPVC surfaces, weatherboards and Zincalume.

Resene Sonyx 101 waterborne semi-gloss paint — Environmental Choice-approved

Thanks to a higher sheen finish, Resene Sonyx 101 is easier to clean than a lower sheen paint but not as easy to clean as a gloss. This product can be a great choice for villas, which may have more hard-to-reach and ornate details for dirt to cling to than newer homes, making maintenance less of a chore for clients.

Typical uses: Block and brickwork, concrete, fibre cement, G.R.C. panels, primed galvanised steel, primed timber, solid plaster and wallboards.

Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen waterborne paint — Environmental Choice-approved

This popular paint is often used on weatherboards and fencing of more contemporary-style homes where a lower sheen is desired. The lower sheen look is very sympathetic to a range of substrates and also helps a home better settle into its surrounding environment. While it’s washable, it’s not as cleanable as other higher sheen options.

Typical uses: Beams, block and brickwork, concrete and plaster, decks, fibre and particle board, fibre cement, galvanised iron, repaints, stucco/roughcast, timber and weatherboards.

Resene Lumbersider Matt waterborne paint — Meets Environmental Choice requirements (in application)

The new alternative to Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen for those who like the Resene Lumbersider look and application but would prefer a flatter finish.

Typical uses: Exterior walls, weatherboards that don’t make contact with the ground and hard landscaping.

Resene AquaShield waterborne flat mineral effect

This attractive flat mineral effect finish is a super hydrophobic, water repellent coating with excellent coverage for application on porous building materials to impart watershedding and dirt resistance. It lends a classic aged look, particularly suited to heritage, Art Deco, Santa Fe and Mediterranean style homes and buildings. When used commercially, it is best applied to heritage buildings that suit its soft, slightly textured finish. Use Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen or Resene Sonyx 101 on foundations or other high wear areas.

Typical uses: Brick, concrete block, fibrous cement, natural stone, poured concrete, stucco and tilt slab.

Resene X-200 acrylic weathertight membrane coating — Environmental Choice-approved

This popular low sheen finish is slightly textured and combines low viscosity with high build properties, ensuring penetration into cracks and pores, adhesion and durability. It develops into a tough, durable and continuous membrane, while its fibre reinforcement increases tensile strength. It’s a popular choice for refurbishments in areas prone to earthquakes and for concrete buildings nationwide.

Typical uses: Concrete blocks, concrete surfaces and fibre reinforced cement.

For trim and joinery — Environmental choice-approved

• Resene Enamacryl — Gloss waterborne enamel
• Resene Lustacryl — Semi-gloss waterborne enamel