There is no single answer, because a rendered north-facing wall in Craigieburn and a sheltered hallway in Kew age at completely different rates. What we can give you are reliable ranges, and the signals that override them.
Interiors: every 7 to 10 years
Living areas and bedrooms generally hold up for seven to ten years. Hallways, stairwells, kitchens and children's bedrooms wear faster and often want attention at five to seven, mostly through scuffing rather than paint failure.
Bathrooms and laundries are the exception — moisture and ventilation quality matter more there than time.
Exteriors: every 5 to 10 years, depending on surface
Rendered and masonry exteriors typically go eight to ten years. Painted weatherboard is more like six to eight. Timber windows, doors, eaves, fascias and decking are the shortest-lived at roughly four to seven years, because they take the most direct weather.
Melbourne factors that shorten the cycle
Two things cut exterior life noticeably in this city. Salt air through bayside suburbs such as Williamstown, Port Melbourne, Elwood, Mentone and Frankston attacks coatings and corrodes fixings. Harsh western and northern sun on exposed estates in the outer north and west breaks paint films down faster than shaded inner-suburban walls.
Original 1970s and 80s coatings, previous poor preparation, and unrepaired timber all shorten the interval further.
Signs to repaint now, not later
- Chalking — a powdery residue on your hand from the wall
- Fading, patchy or uneven colour on sun-facing walls
- Hairline cracking, flaking or peeling film
- Exposed bare timber, or filler and patches showing through
- Mould growth in shaded or poorly ventilated areas
- Gaps opening at joints and around window frames
Why preparation decides the next interval
A repaint over a sound, properly prepared surface will run its full expected life. A repaint over chalking, damp or bare timber will not, no matter how good the paint is. Repairing, sanding, sealing and priming is what buys you the extra five years.
If you are unsure where your property sits, we will inspect the exterior and tell you honestly whether it needs doing this year or can safely wait.
Want advice on your own property?
We inspect, advise honestly and quote in writing across metropolitan Melbourne and Melbourne's inner and outer surrounding suburbs.