Choosing the right paint—and painter—for your Newcastle home goes beyond colour. It’s a decision that affects your budget, your home’s durability, and how great it looks for years to come.
In this detailed comparison, we put two iconic Australian paint brands—Haymes and Dulux—head-to-head. Tested under the demanding conditions of Newcastle’s climate, from intense summer heat to coastal salt air, we explore how each brand performs in terms of coverage, durability, finish, and value for money.
Whether you’re looking for your home’s interior walls painting or exterior walls painting services, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each brand, backed by expert advice and real-world testing.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have the insights you need to choose the best paint for a long-lasting, flawless finish—making your home stand out in the best way.
Table of Contents
Round 1: Interior Paint – Coverage and Application
We tested how two leading Aussie paint brands—Haymes and Dulux—perform on different interior surfaces, from smooth plaster to textured walls. Here’s how they stacked up:
Haymes:
- Coverage: Haymes is known for its rich, vibrant colours. In our testing, a single coat was often sufficient for lighter tones. Darker shades may require a second coat.
- Ease of Use: The paint glides on smoothly with minimal brush or roller marks, making it ideal for a quick, clean finish.
- Texture: Its lighter consistency allows for easy spreading and even coverage, particularly on smooth surfaces.
Dulux:
- Coverage: Dulux typically requires two coats for full coverage, even with lighter shades, which can increase effort and cost.
- Ease of Use: The thicker formula offers more control, which some painters may prefer, particularly for detailed or high-traffic areas.
- Finish: Dries to a durable, even finish that appears more resistant to marks and scuffs—great for busy households.
The Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for fast, smooth application—especially for lighter colours—Haymes is a smart, time-saving choice.
However, if your priority is long-term durability and a tougher finish that stands up to daily wear and tear, Dulux may offer better value, even if it requires an extra coat.
Round 2: Interior Paint – Finish and Durability
When the paint dries, the real test begins. We compared how Haymes and Dulux perform in terms of finish quality, durability, and everyday wear resistance, especially under the stress of real-life conditions like cleaning and sunlight.
Head-to-Head: Haymes Ultra Premium Low Sheen vs. Dulux Wash & Wear Low Sheen
| Feature/Attribute | Haymes Ultra Premium Low Sheen | Dulux Wash & Wear Low Sheen |
|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | ||
| – 1 Litre | $51.95 | $51.90 |
| – 4 Litres | $95.95 | $98.90 |
| – 15 Litres | $262.95 | $265.50 |
| Coverage (sqm/L) | 16 | 16 |
| Dry Time | ||
| – Touch Dry | 20 minutes | 30 minutes |
| – Recoat | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Key Features | ||
| – Washability | Exceptional | Superior |
| – Durability | Long-lasting fresh paint finish | Hard-wearing |
| – Mark & Stain Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| – VOC Level | 99% VOC free | Low VOC |
| – Additional Protection | 7-year mould & mildew protection | Comprehensive washability |
| Suitable For | ||
| – Areas | All interior areas, including wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms | All interior walls, including high-traffic areas |
| – Environments | Moisture-prone environments | Interior use only |
| Environmental & Safety | ||
| – Clean-up | Water | Water |
| – Safety Precautions | Yes | Yes |
| Application Methods | Brush, roller, spray, airless spray | Brush, roller, air spray, airless spray |
| Available Colours | Various tints | Extensive range of pre-tinted colours |
| Additional Benefits | Low odour | Barrier Technology for ultimate protection |
Haymes Ultra Premium Expressions
- Finish: This paint dries to a smooth, even finish with a subtle sheen, enhancing the depth of the colour. After six months of testing, we observed minimal fading and no visible signs of yellowing, even in a room with direct sunlight.
- Durability: Haymes Ultra Premium demonstrated good resistance to scuffs and marks from normal wear and tear. During our scrub test, it held up well to moderate scrubbing, showing only minor signs of wear.
- Washability & Stain Resistance: The paint was fairly easy to clean, with most stains coming off with gentle wiping. However, tougher stains like coffee and ink required more effort to remove.
- Touch-Up: Touch-ups blended seamlessly with the original paint job, leaving no noticeable difference.
Dulux Wash & Wear
- Finish: We tested the low-sheen version of this paint. It dried quickly to a smooth finish with a slight sheen and initially looked just as vibrant as the Haymes paint. However, we noticed some slight fading after six months, especially in areas with direct sunlight.
- Durability: Dulux Wash & Wear is designed for high-traffic areas. In our tests, it proved highly resistant to scuffs and marks and stood up to vigorous scrubbing without showing wear.
- Washability & Stain Resistance: As the name suggests, this paint is very easy to wash. Most stains, including tougher stains like coffee and ink, are wiped off effortlessly.
- Touch-Up: Touch-ups blended well, but in some lighting conditions, there was a slight visible difference compared to the original paint.
The Verdict
Both Haymes Ultra Premium and Dulux Wash & Wear offer outstanding performance for interior walls, but they shine in slightly different areas.
- Haymes stands out for its vibrant colour retention, smooth low-sheen finish, and eco-conscious formula with 99% VOC-free content. It’s ideal for homeowners prioritizing air quality, aesthetics, and fast drying times—especially in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Dulux, on the other hand, delivers exceptional washability and stain resistance, making it perfect for high-traffic spaces such as hallways, living rooms, and family homes. Its tougher finish handles scrubbing and daily wear with ease.
In summary:
If you value a refined finish and lower VOCs, go with Haymes.
If durability and easy cleaning are your top priorities, Dulux is the better pick.
Round 3: Exterior Paint – Weathering the Harsh Aussie Climate
Newcastle homes are constantly exposed to a harsh combination of intense sun, frequent rain, and salty coastal air. To determine which paint stands up best to these demanding conditions, we put two leading exterior paint brands, Haymes and Dulux, to the test.
Over the course of six months, we subjected painted panels to direct sunlight, simulated heavy rain, and even salt spray to replicate real-world coastal conditions.
Paint Comparison: Haymes Ultra Premium Solashield Low Sheen vs. Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen
| Feature/Attribute | Haymes Ultra Premium Solashield Low Sheen | Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage (sqm/L) | 16 | 16 |
| Dry Time | ||
| – Touch Dry | 20 minutes | 20 minutes |
| – Recoat | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Key Features | ||
| – UV Protection | Ultimate UV protection | Yes |
| – Durability | Long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| – Mould Resistance | Repels mould and dirt | Yes |
| – Flexibility | Yes | Yes, with MaxiFlex™ Technology |
| – Salt Resistance | Yes | For galvanized iron within 1 km of the sea |
| – Warranty | 20-year protection against blistering, peeling, and flaking | 15-year protection against blistering, peeling, and flaking |
| Suitable For | ||
| – Areas | Exterior walls, cladding, eaves, facias, fencing timber, outdoor furniture, gutters, downpipes, pergolas, verandas, weatherboards | Exterior masonry, bricks, concrete, render, fibro cement, exterior timber, decking, Zincalume®, galvanized iron, steel, wrought iron |
| Environmental & Safety | ||
| – Clean-up | Water | Water |
| – VOC Level | 49 g/L | <45 g/L |
| – Safety Precautions | Yes | Yes |
| Application Methods | Brush, roller, spray, airless spray | Brush, roller, air spray, airless spray |
| Available Colours | Various tints | Extensive range of colors |
| Additional Benefits | Self-priming on most surfaces | Self-priming on most surfaces |
Haymes Solagard
- Product: Haymes SolaShield is an exterior paint range formulated for Australian conditions.
- Results: After six months, Haymes Solagard exhibited minimal colour fading (less than 5%) and no signs of chalking, cracking, or peeling.
- Overall: Demonstrated excellent UV damage and moisture resistance, making it a strong contender for the Australian climate.
Dulux Weathershield
- Product: Dulux Weathershield is an exterior paint range designed for weather protection.
- Results: While initially vibrant, Dulux Weathershield showed some fading (8%) and minor cracking after six months, particularly in areas exposed to prolonged afternoon sun.
- Overall: Performed well overall but showed some vulnerability to extreme UV exposure.
The Verdict
Haymes Solagard is the clear winner in this round, showcasing superior performance against the harsh Australian climate. Its resistance to fading, cracking, and moisture damage makes it a top choice for protecting and beautifying your home’s exterior.
Round 4: The Price Factor – Balancing Cost and Quality
Let’s be honest: the paint cost is significant when deciding on your next project. In this round, we’ll break down the price differences between Haymes and Dulux and give tips for getting the bang for your buck.
Paint Price Comparison: Haymes Solashield vs. Dulux Weathershield
| Feature/Attribute | Haymes Solashield | Dulux Weathershield |
|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | ||
| – 1 Litre | $53.95 | $52.90 |
| – 4 Litres | $99.95 | $101.50 |
| – 15 Litres | $277.95 | $279.90 |
Dulux
- Price Point: Generally considered a premium brand, Dulux paints often cost around $101-$120 per 4L tin.
- Coverage: Dulux paints offer good coverage, but you might need two coats to achieve the same depth as Haymes, potentially negating any initial cost savings.
- Value Proposition: If you’re looking for a well-known brand and prioritise a smooth, easy application, Dulux might be a good choice, even with the slightly higher price tag.
Haymes
- Price Point: Haymes paints are affordable, especially for their high-quality ranges. Prices often start around $99.95-$116.95 per 4L tin.
- Coverage: Known for excellent coverage, one coat of Haymes paint often does the job, which could save you money in the long run.
- Value Proposition: If you’re looking for top-notch quality and value for money, Haymes could be a great option, especially if you factor in its superior coverage.
Tips for the Budget-Conscious Painter
- Buy in Bulk: Consider buying larger quantities of paint to get a discount.
- Look for Sales: Many paint stores offer regular discounts and promotions.
- Use Leftover Paint: Save leftover paint for touch-ups or smaller projects.
- Opt for Lighter Colors: Lighter colours generally require fewer coats for full coverage.
The Verdict
Haymes wins this round, offering exceptional quality and coverage at a surprisingly affordable price. While Dulux remains a good option for its ease of use, Haymes is a better value proposition for budget-conscious homeowners.
The Final Brushstroke: Haymes vs Dulux – And the Winner Is..
After thorough testing and analysis, Haymes stands out as the clear winner in this paint comparison. Both its interior and exterior ranges offer impressive coverage, smooth application, and standout durability—especially under Newcastle’s demanding climate conditions.
In side-by-side evaluations, Haymes consistently outperformed Dulux in fade resistance, colour retention, and long-term resilience, even when exposed to direct sunlight, salt spray, and moisture.
While Dulux continues to be a trusted and widely used brand, Haymes presents a compelling alternative—particularly for homeowners seeking premium performance at a more competitive price point. Its high coverage often reduces the number of coats needed, leading to potential savings in both time and cost.
Our Recommendation
For Newcastle homeowners, Haymes Paints offer exceptional value and performance. In our tests, Haymes consistently outshone Dulux in colour retention and durability, making it especially well-suited to the harsh coastal and climatic conditions of the region.
While Dulux remains a strong, reliable choice—particularly with its broad range of premium finishes—Haymes delivers comparable (and often superior) results at a more accessible price point. If you’re after long-lasting colour, fewer coats, and strong environmental credentials, Haymes is hard to beat.
We recommend visiting your local paint store to explore both brands in person and choose the one that best fits your specific needs.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Best Paint for Your Newcastle Home
Both Haymes and Dulux offer excellent options for interior and exterior painting.
- Haymes excels in vibrant, long-lasting colours and ease of application, making it ideal for homeowners who want a professional-looking finish with minimal fuss.
- Dulux stands out for its toughness and stain resistance, making it a top choice for high-traffic areas like hallways, living spaces, or kids’ rooms.
Ultimately, the right paint for your home depends on your budget, lifestyle, and visual goals. Whether you’re focused on durability, aesthetics, or eco-consciousness, both brands have strong offerings.
Ready to transform your home? Talk to Procover Painting! We give free colour advice and expert tips to help you choose the right paint and get amazing results.
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FAQs – Haymes Vs. Dulux
Which is better, paint Dulux or Haymes?
Our comprehensive tests indicate that Haymes outperforms Dulux in several key areas;
– Interior Paint: Haymes Ultra Premium Low Sheen offers exceptional washability, durability, and is 99% VOC-free. It maintains color vibrancy over time.
– Exterior Paint: Haymes Solashield demonstrated superior resistance to fading, cracking, and moisture, making it more suitable for harsh Australian climates.
While Dulux remains a popular choice with a broad color range, Haymes provides better overall performance and value.
What is the best brand of interior paint?
Haymes Ultra Premium Low Sheen stands out for interior applications due to its:
– Finish: Smooth, even finish with a subtle sheen.
– Durability: Resistant to scuffs and marks.
– Washability: Easy to clean, with most stains removable with gentle wiping.
These qualities make it a top choice for homeowners seeking long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing interior paint.
Which brand of paint is best in Australia?
Haymes as the superior brand, emphasizing its:
– Durability: Long-lasting finishes both indoors and outdoors.
– Color Retention: Minimal fading over time.
– Value for Money: Competitive pricing with high quality results.
These factors contribute to Haymes being a preferred a choice for Australian homeowners.
Is Haymes low in VOC?
Yes, Haymes Ultra Premium Low Sheen is noted for being 99% VOC-free, making it an environmentally friendly option that contributes to better indoor air quality.
What paint do professional painters use in Australia?
The blog suggests that professional painters favor Haymes for its:
– Ease of Application: Smooth application with various methods.
– Durability: Long-lasting results that withstand Australian conditions.
These attributes make it a reliable choice for professionals seeking quality outcomes.
What brand of paint lasts longest, Dulux or Haymes?
In exterior applications, Haymes Solashield demonstrated superior longevity, showing minimal color fading and no signs of chalking, cracking, or peeling after six months of exposure to harsh conditions. In contrast, Dulux Weathershield exhibited some fading and minor cracking in areas with prolonged sun exposure.
