The Ultimate Paint Face-Off: Haymes vs Dulux for Your Newcastle Home
Choosing the right paint and painter for your Newcastle home isn’t just about colour; it’s a decision that impacts your wallet and the longevity of your home’s appearance.
This in-depth showdown pits two Aussie favourites, Haymes and Dulux, against each other in a battle of coverage, durability, finish, and value for money. We’ve tested them both in the unique challenges of Newcastle’s climate, from scorching summers to salty coastal air.
Whether you’re planning for interior walls paiting, or exterior walls painting, we’ll guide you through the pros and cons of each brand, offering expert tips and insights to help you make the right choice.
By the end, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to achieve a flawless, long-lasting paint job that will make your home the envy of the neighbourhood.
Round 1: Interior Paint – Coverage and Application
We wanted to see how popular Aussie paints performed, so we tested Haymes and Dulux on different surfaces, from smooth to textured walls. Here’s what we found:
Haymes:
- Coverage: This paint is known for its strong colours. In our tests, one coat was often enough for lighter colours, but you might need two for darker ones.
- Ease of Use: The paint went on smoothly, with hardly any marks from the brush or roller.
- Texture: It felt a little thinner than other paints, making spreading it easy.
Dulux:
- Coverage: You’ll likely need two coats with this paint for full coverage, even with lighter shades.
- Ease of Use: This paint was thicker, which some people might like because it feels easier to control.
- Finish: It dried to a nice, even finish that seemed tougher and maybe more resistant to marks than Haymes.
The Bottom Line:
Haymes could be a good choice if you want to get the job done quickly and easily, especially with lighter colours. But if you want your walls to be extra tough and easy to clean, Dulux might be a better option, even if it means doing two coats.
Round 2: Interior Paint – Finish and Durability
Once the paint dries, the real test begins: How does the finish look, and how well does it hold up to everyday life? We tested Haymes and Dulux again, this time focusing on durability and the long-term appearance of the painted surfaces.
Paint Comparison: 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 our tests, we observed minimal fading and no visible signs of yellowing even in a sunny room.
- Durability: Haymes Ultra Premium showed good resistance to scuffs and marks in normal wear and tear. In our scrub test, it held up to moderate scrubbing before showing minor wear.
- Washability & Stain Resistance: This paint proved pretty easy to clean, with most stains coming off with gentle wiping. However, some tougher stains like coffee and ink required a bit more effort.
- Touch-Up: Touch-ups blended seamlessly with the original paint job, leaving no visible 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 excellent performance for interior walls. Haymes excels in colour retention and provides a beautiful, subtle sheen, while Dulux offers superior washability and scrub resistance. Ultimately, the perfect choice depends on your priorities and the specific needs of the room.
Round 3: Exterior Paint – Weathering the Harsh Aussie Climate
Newcastle homes face a brutal combination of sun, rain, and salty air. To see which paint holds up best, we put two popular exterior paint brands, Haymes and Dulux, to the test. For six months, we exposed painted panels to direct sunlight, simulated heavy rain, and even salt spray to mimic 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..
Based on our comprehensive tests and analysis, Haymes emerges as the clear winner in this paint showdown. Not only do their interior and exterior paints offer excellent coverage and application, but they also demonstrate superior durability and colour retention, especially when faced with the challenges of the Newcastle climate. In our head-to-head tests, Haymes consistently outperformed Dulux regarding fade resistance and overall longevity, even under harsh conditions.
While Dulux remains a popular choice, Haymes offers a compelling alternative, especially for budget-conscious homeowners seeking high quality at a more affordable price. Haymes’ value for money is hard to beat, as its excellent coverage often means you’ll need lesser coats, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Our Recommendation
Haymes paints are a top choice for Newcastle homeowners, offering excellent value for money. They outperform Dulux in our tests, especially in colour retention and durability against the harsh Aussie climate. While Dulux is a reliable brand with a wider range of premium options, Haymes is a fantastic choice for quality paint at a more affordable price. Visit your local paint store to compare and find the perfect fit for your needs!
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Best Paint for Your Newcastle Home
Both Haymes and Dulux offer great choices for painting your home, inside and out. Haymes stands out with its bright colours that last a long time and are easy to put on. This makes it perfect if you want a beautiful finish that won’t fade quickly. Dulux is tough and easy to clean, so it’s ideal for busy areas like hallways or kids’ rooms.
The best paint for your Newcastle home comes down to what’s important to you: your budget, how long you want the paint to last, and what look you want. Check out the different options from both brands at your local paint store.
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.
