Composite cladding has become a popular alternative to natural timber because of its low maintenance, weather resistance and long-lasting colour. But homeowners sometimes ask:
Can you paint composite cladding — and should you?
The short answer is: it’s possible in some cases, but often not necessary — and in many situations, not recommended. This guide explains why, when painting might work, how it affects performance, and alternatives to enhance the look of composite cladding — especially in Australian environments.
What Composite Cladding Is Designed For
Composite cladding — like systems offered by PureSolid — is engineered with:
✔ UV-stable pigments
✔ Weather-resistant board coatings
✔ Low moisture absorption
✔ Outstanding colour retention
These design features mean the boards are meant to be used without painting for many years in Australian climates.
Painting a composite surface is different from painting timber — because composite boards are engineered plastic-rich materials with limited porosity and unique surface chemistry.
Can You Paint Composite Cladding?
✔ Yes — But With Caveats
You can paint composite cladding, but it’s not as simple as painting timber. Composite boards:
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Don’t absorb paint easily
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May require special primers
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Can have limited long-term adhesion
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May void product warranties if not done per manufacturer guidance
Because of these challenges, most manufacturers — including PureSolid — do not recommend painting composite cladding as a standard practice unless specifically approved for the product.
Why Painting Composite Cladding Isn’t Usually Needed
Composite cladding is engineered to provide:
🔹 Long-Term Colour Stability
Modern composite formulations include UV-stable colour pigments that resist fading under Australia’s intense sun — even without paint.
🔹 Low Maintenance
Unlike timber, composite does not require sanding, sealing, staining, or repainting — saving time and reducing costs over its lifespan.
🔹 Engineered Surface Durability
Surface chemistry is designed to resist moisture, rot, pests, and most stains — painting can compromise this performance if not done correctly.
When Painting Might Be Considered
Painting composite cladding is generally only considered when:
✔ Boards have significant surface marks or staining
✔ Previous coatings have degraded
✔ You want a custom colour not offered by the manufacturer
✔ Surface defects need colour correction
In these situations, follow strict preparation and use appropriate paint systems — only if the cladding manufacturer explicitly allows it.
Painting Composite Cladding: Best Practices (If Allowed)
If you decide to paint composite cladding and your product allows it, follow these steps—but always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines first.
🧰 1. Surface Preparation
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Clean the surface thoroughly
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Remove dirt, oil and mildew
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Use a mild detergent and a soft brush
🪜 2. Light Abrasion
Because composite is non-porous, surface sanding or abrasion slightly improves paint adhesion —but avoid aggressive sanding, which may damage the surface texture.
🎨 3. Use a Quality Primer
A high-bond exterior primer designed for plastic or aluminium surfaces is essential.
🖌 4. Select Appropriate Paint
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100% acrylic exterior paint
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Elastomeric or flexible coatings (allowing movement)
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UV-resistant systems
📆 5. Two-Coat Minimum
Apply primer + 2 coats of topcoat for best coverage.
☀️ 6. Install in Moderate Conditions
Paint adheres best in mild temperatures (15–25°C) and low humidity — not in extremes.
Risks & Drawbacks of Painting Composite Cladding
Painting composite cladding can introduce issues:
❌ Peeling or Flaking – Paint may not adhere well long-term
❌ Trapped Moisture – Paint film can hold moisture beneath the surface
❌ Warranty Voids – Many products become non-warranty if altered
❌ Ongoing Maintenance – Painted surfaces often require repainting
Because PureSolid composite cladding is already engineered for colour stability and performance, painting is usually unnecessary and may do more harm than good.
Alternatives to Painting Composite Cladding
If you’re looking to refresh or customise the look of your cladding without painting, consider:
🌈 1. Board Colour Selection
Choose from a range of PureSolid pre-finished colours designed for consistency and UV stability.
📐 2. Mixed Board Profiles
Use contrasting board widths or orientations to create visual interest without colour changes.
🪟 Trim & Accents
Add trims, battens or feature panels in complementary colours/materials to break monotony.
🌿 Cladding Screens & Greenery
Vertical screens or planted green walls near cladding add dynamic contrast without altering the boards themselves.
How PureSolid Cladding Handles Weather & UV
PureSolid composite boards are formulated for Australian conditions:
✔ UV-resistant pigments help maintain appearance
✔ Engineered resistance to fading and chalking
✔ Strong surface chemistry tolerates cleaning without degradation
✔ Consistent profile integrity for many seasons
This engineered performance is one reason painting is not required in most PureSolid installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will painting composite cladding improve its lifespan?
Not generally — painting does not improve structural performance and may trap moisture, reducing lifespan.
Can I paint only some boards (e.g., feature panels)?
Only if the product manufacturer explicitly supports painting with specified systems.
Does painting void the warranty?
Many composite cladding warranties are voided if the surface is altered beyond cleaning and normal maintenance.
What’s a better alternative to painting?
Choose high-quality pre-finished boards (such as PureSolid colours) and design features that enhance aesthetics without paint.
Final Thoughts: Let the Material Do the Work
Composite cladding — especially premium systems like PureSolid — is engineered to look good and perform for years without painting. While painting is possible in limited situations, it’s often unnecessary and may introduce complications.
For most Australian homes, the best strategy is to:
🟢 Select a colour that fits your design
🟢 Embrace the engineered performance of composite boards
🟢 Use design features (lighting, trims, patterns) to elevate the look
🟢 Avoid surface paint films that trap moisture or require future refreshing
In short: composite cladding provides a low-maintenance, long-lasting finish that rarely needs painting — and PureSolid products are designed for that purpose.