
- June 12, 2025
Paint Problems on the West Coast: What Coastal Homeowners Should Know
Living along South Africa’s beautiful West Coast brings fresh sea air and stunning ocean views — but it also brings unique challenges for homeowners, especially when it comes to paint. The salty breeze, constant moisture, and strong winds accelerate wear and tear on exterior coatings.
Without the right products and maintenance, paint problems can shorten the life of your home’s exterior, leaving walls, roofs, and woodwork vulnerable to long-term damage.
Common Paint Problems in West Coast Homes
Coastal conditions are notoriously harsh on paint. Some of the most common issues West Coast homeowners face include:
- Salt Deposits: Salt carried by the ocean wind settles on painted surfaces, creating stains and corrosion that eat away at finishes.
- Moisture Damage: High humidity leads to blistering, bubbling, and flaking paint, especially on wooden surfaces.
- UV Fading: Strong coastal sun bleaches pigments, reducing colour vibrancy within just a few seasons.
- Peeling and Cracking: Constant expansion and contraction from temperature changes cause exterior paint to lose adhesion.


How to Protect Your West Coast Home
The good news is that with the right paint and waterproofing products, these problems can be significantly reduced. Homeowners should:
- Choose UV-resistant, marine-grade coatings designed for coastal environments.
- Apply waterproofing sealants to problem areas like exterior walls, wooden trims, and roof edges.
- Wash down exterior walls regularly to remove salt build-up.
- Repaint on a proactive schedule instead of waiting for visible damage.
Why Coastal Weather Damages Paint
Salty air carries microscopic salt particles that cling to painted surfaces. Over time, these crystals attract moisture, leading to bubbling, flaking, and discoloration. Add in the West Coast’s powerful winter winds and occasional driving rain, and your home’s exterior coating can wear down twice as fast compared to inland regions.
Common Paint Problems on the West Coast:
- Peeling & Blistering: Caused by salt deposits and trapped moisture under paint layers.
- Damp & Mold: Coastal humidity seeps through unsealed walls, creating dark patches and fungal growth.
- Rust & Corrosion: Metal railings, gutters, and window frames are highly vulnerable in salty air.
- Color Fading: Intense coastal sun exposure bleaches standard paints within just a few years.
How to Prevent These Problems
Protecting your home starts with the right paint and application method. Waterproofing base coats, elastomeric paints, and specialized UV-resistant finishes can make a dramatic difference. For homes near the sea, products with strong salt- and moisture-resistance are essential. Professional preparation—cleaning, sealing, and priming—also plays a key role in extending the lifespan of your paint.
“On the West Coast, choosing a cheap paint job is more expensive in the long run. The right waterproofing today prevents costly repairs tomorrow.”
Why West Coast Homes Need Extra Waterproofing
From Langebaan’s sea breezes to Paternoster’s pounding winter storms, coastal homes face unique pressures. A tiny crack in your paintwork can allow moisture into walls, leading to rot and expensive repairs. Waterproofing early ensures your property remains strong, beautiful, and protected.
Expert Advice for Every Homeowner
Every West Coast property is different. A holiday apartment in Saldanha, a fisherman’s cottage in Paternoster, or a family home in Langebaan all need tailored protection. That’s why our WeatherPrufe team in Table View provides expert guidance to match your home’s materials and exposure.
Visit Our Waterproofing Experts in Table View
If you’re facing damp patches, peeling paint, or rust damage, our Table View waterproofing specialists can help. We stock premium paints, sealants, and protective coatings designed for the West Coast’s climate. You’ll find us on Google Maps at our Table View branch.
Get in Touch Today
Don’t wait for the next storm to expose hidden paint problems. Call us, email us at info@weatherprufe.co.za, or visit our Table View shop for professional advice and products. Whether you need waterproof roof coatings, protective wall paints, or anti-rust solutions, our team is here to help.
Choosing the Right Coastal Paint is Essential
The West Coast climate demands more than standard paint. The right waterproofing solution, properly applied, makes the difference between a home that weathers storms and one that suffers constant repairs. Visit WeatherPrufe Paint Shop Table View to get premium coatings built for coastal durability.
WeatherPrufe Paint Shop Table View
📍 Shop 1, Flamingo Square, Study St, Tableview, Cape Town, 7441
📞 Tel: 083 445 6126
✉️ Email: info@weatherprufe.co.za
➡️ Find us on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xhZWxXpnYAzHnbdcA