Repair and Stain a Deck [A Complete Guide for Aussie Homes]
25 August 2025Luxury Painting Services [Sydney’s Specialists in Prestige Finishes]
28 August 2025
Strata living is a big part of Aussie life. From apartment complexes in Sydney to townhouse communities in Brisbane, strata schemes help keep shared spaces in good nick and looking their best. One important part of that upkeep is this paintings.
But what exactly does strata project painting cover in Australia? Is it just giving the walls a splash of colour, or is there more to it? If you’re a property owner, a tenant, or part of an owners’ corporation, understanding what strata painting includes can save a lot of confusion (and sometimes heated discussions at AGM meetings).
In this post, we’ll break it down clearly: what strata project painting typically involves, why it’s important, and a few Aussie-specific insights about how it works.
Strata building painting covers: more than just walls
When people hear “painting,” they often picture rolling paint across the inside walls of a home. But strata project painting is broader and more complex. It doesn’t just cover one unit or apartment, it covers all the common property areas that are shared by everyone in the strata scheme.
In Australia, that usually means:
- Exterior walls of the building (front, back, and sides)
- Internal common hallways, stairwells, and lobbies
- Car parks and basement areas
- Balconies and balustrades (if they’re classed as common property)
- External woodwork, trims, fascias, and eaves
- Roof coatings in some complexes
- Fencing and boundary walls
- Shared facilities like gyms, clubhouses, or laundry rooms
So, when we talk about strata building painting, we’re talking about the whole picture, not just a lick of paint on a single flat.
Why is strata building painting necessary?
You might wonder: can’t we just leave the paint as it is until it starts peeling? Not quite. In Australia’s climate, whether it’s Sydney’s humid summers, Perth’s dry heat, or Melbourne’s famous four-seasons-in-a-day, paint is more than decorative. It’s a protective layer.
Protection against the elements
Compliance and safety
Maintaining property value
Community pride
Interior vs. exterior strata project painting
Both interior and exterior areas are usually part of a strata painting project, but they have different goals.
Exterior painting inclusions
Exterior strata painting focuses on weather protection, durability, and street appeal. Special coatings might be used to resist UV or salt spray near the coast.
Interior painting inclusions
Interior strata painting is about creating a clean, inviting atmosphere in shared corridors, lifts, or foyers. It’s less about weatherproofing and more about wear and tear from everyday use.
A real story of painting project
I once spoke with a strata committee in Parramatta that put off repainting the foyer for years. New tenants kept commenting on the “dated” feel of the building. After the repaint, not only did residents feel prouder, but rental applications spiked as well. It’s a clear case of how much interior paintwork affects perception.
Typical painting inclusions in strata
Every strata scheme is different, but most painting jobs in Australia will cover:
What’s not usually covered? Or Excluded
It’s just as important to know what isn’t included. Strata building painting typically does not cover:
How often should painting be done?
There’s no single answer, but most experts recommend every 7-10 years for exteriors and every 5-7 years for interiors. In harsher climates, like coastal areas with salty air, it may be sooner.
One building in Bondi had to repaint its exterior after just five years because the salty sea spray corroded the coatings faster than expected. On the other hand, an apartment block in western Sydney managed to stretch it out to 12 years thanks to sheltered positioning and high-quality paint used in the last job.
Who decides on strata building painting?
In Australia, decisions about strata building painting usually fall to the owners' corporation (also called body corporate in some states). The committee:
1- Reviews quotes from professional painting services
2- Decides on colours and finishes (often with input from residents)
3- Votes at meetings to approve the works and budget
Sometimes a colour consultant is engaged to make sure choices are timeless and compliant with heritage or council rules.
Tips for strata committees planning a paint job
If you’re on a strata committee, here are a few practical tips:
Plan ahead: book painters well in advance, good ones get busy quickly.
Budget properly: don’t just look for the cheapest quote, factor in warranties and paint quality.
Communicate with residents: let people know about disruptions and colour choices.
Use strata levies wisely: painting can be one of the biggest expenses, so manage funds carefully.
Think long-term: better quality paints may cost more now but last longer in the Aussie climate.
A real story
A strata complex in Ryde, Sydney, recently invested in a full repaint of its 10-storey building. The project included exterior walls, balcony railings, and the car park. The committee opted for Dulux Weathershield, knowing Sydney summers can be brutal.
The result? The building not only looked modern and fresh, but the repaint also extended the building’s protective layer against moisture and sun damage. Tenants reported feeling more comfortable inviting guests, and property managers said the fresh look made it easier to attract new renters.
FAQs about Strata Covers
Exterior paints with UV resistance and weatherproofing are common, especially in sunny or coastal areas. For interiors, washable and low-VOC paints are popular because they’re durable and safer for residents. Each strata complex may choose paints based on budget, climate, and aesthetic goals.
While both involve larger-scale projects, strata painting specifically deals with common property in residential complexes. Commercial painting usually applies to offices, retail centres, or warehouses. Strata painters also work closely with committees and follow strata by-laws, which adds a layer of compliance.
Yes, but they need to be approved by the owners’ corporation. Often, colour consultants are brought in to recommend palettes that are modern, durable, and suitable for the local council’s requirements, especially in heritage areas.
Preparation includes:
- Setting aside funds in the sinking fund
- Gathering multiple quotes
- Consulting residents about timing and colours
- Reviewing access needs (e.g., scaffolding, parking restrictions)
- Communicating the project timeline with all occupants
Yes, many professional painters offer after-hours or weekend painting services to minimise disruption for residents. This is especially useful in busy apartment complexes where daytime works could block access or inconvenience tenants. At Painters Link, we understand the importance of flexibility and often schedule strata painting projects outside of standard hours to keep things running smoothly for everyone.
Final thoughts
So, what does strata building painting cover in Australia? In short, it covers all the shared spaces that make up a strata community, from exterior facades to internal stairwells, car parks, and more. It’s about protection, presentation, and compliance.
If you live in a strata property, keep an eye out for when the next repaint is due. And if you’re part of a committee, remember: choosing the right professional painting service isn’t just a cost, it’s an investment in the building’s future and everyone’s quality of life.
