One of the first steps to designing a new facade is deciding which type of cladding is better suited to your home – prefinished or paint-on-site?
Fibre cement cladding has become a popular choice among Australians, particularly when it comes to facades. Increasingly, people are looking to build unique, design-led homes – and fibre cement cladding can be used to create an array of contemporary yet timeless looks.
Fibre cement cladding has evolved over the years, it is a high-quality, low-maintenance product that is made to last, delivering looks that can stand the test of time. As a leading manufacturer of fibre cement cladding for Australia and New Zealand, Cemintel® offers both prefinished and paint-on-site cladding options in a wide array of colours, textures, and styles. With Cemintel, there is an array of options to help you achieve the look you want for your home.
What is the difference between prefinished and paint-on-site fibre cement cladding?
Paint-on-site cladding is any cladding that has already been coated with a paint primer. Once installed, it is ready to paint in the colour of your choice, eliminating the need for an undercoat.
Our weatherboard range mirrors the appearance of traditional timber weatherboards – the overlapping boards creating beautiful shadows on your facade throughout the day. They can be used to create a range of looks – coastal, Hamptons and more. Alternatively, Cemintel Edge will deliver a modern, vertical cladding look, while Cemintel Aspect provides a smooth surface and broad horizontal grooves for a more industrial style.
Prefinished cladding, on the other hand, comes delivered to site with a final factory finish and is integrated into a mixed facade. No further painting, handling, or finishing is required.
Cemintel Barestone is a beautiful example of prefinished cladding. Barestone evokes the look of raw natural concrete with its gently mottled finish. Alternatively, the Cemintel Territory collection incorporates various textures, tones, and patterns, simulating materials such as stone, timber, concrete, metal, and smooth render.
Despite their differences, prefinished and paint-on-site cladding are both great options when it comes to creating beautiful and durable facades. They are easy to install, helping you get into your new home faster. Depending on the size of your home, you can usually install a full cladding system in just 3-5 days.
Plus, all fibre cement cladding from Cemintel is durable and impact resistant. With a minimum 10-year warranty, you can be assured our products are made to last.
The benefits of paint-on-site cladding
One of the main reasons homeowners are drawn to paint-on-site cladding is because it is a flexible, versatile product that can be used to achieve a variety of looks. The panels can be painted in a range of colours, making them a great option for people looking to create a unique and highly personalised facade.
Paint-on-site cladding is also very efficient to install. For example, our 16mm-thick Balmoral weatherboards are gun-nailable and can be cut at different lengths to minimise waste.
For husband-and-wife duo Simone and Ben Matthews, this was what enticed them when renovating The Pause – a luxurious beachside escape located in Gerringong, NSW.
“[We] found Balmoral really easy to work with… our painter also commented that he saved time because usually he has to hide imperfections and intersections that come with other brands, but with Balmoral he quickly achieved a seamless, uniform finish,” says Simone.
The durability of the paint-on-site weatherboards was another draw. Despite the harsh coastal conditions, the panels are guaranteed to outlast timber sliding doors without losing the desired effect.
“Being in a coastal area, we definitely needed to use materials that could withstand the salt in the air,” says Simone.
“One of the things we love when using a weatherboard that is made from fibre cement is that it won’t shrink and crack, and will ultimately hold the paint longer than traditional timber boards, so we won’t have to pay to have them painted as often. We know they will stand the test of time.”
Finding the cladding of your dreams
Now that you know the difference between paint-on-site and prefinished cladding, how do you find ‘the one’?
First, it is important to think about the style of home you want. Are you going for a quintessential Aussie home, in-vogue Hamptons style, or a raw industrial look? Whichever look you prefer, Cemintel has a cladding option to match.
Next, consider:
- Your budget for building, maintenance, and upkeep
- Whether you are creating your forever home or planning to re-sell
- Council and development requirements
- Specific location requirements, such as fire safety or proximity to water
Prefinished cladding tends to have a more modern look; Territory Quarry, for example, is a great option if you want an unpretentious industrial look, whereas Barestone is popular because of its organic, raw, natural look. Paint-on-site cladding, on the other hand, can create a coastal or Hamptons-style aesthetic.
We also recommend creating a Pinterest board and visiting a CSR Selection Centre in Hume, ACT, or Beresfield or Schofields, NSW. You can book a complimentary appointment – filled with valuable advice and helpful suggestions – or visit at a time that suits you.
Bring your Pinterest board and the team can suggest ideas and help you find the best products to achieve the look you want. Once you settle on a style, everything else starts to fall into place.
