Your prep, paint and project guide for the long weekend

25 Mar 2026

The long weekend – and in this case Easter is closing in fast – is the perfect excuse to roll up your sleeves and give your home a little refresh. With a few extra days and mild autumn weather on your side, even small painting projects can make a noticeable difference.

Start small and keep it simple. If you’re new to DIY, start with something manageable. Smaller projects like a fence, a single room or even a feature wall are perfect for building confidence.

Why painting is the perfect long weekend project

Painting is one of the easiest and most satisfying DIY jobs you can take on. It’s affordable, beginner friendly and delivers instant results, without needing a full renovation!

Best of all, many painting jobs can be completed in a day or two, making them ideal for a long weekend.

Walls in Resene Triple Merino, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, drawers and bedside in Merino. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.

For interiors

You can get a lot done in one weekend, but maybe you’ve also got just one space that needs a little refresh. A powder room, living room or bedroom, whatever it is, the right prep work and paint will make you proud of the job you’ve done!

Tips:

• Prep properly using Resene Interior Paintwork Cleaner as a general cleaner for your interior walls. Stubborn marks as well as oil, grease and soap scum (around sinks baths etc) may need cleaning with a more powerful cleaner like Jif, just remember to remove any residue with fresh water.
• Prime bare or new surfaces with Resene Broadwall Waterborne Wallboard Sealer or Quick Dry Primer to help your paint adhere and seal the surface.
• For most interior walls select an easy-to-apply paint finish like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Zylone Sheen for smooth, professional results.
• For timber, use Resene Colorwood interior wood stains, before clear finishing with Resene Aquaclear. Existing stained timber can be rejuvenated by applying Resene Colour Enhance mixed into Aquaclear.

Deck in Resene Woodsman Uluru, wall painted in Resene Half Baltic Sea, bench in Nebula, pots in Vista White. Project by Melle van Sambeek, image by Bryce Carleton.

Refresh your outdoor spaces

Autumn is a great time to tackle outdoor areas like fences, decks and furniture. These spaces take a lot of wear over time, and a quick refresh can instantly improve how your home looks and feels.

A good clean followed by a fresh coat of paint or stain can bring tired timber back to life while also protecting it from the elements.

Tips:

• Treat any moss or mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer before you begin
• Clean timber thoroughly with Resene Timber and Deck Wash before painting or staining
• Use Resene Lumbersider or Sonyx on exterior weatherboards for a durable solid colour finish, or Resene Waterborne Woodsman Oil Stain or another wood stain from the Resene Woodcare range for a quality stained finish. 
• For decks, finish with Resene Woodsman Decking Oil Stain 
• For deck chairs and furniture use Resene Timber and Furniture Gel

A few final thoughts

Whatever you choose to tackle, keep things relaxed and enjoyable. Put on some music, open the windows and take your time. A couple of days of effort can leave your home feeling refreshed, more functional and ready for the season ahead.

If you need advice on paint or products, or what to use where, visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Paint Expert online.

Published: 25 Mar 2026