Introduction
When it comes to painting your home, it’s so much more than slapping on colour—it’s about feeling at ease in a space that truly reflects you. For Kiwi homeowners, Resene Paint has become synonymous with trust, innovation, and genuine colour expression. In this article, we uncover why Resene stands proudly as a household favourite in New Zealand.
| Brand Name | Resene Paint |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1946 |
| Founder | Ted Nightingale |
| Country Origin | New Zealand |
| Ownership | 100% Kiwi-owned |
| Known For | Premium paints & colours |
| Paint Type | Interior & Exterior |
| Eco Focus | Low-VOC, waterborne |
| Popular Range | Resene Lumbersider, Zylone |
| Retail Presence | Nationwide ColorShops |
| Colour Tools | Testpots, Visualisers |
| Certifications | Environmental Choice NZ |
| Durability | Tested for NZ climate |
| Customer Base | Homeowners, decorators |
Local Roots
Resene’s story begins in 1946, when Eastbourne builder Ted Nightingale mixed his own alkali‑resistant paint in a garage cement mixer to protect concrete—a simple solution born from necessity. Today, it remains a 100% Kiwi‑owned company, still rooted in Wellington, producing paint tailored for NZ’s unique climate.
Colour You Can Trust
The Resene Total Colour System offers thousands of shades and advanced tools—like swatches, drawdowns, and virtual visualisers—to help homeowners confidently select colours. What’s more, their tinting technology ensures shades remain true long after application.
Built to Last
Kiwi summers, salty coastal winds and alpine sun can be harsh on paint. Resene delivers durable interior and exterior coatings—from low‑sheen interior walls to hardwearing enamels—tested under New Zealand conditions. That means fewer recoats and longer‑lasting finishes.
Green At Heart
Resene leads the way in environmentally friendly coatings. They pioneered Environmental Choice–approved paints in NZ back in 1996. Most products today are waterborne, low‑odour, and feature no added VOCs. In fact, the brand has slashed decorative VOC levels by over 90% since 1980.
Eco‑Conscious Practices
Beyond formulations, Resene operates a robust PaintWise recycling program, managing end‑of‑life paint and packaging, plus innovative solutions like PaintCrete and recycled pails. Their factories measure emissions under ISO standards, earning national environmental certifications.
Colour Confidence Tools
Need to test a shade before committing? Use a Testpatch, Testpot, or swatch to compare colours in real lighting. Resene’s virtual tools—like the Colour Palette Generator and ColourMatch pencils—help homeowners and pros visualise confidently.
Helping You Along the Way
Resene ColorShops, found nationwide, pair friendly tech with free advice and sample tools. Their online decorating magazine and video tutorials offer fresh ideas and step‑by‑step guidance for DIYers and renovators alike.
Real Kiwi Stories
Projects in the Total Colour Awards gallery showcase the depth of impact paint can have. From sophisticated urban interiors to vibrant community murals, homeowners cite how Resene transformed spaces and uplifted moods.
Comparison with Other Brands
While international brands offer solid options, Resene’s difference is in its local understanding and integrated eco‑focus. It provides colour tools, environmentally friendly paints at no extra cost, and back‑to‑back support from its own staff.
Final Thoughts
Resene isn’t just another paint company—it’s a story of Kiwi innovation, grounded in colour confidence and environmental ethics. When you apply a Resene shade to your walls, you’re not only covering a surface—you’re embracing local heritage, design expertise, and a sustainable future.
