80 Years of Colour, Innovation and Trust

In 1946, Wellington builder Ted Nightingale faced a simple but frustrating problem. He needed a paint that would stick to concrete.

At the time, New Zealand was still emerging from the shortages of the Second World War. Suitable paints simply weren’t available. Rather than wait for a solution, Ted decided to create one himself.

Like many practical Kiwi builders of the era, he took a classic “No. 8 wire” approach to problem-solving. Using a concrete mixer, Ted began experimenting with different materials and formulas until he developed a cement-based coating that could be applied directly to concrete surfaces. He called it Stipplecote.

What started as a practical solution for one builder soon caught the attention of others. Architects and fellow builders began recommending Stipplecote for their own projects. Word spread, demand grew, and before long, Ted realised he had something bigger on his hands.

He stepped away from building and began focusing on paint manufacturing. The early years were driven by experimentation and persistence. Ted continued refining his formulas and exploring new technologies.

By 1951, he introduced Resene PVA Semi-Gloss, one of the world’s first waterborne paints. At a time when many coatings relied heavily on solvents, the development represented an important step forward.

The company name Resene came from the resin binders used in early paint formulations. Over time, the Resene name replaced Stipplecote as the company expanded its range of paints and coatings.

80 years later, Resene has grown into New Zealand’s largest paint and coatings company while remaining proudly Kiwi-owned and operated. The business now operates manufacturing facilities in Wellington, Tauranga, Auckland and Fiji and is supported by a nationwide network of Resene ColorShops.

For generations of New Zealand homeowners, builders and professional painters, the brand has become a trusted part of the country’s building landscape.

That trust is built not only on colour choice but on performance. New Zealand has some of the highest UV levels in the world, along with salt air, wind and changing weather conditions. Exterior paint must withstand an environment far more demanding than the climates of most of the world.

Innovation has always been central to meeting those challenges. At Resene’s research and development facilities in Wellington, teams work on paint chemistry, pigments and colour technology designed specifically for New Zealand conditions.

One example is the Resene CoolColour range, which allows darker colours to perform better outdoors by reflecting more heat. The technology has opened new possibilities for architects, designers and homeowners who want bold exterior colours without sacrificing durability.

According to CEO Nick Nightingale, Ted Nightingale’s grandson, the spirit that drove his grandfather’s early experiments still shapes the company today.

“Today, innovation and the desire to be the best continue to drive our development in colour technology, paints and coatings,” he says.

This year marks Resene’s 80th anniversary, and the company continues to build on the same principles that started it all — practical problem-solving, including appraising paint systems for new substrates to our market, technical innovation, and a commitment to quality that New Zealanders can rely on.

From a builder experimenting with a concrete mixer to a company known for colour and coatings across the South Pacific, the Resene story stays true to the spirit that inspired Ted Nightingale nearly eighty years ago.

For more inspiration, colour ideas and expert advice, visit the Resene website