Introducing our expert tips for achieving a weather-proof exterior that will last through every season.
As with any painting project, preparation is key when it comes to achieving a flawless finish, and the exterior of our home is no exception. Our climate dictates that our homes are subject to a myriad of weather conditions, from blistering sun to torrential downpours and as a result, our exterior paints must work hard to ensure longevity in terms of both colour and durability.
Whether you are simply repainting your front door or embarking on a complete overhaul of your exterior masonry, ensuring your surface is ready for painting is of utmost importance. Read our guide below for the best tips on how to achieve a long-lasting finish and give your home some serious curb appeal.
Exterior Masonry:
Before you start: Ensure outside conditions are correct before you begin painting. The outside temperature must be above 5°C with no risk of rain occurring during application or drying. Where possible, avoid painting in full sun or on surfaces that have been recently warmed by the sun as this can cause the paint to dry too quickly.
Step 1: Wash
Before you begin painting your exterior walls, it is important to ensure the surface is completely clean. Wash thoroughly with clean water to remove any dirt, staining or debris from the wall surface. If you see any evidence of mould or algae on the walls, treat them by applying a fungicidal wash to both kill off and prevent any further growth.
Step 2: Repair as required and Prime
Remove any flaking paint and repair patches or cracking in the render with a filler suitable for exterior walls. Apply a stabilising primer all over to ensure your topcoat of paint adheres properly to the wall and to treat the appearance of powdery mildew..
Step 3: Protect
Cover windows, doors and hardware such as light fittings with low viscosity tape to avoid splashes and cover any surrounding pathways or gravel with dust sheeting in case of spills.
Step 4: Select the correct finish and Paint!
Use a weather-resistant exterior masonry paint. Two coats should be sufficient in most cases but a very dark colour may require a third coat, particularly over areas where holes or cracks have been repaired. Allow a minimum drying time of 4 hours between coats. Smooth walls can be painted with a synthetic bristle brush or a short nap, wool blend roller of an appropriate length. For textured surfaces such as brick or pebble dash, select a roller with a longer nap length to ensure even and thorough coverage.
Top Tip: Opt for a bold contrast when painting plinths for a fresh contemporary look.
