24 Dec A Guide to Painting Building Exteriors
A lick of paint can make all the difference to the exterior of a building, making it look refreshed and tidy, but it’s important to use the right paint and technique for your property.
If you live in a listed building, or if your property is in a Conservation Area, you may need to get permission to alter the exterior, so make sure you check this before you start.
Here’s a beginner’s guide to painting your property’s exterior…
Choosing A Colour
The first thing to consider when choosing a colour is the surrounding area, as you’ll want to choose a colour that works well with neighbouring buildings.
Common colours are white and cream but we would advise against pure white as it can show up marks and dirt, and look unforgiving in sunlight.
Talk to us if you would like specific advice on choosing a colour for your property.
Choosing A Paint
You’ll need to choose a specialist exterior masonry paint that’s weatherproof and there are a variety of types available, such as smooth or textured, cladding paint, or timber finish.
At HRG Services, we use KEIM Exterior Paints for durability and a high quality finish. These paints comprise of a liquid potassium silicate paint binder with natural earth oxide pigments and natural mineral fillers, such as feldspar.
Mineral silicate paints penetrate the mineral substrate onto which they are applied, such as renders and concrete, forming a permanent, long lasting chemical crystalline bond with the substrate.
KEIM Mineral Paints contain neither solvents nor any petro-chemical derivatives, are inherently non-combustible, and do not give off any toxic gases.
Preparing The Walls
Like interior walls, the surface must be clean and dry before you start applying paint. This is one of the most important steps, as paint will not adhere properly to walls that have not been adequately prepared.
Ensure you remove any mould from the building’s surface, and brush it down to get rid of any dirt or cobwebs. Remove plants, trellises, and anything else that might be obstructive.
Use filler to repair any cracks, and consider using a stabilising primer if the surface is flaky. You should not use stabiliser on solid, sound rendered or stonework walls or very old single-skinned walls. Contact us if you need further advice on this.
Sourcing Equipment
Painting the exterior of a property is very different to painting the walls inside a room, and there are considerable risks involved. It’s important to take the need to caution and specialist equipment very seriously.
Some people use ladders to paint property exteriors but a scaffold tower is much safer and easier, so it’s worth investing in hiring one or using professionals who bring their own. At HRG Services, we have all the necessary equipment, experience and skills to paint property exteriors safely and effectively.
You’ll need a variety of brushes for covering large areas and getting into the nooks and crannies – everything from small detail brushes to large rollers with long extension handles. Consider also that you won’t want to be carrying a large paint container, so a paint canister is a good idea.
Start Painting
When you have your paint and equipment ready to go, choose a bright and sunny day to start painting. Wrap downpipes to protect them from paint and mask windows, door frames, and fascia boards.
Start from the top and work down, so that you can catch any drips. It’s best to start by cutting in around the edges with a smaller brush and then tackle larger areas with your roller. Try to finish one wall at a time without pausing to avoid creating visible lines. A good tip is to follow the sun to give it the maximum chance to dry.
Most exterior paints require at least two coats, but check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding second coat and drying time.
Our team at HRG Services can carry out a full exterior redecoration of your property that will last using specialist paints. We also offer a full repair service to timber, masonry and metalwork so our clients know their project is carried out correctly.