Exterior decorating
Peeling paint can be the visible result of age, moisture, failed preparation or movement. The cause influences the new coating.
Discuss exterior painting · View render repairs
Exterior painting can protect suitable render, masonry and timber while improving appearance. The substrate must be sound, clean and dry enough, and the product must suit the material and exposure.
Exterior masonry
Render and previously painted masonry should be checked for cracks, hollow areas, flaking coating, algae and water sources. Painting over loose render or trapped moisture can lead to early failure.
Gutters, copings, sills, roof junctions and ground levels should be considered where one area remains persistently wet.
Exterior timber
Windows, doors, fascias and other timber need checks for soft areas, open joints and failed putty or sealant. Coating cannot restore decayed timber. Local repairs and compatible primers may be needed first.
End grain, lower edges and horizontal surfaces often weather faster because water sits or runs across them.
Preparation
Depending on the surface:
- dirt, algae and contamination are removed;
- loose paint is scraped safely;
- sound coatings are keyed;
- cracks and defects are repaired;
- bare areas receive suitable primer;
- adjoining glass, roofs, paths and plants are protected;
- sealant is used only in appropriate moving joints.
Older coatings may contain lead, so uncontrolled sanding or heating should be avoided.
Weather and access
Rain, dew, temperature, direct sun and wind influence drying and adhesion. Product guidance should be followed. Safe access may require more than a ladder, particularly where both hands are needed for preparation.
Colour and planning considerations
Significant changes to listed buildings or properties in controlled areas may need consent. Even where permission is not required, sample areas can help show how colour and texture appear in daylight.
Questions about exterior painting
Can peeling paint be pressure washed off?
The method must suit the substrate. Aggressive washing can drive water into defects or damage render and timber.
Can you paint during a short dry spell?
The surface, air temperature, dew and drying time all matter. A gap between showers may not be enough.
Will masonry paint repair hairline cracks?
Coatings have limits. Cracks should be assessed and prepared according to the substrate and product; moving cracks need more than paint.
How often should exterior paint be renewed?
Exposure, product, preparation and surface condition vary. Inspect the coating and deal with local failure before the underlying material deteriorates.
Show the whole elevation and the failed areas
Include roofline, sills, base, shade and any area that stays damp.