With summer fast approaching and temperatures rising, it’s a good time to consider carrying out exterior maintenance jobs. Well-maintained paintwork on a home can protect it against the elements for many years to come.
This article will share some summer maintenance tips – as suggested by our professional decorators at Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd – to ensure the exterior of your home continues to look its best.
Use High-Quality Paint and Tools
To try and ensure a professional-quality paint job, it’s important to invest in high-quality tools and paint. The best tools for the job will depend on the painter’s skill and comfort level. The attached PDF takes a closer look at tools that can be used when painting and preparing exterior surfaces.
The best masonry paint should be hard-wearing, resilient in all weather conditions and offers a finish that will look high-quality for a long time to come.
Once the exterior surface has been cleaned and prepared, a primer can offer the best base for adhesion and coverage. A primer seals the surface, giving a uniform layer for the topcoat to be applied to. For the majority of exterior surfaces, acrylic primer designed for exteriors can be the best choice. These paints are specially formulated with binders that can stand up to the changing seasons and extensive UV exposure.
A premium acrylic paint should offer durability and long-lasting colour retention. There are a few different choices of finish, but generally, satin or eggshell tend to look best for exteriors.
It’s always recommended to get paint samples before committing to a colour, trying them out in a variety of areas with different lighting conditions first.
For inspiration, Homes & Gardens has shared some exterior paint trends for 2025, as explained by industry experts. Depending on the type of property, they recommend a variety of looks, from earthy colours and wood stains to pastels and dark colours.
The Quantity of Paint to Use
Calculating the amount of paint required isn’t just about the surface area that needs covering; there are a few factors to consider when deciding on the amount to buy. To try and achieve the best possible finish, multiple layers of paint will be required, and textured surfaces, such as those with a pebbledash effect, will need more paint.
By buying a paint sample first and testing it on the exterior surface, the number of layers and amount of paint required can be estimated more accurately.