Pebbledash was first used following the First World War, as it was cheap and easy to apply. As a result, pebbledash, or roughcast, can be found on homes up and down the country. Pebbledash requires little to no maintenance, but homeowners can refresh their homes by repainting if so desired.
The rough surface of a pebbledash wall can be difficult to paint, making the entire process time consuming – even for professionals such as Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd.
Cleaning
Like all painting tasks, preparation is key when it comes to painting pebbledash. Before painting, remove any dirt, dust and debris that has built up on the surface over time. A power washer can make this process much easier if you have access to one. Cover any windows and the floor with dust sheets to protect them before cleaning.
Repairs
After cleaning the surface, take the time to inspect the pebbledash. If there are any cracks, they will need to be repaired prior to painting. Any areas where the rendering has worn away will also need to be repaired. Water can seep into cracks, causing either more cracks or damp inside the property, and worn render can crumble at the touch of a paintbrush.
Primer
Once the wall is clean and any areas for concern have been repaired, a primer will need to be applied. If the pebbledash has never been painted, the first coat of paint will soak into the wall due to the porous nature of the finish. This first coat of paint will act as a primer; however, this does mean that multiple coats of paint will be required.
Applying the Paint
Using a masonry brush with standard masonry paint is ideal for this task. Wide masonry brushes allow paint to be dabbed onto the surface easily. This will make an even coat easier to achieve, even with all the nooks and crannies.
If the pebbledash is not too deep, it might be possible to paint the surface using a roller. However, it is recommended to paint pebbledash walls using a paint brush instead, as the paint will go on thicker and you will achieve better, more even coverage.