With summer fast approaching, many people will be considering freshening up the exterior of their home. A fresh coat of paint applied to exterior walls can completely transform a property, as our professional decorators at Scott Anson Painters and Decorators Ltd would suggest from years of experience. Homeowners can choose to use vibrant, bold colours or create a synergy with interior colour schemes. Choosing lighter colours can also help to keep the interior cool, as darker colours absorb light while lighter ones reflect it.
Painting exterior walls could add value to a home and increase its kerb appeal, whether homeowners decide on a pastel palette, classic neutrals or more intense Mediterranean hues.
The embedded PDF discusses exterior wall colour trends for 2024.
Choosing the Right Paint and Tools
Masonry paint is designed for exterior walls and helps to protect against the elements. It can be available in either a smooth or textured form; textured masonry paint tends to be more suitable for covering cracks and imperfections, while smooth masonry paint can create a more contemporary look.
As well as selecting the right paint, there are several other tools DIYers might need, including long-pile paint rollers, paint trays and paintbrushes, as well as sandpaper and masking tape.
Preparing the Surfaces
As with any painting project thorough preparation is recommended, as it often leads to a superior finish and can also allow the paint to adhere properly. Flaking paint should be removed, and any cracks or holes should be filled in with a suitable exterior filler. The next advisable step is to clean the walls; this can be done with a stiff brush or a hosepipe. It is also advisable to use a masonry cleaner to reduce the risk of fungal growth occurring underneath the paint.
Applying a primer is another recommended step. It provides an essential barrier that prevents the walls from absorbing the paint, which could result in an uneven finish.
The final step should be to cover surrounding areas with dust sheets and use masking tape around doors, window frames and woodwork to help achieve a clean finish.
Applying the Paint
Smaller areas should be painted with a suitably-sized paintbrush without overloading it, as this may lead to unsightly drips and splashes. Once these areas have been completed, DIYers could switch to using a roller, painting diagonally in even strokes moving in the same direction. It is also recommended to start at the top of the house and move downwards.
Finally, you should allow the first coat of paint to dry before applying another. As a general rule, this will take around four to six hours.