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Got more questions about exterior House Painting? Describe the bit you're unsure about — the AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the decorator.
Paint your exterior.
Render, masonry or pebbledash — pressure-washed, primed and finished with 2 coats of weather-rated paint.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Costs, timelines, pitfalls and the right questions to ask before any decorator starts on exterior House Painting.
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Itemised quotes from up to 3 local decorators on exterior House Painting — so you can compare like-for-like, not lump sums.
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Top tips
Hiring a decorator, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Painting over damp
Wet render bubbles the paint within months. Allow drying time after pressure-wash.
Cracks not filled
Hairline cracks become visible streaks under fresh paint. Use flexible masonry filler.
Wrong paint for substrate
Vinyl emulsion on render peels in months. Use proper masonry paint or render coating.
Skimping on coats
"Two-coat" specs that turn into one heavy coat give patchy coverage. Insist on two proper coats with drying time between.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Terraced house, front + back2 storeys, simple access
£800–£2.5k
Semi-detached, all elevations2 storeys
£1.5k–£4.5k
Detached house, all elevations2 storeys
£2.5k–£7.5k
Three-storey terraceFull scaffold needed
£3.5k–£9k
Masonry paint per litreDulux Weathershield, Sandtex
£15–£40
Render coating systemK-Rend, Sto, Wethertex
£2.5k–£9k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Exterior paint protects the building from UK weather and refreshes the kerb appeal. Expect to pay £1,500–£8,000 for a UK exterior repaint depending on house size, height and substrate. The right paint and prep lasts 10–15 years; cut corners and you're repainting in 3–5.
What Does the Work Involve?
Exterior painting is mostly prep — pressure-washing to remove dirt, algae and loose paint; treating mould with biocide; filling cracks in render or masonry with flexible filler; priming bare patches with stabilising solution or sealer; masking windows and trim. Two coats of masonry paint applied by brush and roller. Most homes need scaffolding for safe access at gables and high walls.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced house, front + back | 800 | 2,500 | 2 storeys, simple access |
| Semi-detached, all elevations | 1,500 | 4,500 | 2 storeys |
| Detached house, all elevations | 2,500 | 7,500 | 2 storeys |
| Three-storey terrace | 3,500 | 9,000 | Full scaffold needed |
| Masonry paint per litre | 15 | 40 | Dulux Weathershield, Sandtex |
| Render coating system | 2,500 | 9,000 | K-Rend, Sto, Wethertex |
| Scaffold hire per week | 400 | 1,200 | 2 weeks typical |
How Long Does It Take?
Terraced: 4–6 working days. Semi-detached: 5–8 days. Detached: 7–12 days. Plus weather delays — UK exterior painting must be above 5°C and dry for application and 24 hours cure.
DIY or Professional?
Ground-floor and accessible elevations are DIY-able. Anything above the first floor needs scaffolding and is professional only. Working at height has strict regulations and accident rate is high among unsupervised DIYers.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A professional decorator with exterior experience. Ask about prep — quality jobs spend 60% of time on prep. Confirm the paint brand and grade. Insist on a 5–10 year workmanship warranty. Get the scaffold cost itemised separately.
UK Regulations
Working at Height regulations for paid trades. Listed buildings need consent for any colour change. Conservation areas may restrict colour palette. Lead-paint regulations apply to pre-1960 properties.
Common Problems
- Painting over damp: Wet render bubbles the paint within months. Allow drying time after pressure-wash.
- Cracks not filled: Hairline cracks become visible streaks under fresh paint. Use flexible masonry filler.
- Wrong paint for substrate: Vinyl emulsion on render peels in months. Use proper masonry paint or render coating.
- Skimping on coats: "Two-coat" specs that turn into one heavy coat give patchy coverage. Insist on two proper coats with drying time between.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should exterior paint last?
Quality masonry paint with proper prep: 10–15 years. Render coatings (K-Rend, Wethertex): 15–25 years. Cheap or rushed job: 3–5 years.
Best paint for UK exterior walls?
Sandtex 365 Trade, Dulux Weathershield, Crown Trade Sandtex Highbuild. Premium choice: Beeck Mineral Paints (heritage-look, breathable).
Render coating or masonry paint?
Render coating (K-Rend, Sto, Wethertex) — thick, longer-life, more expensive (£2,500–£9,000). Masonry paint — cheaper, shorter-life (10–15 years), £1,500–£8,000.
Best time to paint exterior?
Late spring to early autumn — temperatures consistently above 8°C. Avoid early morning (dew) and late afternoon (drying time issues).
Do I need to repaint when changing colour?
Light over dark: 3 coats minimum, possibly with an undercoat. Dark over light: 2 coats usually sufficient.
Will exterior paint affect breathability?
Modern silicone-based masonry paints are breathable. Acrylic emulsions can trap moisture and cause damp. For old solid-wall properties, use mineral paints or lime washes.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
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