Exterior Painting Guide

In the UK, the window for exterior painting is relatively short, typically running from April to September. Investing in professional application ensures the finish lasts for a decade or more, rather than peeling after the first frost.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Assessment: Inspecting the condition of the render, brickwork, or woodwork to identify damp, cracks, or "blown" patches.
• Cleaning and Preparation: Removing moss, algae, and loose debris using a stiff brush or power washer, followed by a fungicidal wash.
• Repair Work: Filling cracks with exterior-grade filler and raking out/repointing any damaged mortar joints.
• Masking and Protection: Covering windows, doors, gutters, and plants with plastic sheeting and professional masking tape.
• Priming: Applying a stabilising primer to chalky or porous surfaces to ensure the topcoat adheres correctly.
• Painting: Applying at least two coats of premium masonry paint, usually via brush, roller, or airless sprayer.
• Woodwork and Metalwork: Sanding, priming, and painting windowsills, fascias, soffits, and downpipes.

Typical Costs

Prices vary significantly based on the condition of your substrate; a wall that requires extensive rendering repairs will cost much more than a simple refresh. Access is the other major cost driver, as scaffolding requirements can sometimes equal the cost of the labour itself.

Pro Tip: Always ask if the quote includes the cost of scaffolding and VAT, as these can add 40% or more to your final bill.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Terrace: 2–3 days (weather permitting).
• 3-Bed Semi-Detached: 4–6 days, including preparation and drying time.
• Large Detached Home: 7–14 days, depending on the number of outbuildings or intricate timber details.
• Weather Contingency: Always allow an extra 20% of time for rain delays, which are common even in British summer.

DIY or Professional?

While painting a ground-floor wall is a manageable DIY task, painting an entire house involves significant risks. Working at height requires proper scaffolding or towers, as working from a ladder for long periods is dangerous and often leads to a poor finish.

Professionals use industrial sprayers or high-reach equipment that provides a more uniform coating than a DIY brush. Furthermore, a pro will know how to handle Part L of the Building Regulations if you are stripping more than 50% of a wall's surface, which may trigger requirements for thermal insulation upgrades.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Qualifications: Look for NVQ Level 2/3 in Painting and Decorating or membership in the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).
• Insurance: Ensure they have Public Liability Insurance (minimum £2 million) specifically covering "work at height."
• Red Flags: Tradespeople who offer to paint in the rain, those who skip the cleaning/priming stage, or those who demand full payment upfront.
• Questions to Ask:
  • What brand of masonry paint do you use (e.g., Dulux Weathershield, Sandtex, or Keim)?
  • How do you handle "blown" render or deep cracks?
  • Is scaffolding included in your quote, and will you arrange it?
  • Do you provide a written guarantee for the work?

UK Regulations

• Work at Height Regulations 2005: Contractors must ensure all work is planned and supervised safely, usually requiring scaffolding for anything above the first floor.
• Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas: You may need Planning Permission to change the colour of your house if you live in a protected area.
• Building Regulations (Part L): If you are renovating a significant portion of an external wall, you may be legally required to improve the wall's insulation.

Common Problems

• Peeling Paint: Usually caused by painting over damp walls or failing to use a stabilising primer on "chalky" old paint.
• Bubbling/Blistering: Occurs when painting in direct, intense sunlight or when moisture is trapped behind the paint film.
• Efflorescence: White salty deposits pushing through the paint; this indicates a moisture issue within the brickwork that must be solved before painting.
• Poor Colour Matching: Exterior paint can look different in natural light; always test a large patch and let it dry before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to paint a house in the UK?

The best time is between late April and September. You need dry conditions and a temperature consistently above 5°C (though 10-20°C is ideal) for the paint to cure correctly.

How often should I repaint my exterior walls?

Most high-quality masonry paints last between 10 and 15 years. However, south-facing walls or coastal properties exposed to salt spray may need refreshing every 5 to 7 years.

Can you paint over damp patches?

No. Painting over damp will cause the new paint to bubble and peel within weeks. The source of the damp (such as a leaking gutter or rising damp) must be fixed and the wall allowed to dry completely first.

Do I need to prime the walls first?

If the surface is new render, highly porous, or has old, powdery paint, a stabilising primer is essential. If the existing paint is in excellent condition, a "mist coat" (thinned paint) or direct application may be sufficient.

Is spray painting better than using a roller?

Spraying is much faster and provides a very smooth finish, especially on pebbledash or roughcast. However, it requires extensive masking to avoid overspray on windows and cars, and it cannot be done in windy conditions.