The Guide on Painting and Decorating Outside Walls

Painting and decorating your outside walls is important if you want to keep your property in pristine condition and maintain that kerb appeal.
 
There are a few key things to keep in mind when painting or decorating the exterior walls of your home. Here are some great tips to get you on the way:

1. Choose the right paint for the job. Not all paints and decorations are created equal, and some are better suited for outdoor use than others. You are better of using paint or decorations that are designed for outdoors to get the best protection from the elements.
2. Prep the surface properly. The surface of your walls should be clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris before you start painting or decorating. If necessary, give it a good scrub with a brush and some soap and water to get rid of any built-up gunk.
3. Start with the basics. When painting or decorating exterior walls, it's best to start with the basics and work your way up. Begin by applying a coat of primer to the surface, then follow up with one or two coats of paint or decoration.
4. Using the right tools for the job. When painting or decorating outside walls, only use tools that are suited for the job. For example, if you're using spray paint, don't choose something like a toothbrush to finish off your design – this will just leave too much room for mistakes.
5. Protect the surfaces below. Before painting or decorating any exterior walls, it's important to protect the surfaces below. Make sure you cover any windows, doors, or other surfaces that you don't want to get paint on with some plastic sheeting or painter's tape.
6. Be careful with colours. When choosing colours for exterior walls, it's important to remember that they will be seen from a distance. Instead of using bold or bright colours, opt for something more subtle.
7. You need the right weather condition. It's important to check the weather conditions before you start painting or decorating exterior walls. If it's too windy, for example, the paint might not dry before it gets blown onto other parts of the house.
8. Be careful around plants. Look out for plants, bushes or trees near to where you're working on exterior walls to avoid paint touching them. The paint will pollute the roots and eventually poison the plant if it gets washed into the soil by rain.
9. Use the right type of paint. Not all paints are created equal, and some are specifically designed for use on exterior walls. Make sure you're using paint that's meant for outdoor use, as it will be more resistant to weathering and fading.
10. Inspect your work regularly. It's a good idea to check your work regularly, especially in the early stages, to make sure everything is staying in place and looking as good as you intended. If you catch any problems early on, it'll be much easier and cheaper to fix them.

 
What paint should you use on outside walls?
Different paints are used on outside walls depending on the user's preference, location and type of exterior wall. However, most paints used for outside walls are water-based acrylics or latexes. Oil-based paints can also be used in some cases as they offer better coverage than the water-based options that may require more coats to cover the same area.
 
What colours are popular for outside walls?
Outside walls can be painted in any colour desired, though white or neutral tones are the most common because they reflect heat better than darker colours. Light colours also provide more visibility in foggy conditions.
 
How long would it take to paint an outside wall?
Paint for outside walls is thicker than the paint used on interior walls to provide better coverage as outside walls are exposed to the elements. This means several coats of paint to achieve the desired colour.
 
Depending on the size of the wall, one coat can take between one and four hours to apply. However, this does not include drying time between coats, which is about two hours, or the time it takes to paint over peeling or flaking spots.
 
How long before I can paint my outside walls?
The exterior wall must be completely free of dirt and dust before painting can begin. This may take several days, depending on the condition of the exterior surface. Rust spots should be sanded before painting begins. Remove all peeling or flaking paint from the exterior wall because this can result in a spotty appearance once the paint dries. Once you have removed dirt and dust, leave the surface to dry for three days before you repaint it.
 
Can I paint my house exterior myself?
If you are an experienced painter, you can do your own exterior painting. However, if you lack the necessary skills or experience required for this type of job, it would be wise to hire a professional house painter with the necessary qualifications and training. This will ensure that you get quality work at a reasonable price.
 
How do you prepare outside walls for painting?
In order to prepare exterior walls for painting, you need to remove any dirt, dust, and debris that may be on the surface. This can be done by using a pressure washer or a brush. You should also check the surface for any cracks or holes and repair them before painting. It is also important to prime the surface to ensure that the paint sticks and lasts for a long time.
 
How should you prime exterior walls?
The best way to prime the exterior walls is to use an oil-based primer followed by two coats of high-quality latex paint. It is recommended that you hire a professional house painter for this type of job since it requires experience and expertise.
 
Do you need to prime outside walls?
Not all walls should be primed before painting. However, it's good to prime exterior walls that are made from render. It is also necessary to prime walls that have been previously painted if the paint is chipping or peeling.
 
How much does painting and decorating outside walls cost?
Average costs for painting and decorating outside walls start at around £20 per hour. For a standard 3 bedroom house, you can expect to pay between £600 and £1,500 for labour costs alone. This depends on the size of the house and how easy it is to get around the area.
 
How regularly should I paint outside walls?
The frequency with which you will need to paint your exterior walls depends on a few factors, such as the climate and the material of the wall. In general, however, it is a good idea to repaint every 3-5 years.
 
What are some of the most common problems with painting outside walls?
One of the most common problems with painting outside walls is that the paint does not properly adhere to the wall. This will show up as bubbling or peeling, which can be unsightly and even dangerous in some cases. It can also lead to moisture leaks through the walls.