Peeling paint, cracks, stains and faded walls can make a property look older than it is, and can often expose underlying surfaces to the elements and the weather.
Exterior painting can do more than simply brighten up the outside of your home – working with the right paint and good surface preparation can help protect brick, render, woodwork and more. However, poorly executed painter work can often lead to a faster build-up of peeling and cracks.
Before hiring a professional, it’s a good idea to be aware of the right and wrong techniques and to know what signs to look out for.
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Benefits and Challenges of Exterior Painting
A fresh coat of exterior paint can quickly improve the appearance of a property. Faded walls, worn woodwork, and patchy surfaces can make a building look neglected, while a clean finish can give it a more cared-for look.
Exterior painting can also help protect surfaces from regular exposure to rain, wind, moisture, and changing temperatures. Wood, render, masonry, and metal can all benefit when the correct paint and preparation method are used.
Some key benefits include:
- Fresh paint can make an older property look cleaner and more attractive.
- Suitable exterior coatings can help protect surfaces from weather damage.
- Preparation work can reveal cracks, loose paint, damp areas, and other problems.
- A new colour can refresh the look of a property without major renovation.
- Well-maintained painted surfaces are often easier to clean and inspect.
There are also a few challenges to consider.
Weather can affect both the schedule and the quality of the work. Rain, strong wind, or damp conditions may delay painting and increase drying time. Applying paint to a wet or poorly prepared surface can also lead to peeling or an uneven finish.
Access may be another issue, especially on taller buildings or properties with narrow side areas, extensions, or difficult rooflines. Ladders, towers, or scaffolding may be needed to reach some surfaces safely.
Preparation can also take longer than expected. Old paint may need scraping, damaged areas may require repair, and some surfaces may need primer before painting begins. Skipping these steps may reduce the time spent on the job, but it can also shorten the life of the finished paintwork.
Expert Tips for Better Exterior Painting
Before work commences, it’s always a good idea to take a look at the work surface. Large areas of chipped paint, cracks, damp patches, damaged render, rotten wood or crumbling mortar should be replaced or sanded back. Simply painting over it won’t solve the problem or make the surface look any better.
Ask about what preparatory work is included in your quote. A good quote should outline what surface preparation work is needed, what repairs need to be made, and how many coats are likely to be applied.
The paint used can also make a difference to how well the final job turns out. Exterior masonry, woodwork, metalwork and other surfaces often require different products. Ask about these choices – it’s not enough to choose a paint based on colour alone. Ask why a certain primer or paint has been advised, over another.
For work in London, unpredictable weather can make preparation an important part of the job. Exterior painters london professionals will always take into account the condition of the surface, whether any scaffolding or other access equipment may be needed, how long the paint is likely to take to dry, and what the likely weather conditions are like when the time for painting comes around.
Questions to Ask Before Work Commences
Some questions that you should ask your painter before work commences include;
- Who is responsible for supplying the paint and materials?
- Does the quote include surface preparation work?
- How will windows, paving, plants and doors be protected?
- Will any damaged areas be repaired before painting commences?
- How will upper or otherwise inaccessible parts of the building be reached?
- Is any cleaning work included after the painting work is completed?
Things to Watch Out For
Watch out for quotes that don’t specify everything clearly. A seemingly cheap quote can be misleading in that it may not include as many preparatory steps, as many coats, or as much repair work as is needed. Avoid being tempted to choose a colour based on how it looks on a small computer screen – the way the light hits the building, the shade of the buildings’ brickwork, and the other structures surrounding it can all affect how the final paint colour looks. It’s always a good idea to test a colour on a small area of the building before committing to it.
One other common mistake that painters make is attempting to make a surface completely dry after applying a coat of paint, before applying the next coat. This can affect the final look of the painted surface.
Key Takeaways
- Look out for cracks, damp areas, peeling paint and damaged surfaces before any work commences.
- Double check quotes to see if they include the amount of paint needed and surface preparation work.
- Make sure the recommended paint is suitable for the surface being painted.
- Take care to schedule work in at a time where the weather conditions and drying time allow for the best results.
- Always compare the work required for each job, rather than focussing on the final price stated in the quote.
Conclusion
Exterior painting can make a big difference to a property’s aesthetic appeal while helping to protect exposed building surfaces from the weather. Surface preparation and appropriate materials during the painting process are essential to achieving a good quality final result.
Before hiring a painter, take a good look at your building and ask all the relevant questions about repairs, paint, access and surface preparation. Avoid rushing the hiring process due to a tempting quote or short lead time. A well planned painting job will look better and last longer, reducing the need for early repainting and saving you time and money.