Painting your home’s exterior walls is a great way to boost its kerb appeal while also offering protection against the elements. To ensure a flawless finish, it is crucial to use the right products for the job.
Prepping your exterior for painting
No matter what kind of exterior you’re painting, you'll want to get your walls spick and span before starting. For the most part, a thorough rinse with water will do the trick. However, if you’re contending with pesky mould or algae, then we recommend Farbex Exterior Fungicidal Wash. It's easy to use, and you can dilute it to the required strength for your specific needs.
What is the condition of the surface?
The condition of your wall surface will dictate the types of products that you will use. For example, if you're dealing with powdery or flaky areas, you'll want to apply a stabilising primer to create a solid base to which your paint can adhere. Ralston Wall Primer is perfect for powdery walls, while Farbex Alkali-Resisting Primer is the way to go for flaky walls.
Does the wall have cracks and scratches?
A filler will help to restore your walls to tip-top condition. To fix any imperfections (eg, cracks, scratches, dents and holes ) and ensure that the walls are waterproof, you can use Prestonett Waterproof Masonry Filler.
Newly plastered wall?
If your house has newly plastered exterior walls, then you will need to wait for at least six months before painting. Once ready, seal the walls with Ralston Wall Primer which has been diluted with water by a ratio of 1:1. For the topcoat, dilute your first coat with water by 10 per cent and then apply the second and third coats as normal.
Previously painted?
If your house has been previously painted, we suggest using a high quality product such as Dulux Weathershield for a tough and attractive finish. This is available in a wide range of colours or can be tinted to a colour of your choosing.
Painting a period property or an A+ rated new build?
For these properties, paint breathability is key. Use breathable products which will not unnecessarily seal your surface. For this, we recommend Ralston Siloxane Primer followed by a topcoat of Ralston Siloxan Mat.
Choosing the right roller for the job
It’s always worth investing in quality applicators. Trust us, it's worth it for that perfect finish. If you’re planning to use a roller, we recommend the Corona Tuff Sleeve of which there are several different types available, depending on the texture of the surface you’re painting. For example, a sleeve with a shorter pile is ideal for painting over smooth concrete, whereas a longer pile works well on rougher surfaces such as pebbledash.
Inspired? Pop in store or phone us on 091 380 640 to get expert advice specific to your exterior project. We offer fast and free delivery on all orders. Shop all products online at www.mcdonnellpaints.ie
