Transform Your Property's Facade: Expert Exterior Painting Tips

Introduction

The first impression your property makes plays a pivotal role in people's perception. Whether a quaint cottage retreat or a bustling city coffee shop, maintaining an attractive exterior should be a priority.

Borthwick Decorators offers specialised services to transform the facade of homes and businesses with expert exterior painting. This guide covers essential tips for various external surfaces and properties.

Section 1: Understanding Exterior Surfaces

When revitalising your property's facade with a fresh coat of paint, it's crucial to consider the unique requirements of different exterior surfaces.

Proper preparation and using finishes suited to each material are key to achieving long-lasting, high-quality outcomes.

Masonry

Masonry surfaces like brick, concrete, stucco and stone require extra preparation before painting. Pressure washing effectively removes built-up dirt and debris.

Filling cracks with appropriate sealants prevents water intrusion which causes further damage. Priming patches helps paint adhere properly.

When selecting paint, absorbent masonry surfaces often benefit from masonry paints or exterior primers to seal pores before finishing coat application.

For the top coat, high quality 100% acrylic latex or silicone-enhanced paints provide maximum adhesion, resistance to peeling and protection from moisture.
 

Flat, satin or matte sheen's showcase a masonry wall's natural texture.

Harling and Roughcast

Harling and roughcast present unique challenges for exterior painting because of their coarse, irregular textures which require thick coverage.

Filling gaps and holes ensures paint adhesion. Oil-based primers or alkali-resistant primers properly prepare the porous surface.

To account for the texture, rolling paint onto harling or roughcast can help force it into the indentations effectively.

High-build paint formulated for masonry surfaces offer thicker consistency for hiding imperfections.

Plan for additional coats as needed to achieve full, even coverage compared to smooth surfaces.

Woodwork

When preparing woodwork for painting, inspect for areas in need of repair, sand to remove loose paint or splinters and clean thoroughly.

Using oil-based primers on bare wood prevents tannin bleed-through. For previously painted wood, water-based bonding primers help new paint stick.

Moisture-resistant exterior paints defend against wood rot and deterioration while allowing humidity release to prevent bubbling. Semi-gloss or high-gloss sheens make trim pop while complementing adjacent siding.

Plan to recoat wood every 3- 5 years as needed to protect from environmental damage over time.

Metalwork

Painting metal surfaces like railings, downpipes and ornamental iron requires removing rust, priming and using specially formulated paints.

Wire brushing, sanding or chemical rust removal, prepare the surface while metal etch primers provide maximum adhesion.

Anti Rust enamels, high heat paint (if applicable) or industrial enamels in metal-appropriate finishes defend against future corrosion.

Plan to regularly inspect metalwork and touch-up paint as needed, to prevent moisture penetration leading to rust and other damage.

Section 2: Property-Specific Painting Advice

In addition to surface-specific considerations, choosing facade paint colours and finishes depends largely on your property type. Coordinate schemes that enhance houses, highlight historic details or make businesses stand out.

Houses

For homes, selecting an exterior colour palette that compliments architectural style and surroundings creates maximum appeal. Neutral shades accent unique details while bolder hues make a dramatic statement according to preferences.

Ensure paints withstand local climate conditions and recurring maintenance needs. For example, regions with harsh winters require flexible paints that won't crack or peel during freeze/thaw cycles. Plan to repaint every 5-7 years.

Tips for House Exterior Paint

• Accent siding or trim with contrasting tones
• Coordinate roof, entry door and window trim colours
• Use multiple shades of one hue for visual interest
• Reflect natural surroundings with earthy, green or blue tones
• Define home themes with traditional reds, tranquil blues or bright whites

Country Estates

Updating historical estate facades with paint requires balancing preservation with practical needs. Maintaining original brick, stone or other masonry as much as possible retains authentic charm.

Use colours in keeping with the era like Victorian jewel tones. For sections needing paint, use high quality primers and finishes allowing walls to breathe. Regular upkeep preserves integrity and your investment.

Student Flats

Frequent tenant turnover means student flat exteriors require cost-effective, durable paint solutions that provide long-lasting vibrancy between touch ups.

Start with thorough cleaning and repairing any structural damage for a smooth, consistent foundation.

Flat or matte finish vinyl acrylic paint resists stains, moisture and scrubbing for high-traffic areas students pass through regularly.

Bold accent colours paired with creams or tans hide scuffs effectively while coordinating with university brand standards.

Coffee Shops

As a gathering space, your coffee shop's exterior paint presents a prime opportunity for attracting customer attention.

Use colours that stimulate appetite and energy like crimson, orange or yellow. Consider painting the door an eye-catching accent shade or using stencils for branding.

For longevity, commercial-grade acrylic or urethane paints withstand heavy contact and environmental factors.

Graffiti-resistant coatings prevent vandalism issues. Maintain your artful facade with touch ups every 2-3 years.

Section 3: Why Engage with Professional Decorators?

While DIY painting projects appear straightforward, complexities arise needing expert knowledge and equipment.

Professional exterior painters offer value through specialised expertise, efficiency and assurance - key reasons to partner with Borthwick Decorators for facade transformation success.

Expertise and Experience

No amount of online advice equips homeowners with the insight professional painters gain from years of experience across varied properties.

Familiarity with regional conditions, surface-specific preparation and using the right painting technique for your property type leads to unparalleled outcomes residential novices simply can't achieve.

Their artistic eyes also blend colours beautifully.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Attempting large-scale painting without proper tools risks increasing mistakes requiring expensive fixes that professionals aptly avoid.

Their equipment efficiency, such as using sprayers rather than rollers for large walls, significantly speeds application compared to DIYers, saving money down the road.

Quality Assurance

Engaging reputable painters like Borthwick Decorators provides peace of mind through guarantees ensuring satisfaction with the transformation.

Rigorous standards mean no peeling, cracking or chipping embarrassments after the job. Consistent results project professionalism whether for homes or businesses.

Conclusion

Revitalising tired exteriors with fresh paint requires balancing aesthetics and practical preparation based on your property's unique facade.

While DIY provides budget appeals, professionals like Borthwick Decorators offset short-term savings through enduring quality only years of experience provided across different surfaces and property types.

Their transformation expertise enhances your home's first impression for long-term value.

Discover new inspiration for your house, historic estate, flats or coffee shop with exceptional exterior painting services.