Exterior painting for homes and commercial buildings
Exterior painting is mostly preparation. We clean, repair and prime masonry, render, pebble dash and timber before any finish coat goes on, then choose a coating system to suit the surface and how exposed the building is.
What exterior painting covers
We paint the outside of houses and commercial buildings across Hampshire, Dorset and the South Coast. On a typical house that means walls, window frames, doors, fascias, soffits and bargeboards. On commercial premises it often means frontages, entrances and the elevations the public sees, programmed so the building can stay open.
Each surface needs a different system. Masonry and render take a breathable masonry coating, timber needs a primer and a flexible exterior finish, and previously painted surfaces need any loose or flaking coating taken back first.
- Masonry and brickwork
- Smooth and textured render
- Pebble dash and roughcast
- Windows, doors, fascias and soffits
- Commercial frontages and entrances
Painting masonry and render
Masonry painting starts with an inspection. Cracks are opened and filled, hollow or blown render is noted, and any green growth is treated and washed off. Chalky surfaces are stabilised so the new coat bonds to sound material rather than dust.
Where a wall is very exposed or uneven, a high-build masonry coating can be the better choice than a standard masonry paint, because it lays down a thicker film that copes better with weather. Our page on high-build masonry coating systems explains when we specify it.
Painting pebble dash
Pebble dash has a huge surface area and a lot of small voids, so it takes more paint and more care than smooth render. Loose stones are knocked off, the surface is brushed down and treated, and the coating is worked into the texture so there are no pinholes for water to sit in. Spraying followed by back-rolling is often the most even way to coat it.
Exterior timber
Windows, doors, fascias and bargeboards fail first because timber moves with the seasons. We cut back to sound wood, treat and fill any soft spots that can be saved, prime bare areas and finish with an exterior system designed to flex with the timber. Our exterior timber protection systems page sets out the options.
Homes and commercial buildings
For homeowners we keep the site tidy, protect paths, plants and parked cars, and agree access and working hours before we start. For commercial clients we supply RAMS, phase the work around trading and keep entrances safe and clear while we are on site. Higher elevations are reached with the access equipment that suits the building.
How much does exterior painting cost?
We do not publish set prices because every exterior is different. The cost depends on the size and height of the building, the access needed, the amount of repair and preparation, and the coating system chosen. A site visit lets us measure and give you a written quote that sets out exactly what is included.
Related pages
Common questions
When is the best time of year to paint a house exterior?
Late spring to early autumn usually gives the best conditions: dry surfaces, settled weather and temperatures above the minimum the coating manufacturer specifies. We avoid painting onto damp walls or when rain or frost is forecast before the coating has had time to dry.
How long does masonry paint last?
It depends on the surface, how exposed the wall is and, above all, the preparation underneath. Coatings fail early when they are applied over dirt, growth or chalky paint, so we spend most of the time on preparation to give the finish the best possible life.
How often should you repaint the outside of a house?
There is no single answer. Exposed timber such as windows and fascias usually needs attention before masonry does. The best approach is to check the outside each year for flaking, cracking or bare timber and repaint before the surfaces underneath start to deteriorate.
Can you paint pebble dash?
Yes. Pebble dash can be painted once it is sound, clean and treated for growth. Because of its texture it takes more coating than smooth render, and it needs to be worked into the surface so no gaps are left.
Do you paint commercial exteriors?
Yes. We paint frontages, entrances and elevations on commercial buildings, with RAMS supplied before we start and the work phased so the premises can keep trading.
How do I get a quote for exterior painting?
Get in touch through the quote form or call 023 9355 3460. We will arrange a site visit, look at the condition of the surfaces and send a written quote.
Planning a commercial painting or decorating project?
Speak to a Hampshire commercial decorating contractor that turns up, communicates clearly and delivers a finish that lasts.