Tips for Painting Exterior Walls and Guttering of a House

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Dana

The best time to tackle exterior decorating is in early summer or autumn, when the weather is fine, but not too hot. Remember that this work will be on a much larger scale than an interior-decorating project, so allow plenty of time to complete it. You may have to spread it over several weekends or take a week or two oft work.

Walls
There is a wide range of paints available for painting walls. Choose from cement paints, supplied as a dry powder tor mixing with water, rough- and smooth-textured masonry paints, exterior-grade emulsion (latex) paints and exterior-grade oil-based paints for weatherboarding (siding). Masonry paints can typically be used straight from the can, but if you are painting a porous surface with a water-based product it is advisable to dilute the first coat. Use a ratio of four parts paint to one part water.

Exterior paints come in a wide choice of colors, but exercise caution with some of the more flamboyant shades. White, cream, yellow, blue, green, soft pink and terracotta finishes, which blend into the background are generally favoured by house buyers.

Painting doorsteps
Doorstep paint is generally available in shades of red in either matt (flat) or gloss finishes.

When tackling large-scale paint jobs, it helps to break down the job into a series of modules. Aim to complete a sizeable section in one session: for example, an area defined by first-floor windows, stretching from one side of the building to the other. Work downward, using fixtures such as gutters, windows and door frames to dictate where you finish. Hard paint lines will not be noticeable in these areas when you start work again.

Use a banister brush to paint very coarse textures such as pebbledash. Apply the paint using circular strokes and work well into the surface. To ensure good coverage on a medium-textured finish, use a coarse-bristled paintbrush and apply the paint with a firm dabbing motion or use a medium roller. On smoothly rendered surfaces, a large brush or medium roller are ideal. For the best results, apply paint in vertical bands crossed by horizontal strokes.

Using spray guns
This is one of the fastest ways to paint a wall, but it can be very messy. Always mask off areas you do not want painted and do not hold the gun too close to the wall: a gap of 225mm (9in) is generally recommended. Move the gun along the wall in vertical strips, and overlap each one by 100mm (4in) for a seamless finish.

Pipes and gutters
New plastic pipes and gutters do not generally need to be painted. Older systems may be discolored, in which case a coat of paint will rejuvenate them. Clean the surface with turpentine, then lightly sand and remove dust before applying paint. Metal pipes and gutters should be primed, then an undercoat and top coat applied. Begin at the top of the work area and work downward.

If the pipework and guttering have an existing bituminous paint finish, you will need to apply an aluminium primer before over-pamting to prevent the old finish from bleeding through.

Practical tips

- Paint splashes are as problematic outdoors as in. Protect all vulnerable areas with dust sheets (drop cloths).
- Given the large areas to be covered, it makes sense to use a substantial brush, either 100mm or 150mm (6in), for exterior decorating jobs.
- A long-handled roller will help reduce the amount of time ypu need to spend up a ladder.