House painters

Whether your house is pebble dashed, has a render or solid brick work, painting the exterior of your home can dramatically improve its curb appeal. Whilst painting the exterior of your house could be a DIY task, to get that professional, long-lasting finish, it’s worth calling in expert house painters to help you get the job done.

What’s involved in painting a house exterior?

Painting a house exterior is a little trickier than painting a room.

• Most professional house painters will start by cleaning and preparing the walls.
• Use a stiff brush to remove flaking paint, loose stones and dirt and debris.
• Treat mouldy patches with fungicide.
• Repair any cracks and then lightly sand to ensure there’s no loose material.
• Mask off downpipes, windows and doors.
• Prime surfaces that need it, i.e. newly rendered or pebble dashed surfaces.
• Apply a paint surface stabiliser, to provide paint with a surface it can adhere to.
• Begin painting from the top down. Usually, two coats are needed.
• If requested or required, the windows and doors will be painted.

Of course, every house painter will work differently, so it’s important you check with yours their exact process and what is included in your quote.

Why hire a professional painter?

Safety is paramount when it comes to external house painting, which is why homeowners are encouraged to hire professional house painters. Not only will they have the know-how and experience for working at height, but they’ll also have the equipment to do so safely.

Professional house painters will also know the right type of paint to buy, the best tools to use and the correct technique to get a long-lasting weatherproof finish. This means you’ll get a flawless finish and peace of mind that the coverage provides long-lasting weatherproofing.

House painting FAQs

How much does it cost paint the exterior of a house?

Expect to pay a minimum of around £550 for a small terraced house in reasonable condition up to a couple of thousand pounds or more for larger properties.

The cost of painting a house exterior depends on several factors, including the size of the property, the requirements of the job, the area you live in and the demand for house painters in the area.

For more information about how much it costs to paint a house, read our helpful cost guide or post your job requirements today and get up to three free quotes from local house painters.

How long does it take to paint the exterior of a house?

Depending on the size and condition of the house, it could take anywhere from a couple of days to a week, providing the house painters don’t get rained off!

What are the different types of exterior paint?

The type of exterior paint you choose will depend on how exposed to the elements your walls are, as well as the type of surface you’re painting.

There are three main types of exterior paint:

• Wood: Suitable for sheds, fences, decking, furniture and wooden gates.
• Masonry – Suitable for brick, pebbledash, stucco, cement, concrete and stone renders.
• Metal – Suitable for railings, metal gates, drainpipes and metal furniture.

Once you’ve chosen the type of paint, there are also a number of different finishes you can choose too:

• Matt finish: The flat, non-reflective finish hides any uneven surfaces.
• Satin finish: Providing a low sheen, it’s the middle ground between matt and gloss.
• Gloss finish: Offers the most durable and long-lasting finish, however, it’s harder to attain a flawless finish. Best used on external doors as it can withstand being bumped and scuffed.
• Hammered effect finish: Some metal paints replicate the look of cast iron, or galvanised metal. Creates a distressed and textured finish.
• Smooth finish: This masonry paint finish provides durable coverage to exterior walls. Easy to apply to large areas.
• Textured finish: For masonry that has uneven surfaces or fine cracks.

When you hire a professional house painter, they will be able to pick the right exterior paint for your job.

How do I prepare the exterior of my house for painting?

Regardless of whether you’ve hired a professional house painter or you’re doing it yourself, there are a few things you can do to prepare.

You’ll need to make sure that any hedges or shrubs are cut back so that the full wall can be exposed. Once you’ve done this, you should protect nearby plants by covering them in dust sheets.

If time is of the essence and you’re on a budget, ahead of your house painter arriving, clean the outside of your house with a jet-wash to remove as much dirt and debris as possible.

When is the best time to paint the exterior of a house in the UK?

Ideally, the best time to paint the exterior of a house in the UK would be during a period of settled weather – of course, this isn’t always possible in the UK, but somewhere between mid-April to early October is often considered ideal.

One of the biggest issues of exterior decorating is humidity. Too much water in the air can cause the paint to crack and peel, resulting in flaking.

Drying times can also increase in colder weather and walls may also be damp. When hiring a house painter, they’ll be able to advise on the best time to paint the exterior of your house.

Are there any restrictions to painting the outside of my house?

Typically, you don’t need planning permission to paint the exterior of your house, however, if you live in a listed building you may need to get consent. Undertaking works without ‘listed-building consent’ is a criminal offence.

Even if there are no formal restrictions to painting the outside of your house, if you paint your house in a colour or pattern not in keeping with your local area, you may be ordered to restore your property to an appropriate condition.

To get quotes from house painters near you – post a job now.