Exterior Painters & Decorators

Exterior paint is an easy way to revitalise your property. It is also allows you to personalise your home and add character. A professional decorator can help you choose the right paint for your property. They also provide advice and assistance with the overall design of the exterior of your home, from choosing windows and doors that complement the overall design of your home to designing beautiful gardens and patios to enjoy the outdoors.

Types of Exterior Paint

There are various kinds of exterior paints that offer different levels of protection. Your choice will be based on your own needs, the weather in your location and your budget. With advances in paint technology, water-based paints including water-based acrylic paints are becoming increasingly suitable for exterior surfaces. When compared to oil-based paints, water-based options are cleaner and more environmentally friendly. They are also practically odourless and are easier to clean off your brushes. While they require additional effort when clean-up, oil and solvent based paints deliver a more durable finish that is essential for outdoor painting.

When choosing paint, look for products that are made to handle wear for outdoor exposure. Masonry paint is generally designed to resist dirt and water, ensuring that surfaces are protected from the elements. For example, Sandtex's masonry paint has microseal technology that allows moisture and air to move out of the house but prevent rain and outside moisture from penetrating the surface. Other exterior paints are designed for wood and metal. If quality is important, look for paint with more pigment. These paints are generally better in terms of quality and deliver a longer lasting finish and colour.

Hardwearing and durable exterior paints are available in various finishes. Flat finishes are not recommended for surfaces that are likely to wear, especially exterior walls. Instead, opt for a matt or textured finish. A texture is a good way to hide fine surface cracks. Gloss and semi-gloss are good for woodwork and other surfaces where you want a degree of sheen. A lime wash finish is a good choice for a more traditional, chalky finish. Available from specialist suppliers, this type of paint is suitable for porous surfaces like brick, rendering and plasterwork.

Picking the Right Colour

Whether you are looking for a refresh with new colours or you repainting your existing palette, you should consider how your paint choice will look alongside the rest of your property and its environment. Choose paint colours that complement unpainted exterior surfaces, including the style of masonry and brickwork. Your choices should also consider the style and colours of neighbouring buildings.

To help you decide on a colour, get paint samples and test it on your exterior surfaces. This will give you a good idea of whether you have the right colour. You will also be able to see how the colour works with your property's overall colour palette. Testing paint will also give you a chance to look at the colour and texture in daylight and different conditions. If you have a colour you really like inside your home, it is best to go one or two shades darker when using exterior paint.

Choosing Exterior Painters and Decorators

Getting a good contractor is one of the most important factors in ensuring a successful project. Look for an exterior painter or decorator that is a member of an organisation like the Painting & Decorating Association (PDA), the largest trade association for the painting and decorating industry in the UK. Other organisations include the British Decorators' Association, the London Association of Master Decorators (LAMD), and the Scottish Decorators' Federation. Exterior decorators might also be members of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) or the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). Ask contractors for details about their experience and qualifications, including proof of any certifications and insurance. To get an idea of the quality of their work and service, look at online reviews and check references. You should also ask friends and family members for recommendations. Get three or more cost estimates in writing from contractors. Estimates should include all material and labour costs.