BeginnerAbout 60 min
Assess the weather and surfaces, prepare properly, choose exterior coatings and work safely at height.
What you'll achieve
Long-lasting exterior paintwork on walls, woodwork or metal.
Suitable surfaces and conditions
Masonry, render, exterior timber (fascias, windows, doors, fences), exterior metal.
Tools and materials
- Exterior-grade products for each surface
- Stiff brush, scraper, filler suitable for exterior use
- Masonry brush or long-pile roller for rough surfaces
- Access equipment suited to the height and task
- Dust sheets, ties for plants
Preparation checklist
- Check the forecast: dry, no frost expected, and within the product's temperature range for the whole drying time.
- Inspect for loose render, rotten timber, gutter leaks and damp — repairs may be needed first.
- Plan access: for anything beyond short, light work, consider a tower or scaffold rather than a ladder.
Safety precautions
- Work at height must be planned. Use the right access equipment, set ladders at about a 1-in-4 angle on firm ground, secured, and keep three points of contact.
- Never work near overhead power lines.
- Keep people away from the area below you.
- Stop in wind, rain or ice.
Step by step
- Start on the side out of direct sun, and follow the shade round the building.
- Clean surfaces: brush off loose material and moss; treat algae with a suitable cleaner as the product directs, then rinse and allow to dry.
- Scrape loose paint and sand timber edges smooth; replace or repair rotten timber.
- Fill with exterior-suitable fillers; treat bare timber and prime.
- Paint from the top down: fascias and gutters first, then walls, then windows and doors, then lower items.
- On masonry, work the paint into the texture; finish sections at natural breaks (corners, downpipes) to avoid lap marks.
- On timber, follow the grain and coat end grain well.
- Check for drips and runs regularly.
- Allow each coat to dry fully before recoating, and before rain.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Painting in direct hot sun — dries too quickly, laps and blisters.
- Painting damp surfaces — peeling later.
- Rushing access set-up.
Troubleshooting
- Rain hit fresh paint: let it dry fully, inspect, then lightly sand and recoat affected areas.
- Blistering on timber: often moisture or heat — find the cause, scrape back and repaint in suitable conditions.
Final quality check
- Even coverage on all faces and edges
- No paint on glass, brick or plants
- Access equipment removed and site clean
Drying and recoating
Drying, recoating and curing times depend on the product, temperature, humidity and ventilation. Use the times on the product data sheet; cooler or damper conditions usually mean longer waits. A coat can feel dry well before it is ready for another coat or for use.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and technical data sheet — they take precedence over general guidance here. This is educational guidance only, not a qualification or certificate.