Why textured walls need a different approach
Smooth render, pebble dash, roughcast and bare brick all take paint differently. Pebble dash in particular has a huge surface area for its size: every stone has a top, sides and gaps around it. A quick coat with a roller leaves pinholes and thin patches that let water in and show up as uneven colour. Getting a lasting result is mostly about preparation and using the right paint and method for the surface.
Checking the wall first
Before any paint goes on, the walls are checked for hollow or loose areas by tapping, and for cracks, missing dash and blown patches. Painting over render that's coming away just hides the problem for a season. Small repairs are made and allowed to cure. We also look at why staining has appeared; green streaks under a gutter usually mean an overflow or leaking joint that should be fixed first, as our leaking gutters page explains.
Cleaning and treating
Algae, moss and dirt are cleaned off, and a biocide treatment can be used where growth is heavy. The wall then needs to dry thoroughly. Chalky old paint may need stabilising so the new coat has something sound to grip.
Painting pebble dash
Pebble dash is coated with a masonry paint designed for textured surfaces, worked well into the gaps between stones. Long-pile rollers and brushes are used so that coverage is even rather than just catching the high points. Two coats are typical, though a big colour change may need more.
Smooth render and masonry painting
Smooth sand and cement render is more forgiving to coat, but shows every flaw, so filling and sanding matter more. Bare brick or stone is a bigger decision: once painted it's hard to go back, and older soft brick needs a breathable finish so it doesn't trap moisture. We can talk through the pros and cons for your house.
Breathable paint matters
Walls take in some moisture and need to let it out again. A breathable masonry paint allows that, while a sealed coating can trap damp behind it, leading to bubbling and peeling. On older buildings especially, the paint choice is as important as the workmanship.
Choosing a colour
Lighter shades reflect heat and tend to hide fine dust, while darker colours can show fading sooner on south-facing walls. On a terrace or semi, it's worth considering how the new colour sits next to the neighbouring house. Paint manufacturers produce sample pots, and trying a patch on a less visible wall, then looking at it in different light over a few days, is a good way to avoid surprises. We're happy to give a view on what tends to weather well on render and pebble dash.
Combining with roofline work
Wall painting often follows other exterior work. Painting can be booked at the same time as roofline jobs, so access is shared. Our wider exterior painting and decorating page covers woodwork, fascias and other surfaces.
Get a free quote
We cover homes and commercial buildings across Somerset and Devon, up to about 50 miles from Taunton. Call 07399 680142 or send an enquiry with a photo of the walls.