PAINT LIKE A PRO: How to paint the exterior of a new build home

Before You Start

With freshly plastered surfaces, leave approximately six months to dry completely before painting. Once the walls have dried out, you have picked your colours, and have checked the weather forecast, you will be ready to go!

STEP 1: PREP

Protect surrounding surfaces by laying down dust sheets. Mask off exterior features and fittings (e.g., windows, door frames etc.) with a reliable masking tape such as Deltec Masking Tape Extreme.

STEP 2: CLEAN

| By Tony Griffin

Take advantage of the summer sun and tackle your exterior painting project. A new coat of paint can transform the appearance of your newbuild home and safeguard it from weather damage.

For particularly dirty walls, consider power washing. Otherwise, start by dusting and cleaning the walls until they are free from dirt, grease and other contaminants. Remove algae or mould by using an anti-fungal wash such as FARBEX Exterior Fungicidal Wash.

STEP 3: SMOOTH & REPAIR

Once the walls have dried out, scrape them down so there are no uneven surfaces. Fill cracks or holes with an exterior filler like Prestonett Exterior Filler. Once dry, smooth out with sandpaper and wipe away any dust.

STEP 4: CHECK IF YOUR WALLS NEED SEALING

A simple test is to run your hand along the wall. If you're left with a powdery residue, you will need to seal them. Apply Ralston Wall Primer to ensure the first coat of paint adheres correctly. Dilute with water by a ratio of 1:1, making sure to stir thoroughly beforehand. Apply the primer to your wall as you would a normal paint and give it roughly four hours to dry.

Tip: If your house faces onto the street, display “wet paint” signs so passers-by don’t get any nasty surprises!

TOOLS

STEP 3: PAINT!

Always use a masonry paint when painting your home’s exterior. Dulux Weathershield is made in Ireland and is perfect for our mild, wet climate.

Dilute your first coat with water by about 10% and stir thoroughly. Always paint from the top and work your way downwards with the aid of your cutting-in brush, masonry brush and roller. Allow to dry for 2-4 hours depending on manufacturer’s instructions. Then, go ahead and apply a second coat without thinning the paint, you need to apply a third coat depending on your wall's surface.

Top Tip: Always remove masking tape before the paint has fully dried.

• Deltec Masking Tape Extreme

• 1 x Harper & Green Blue Roller Bucket

• 1 x Harper & Green 2 Piece Yellow Extension Pole

• Correct ladder or equipment to safely access the eves, facia & soffit

• Dulux Weathershield Masonry Paint