Render & Masonry Painting

Our Approach

Render and masonry painting is an exterior discipline that demands proper preparation, and we follow a rigorous sequence that ensures every facade we coat is protected for the long term. We never paint over a failing surface — to do so simply traps the problem beneath a fresh layer and guarantees premature failure. If the existing coating is chalking or powdering, we stabilise it with a penetrating solution that binds the friable surface and provides a sound key for the new system. If the render has cracks, we open each one with a crack-chasing tool, fill with flexible masonry filler from Sika or EverBuild, and reinforce with alkali-resistant fibreglass mesh before overcoating. Algae, lichen, and moss are killed with professional-grade biocide — Algon or Wykamol — and allowed to die back for a minimum of seven days before any cleaning takes place. We never simply pressure wash biological growth, as this drives contamination deeper into the pores and causes regrowth within months. Once the surface is sound, clean, and confirmed dry with moisture meter readings, we apply a masonry stabilising primer followed by two full coats of microporous masonry paint using long-pile roller for even coverage. For properties requiring a textured finish, we use roller-applied textured coatings that provide a uniform appearance while filling minor surface imperfections and concealing historic patch repairs. All adjacent surfaces — windows, doors, rainwater goods, downpipes, and landscaping — are thoroughly masked and protected with polythene sheeting and low-tack tape that will not damage existing finishes.

Materials & Brands

Our masonry coating specification draws from the leading professional-grade exterior products available in the UK market. Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint is our most frequently used product — its microporous formulation sheds rainwater while allowing internal moisture to pass through as vapour, and it carries a fifteen-year manufacturer's performance guarantee when applied to our specification. Johnstone's Stormshield provides excellent coverage and weather resistance at a competitive price point, making it ideal for larger facades. Sandtex Ultra Smooth delivers a particularly fine, uniform finish on well-prepared smooth render. For textured systems that conceal minor surface imperfections and historic patch repairs, we use Dulux Trade Weathershield Textured Masonry or Andura Masonry Coating, which can be applied in a single heavy coat that builds both texture and weather protection. Stabilising primers include Dulux Trade Weathershield Stabilising Primer and Johnstone's Stormshield Stabilising Solution, both of which penetrate chalking surfaces and bind friable material. Crack fillers are from Sika and EverBuild, selected for their flexibility — essential in a coating system that must accommodate seasonal expansion and contraction without splitting. Biocide treatment uses Algon Organic Path and Patio Cleaner or Wykamol Biocidal Wash, professional-grade products that kill algae, lichen, and moss at the root rather than simply bleaching the surface.

Property Considerations

Rendered facades in London's conservation areas must be repainted in approved colours — typically white, cream, or stone tones specified by the local planning authority or the estate management company. In Westminster, the City Council's planning department enforces strict controls on facade colours for stucco terraces; in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, similar restrictions apply to the grand crescents and garden squares. We are thoroughly experienced in working within these requirements and handle all necessary approvals and colour matching on the client's behalf. Scaffold erected on the public highway or pavement requires a council licence under the Highways Act, and we arrange, pay for, and manage these licences as part of the project. For properties in terraces, colour matching with adjoining buildings is essential to maintain the uniform appearance of the streetscape, and we take spectrophotometer readings of neighbouring facades where necessary. Listed buildings — whether Grade I or Grade II — may require breathable lime-based masonry paints rather than modern acrylic formulations, particularly where the original render is lime-based and the building fabric needs to manage moisture through vapour permeability. We consult with conservation officers and can provide method statements that satisfy heritage requirements while delivering a durable, weather-resistant finish.

Frequently Asked Questions