Giving your home a fresh coat of exterior paint is one of the easiest ways to boost kerb appeal and protect your property from the unpredictable British weather. But if you want that new look to last, proper prep work is a must. At Hales Sawmills, we know a thing or two about building materials and helping homeowners get the job done right, so here’s our guide to getting your exterior walls paint-ready.

1. Clean the Surface Properly

Before you crack open the paint tin, your first job is to give your walls a good clean. Exterior surfaces attract everything from moss and mould to traffic grime and dust. Use a stiff brush or pressure washer to get rid of any dirt, flaking paint or loose materials. If there’s mould or mildew, treat it with a fungicidal wash to stop it coming back. Clean walls means better paint adhesion, and that means your finish lasts much longer.

2. Check for Damage

After the walls are dry, take a close look for cracks, holes or damaged render. Even small gaps can let moisture in, which ruins both your paintwork and the structure beneath it. Fill in any gaps with exterior-grade filler and let it cure fully.

Got timber cladding or wood trims? Look out for signs of rot or decay and replace any bits that are beyond saving. At Hales Sawmills, we supply quality building materials like treated timber and cladding boards – ideal for repairs before you repaint.

3. Sand It Down

If your wall has patches of old, flaking paint or rough repairs, give it a light sanding to smooth everything out. This helps your exterior paint stick better and gives a cleaner, more professional-looking finish. Don’t forget to wipe down the surface afterwards to get rid of dust.

4. Apply the Right Primer

Primer helps seal the surface and gives your topcoat a better chance to grip. If you’re painting over bare timber or masonry, choose a primer that suits the surface and paint type. It’s worth spending the time here, as priming properly can add years to the life of your interior paint and exterior paint jobs alike.

5. Choose High-Quality Paint and Tools

We’re big believers in using quality materials from the start. A good exterior paint will resist cracking, peeling and fading. And don’t forget to use the right brushes and rollers for the surface you’re painting, as these small details make a big difference in the long run.

At Hales Sawmills, we stock a wide range of building materials to support all your home improvement projects – whether you’re touching up exterior walls, replacing timber cladding or refreshing your fencing.

Ready to Get Started?

A proper prep job is the key to long-lasting results. Whether you’re painting brick, render or timber, doing the groundwork will save you time and money down the line.

Browse our selection of cladding, timber and building materials online to help get your home looking its best. Need advice? Get in touch today; our team is always happy to help you pick the right products for your project.