Painting over render? Can it be done? Secrets revealed from a professional painter!
The render on the outside of your house is starting to look a little bit shabby and you’re thinking that a touch up could be to reinvigorate the façade. But the render looks a little bit cracked and you’re not sure whether the paint will even adhere to it properly? Can you even paint over render?
Whether you’re painting over a rendered house or fence you need not be concerned. This article will contain the answers to all your render questions and more. We will also highlight some differences between painting new render for the first time vs repainting an older render job. Finally, we will help you know when it’s time for one of the Mornington Peninsula’s professional house painters to lend some assistance.
The Basic Run Down on Render
Whether it is an interior or exterior paint job the steps will remain largely the same. This article will focus on exterior surfaces, however the steps are still applicable. Just change the product being used from an exterior to interior paint and primer.
The basic steps are as follows:
- Clean the render
- Repair any damage
- Apply a primer
- Paint the surface
For a detailed explanation of these steps, continue reading.
Painting New Render
One of the main considerations of painting new render is making sure it is completely dry and cured before beginning painting. It is better to be sure that the render is dry rather than your paint job looking scruffy because you painted too quickly.
Excess water that becomes trapped in the concrete will lead to bubbles forming in the paint. It can als0 cause cracking in the render, and even mould infestation. This is an issue painters in Mornington and around Victoria know too well.
You also need to ensure that the render has been cleaned. Make sure it is free from dirt or dust so you don’t create a poor-quality finish. Once the render is clean and dry, you should apply a primer. Primers make the paint stick to the render like superglue. They can also fill in any small holes or gaps making the surface smoother and primed for a great finish. You could skip the primer, but if you do you are placing your paint job in jeopardy. This will will likely result in a poor paint finish that needs to be replaced within the year.
Primer Options
There are a few different primer options. You should choose one that is specially designed for exterior painting and Mornington’s harsh coastal environment, and is waterproof. Trusted brands like Dulux and Haymes have a range of options to choose from. Either way, you will be able to purchase a good quality primer from your local hardware or paint store.
Some primers may also advertise the term “flexible membrane”. This means that it also has some elastic properties, allowing the paint to “stretch” with the building. Flexible membrane paint can be beneficial as it will be less likely to show hairline cracks that could appear in the render over time.
What Paint Should be Used?
Once the primer is dry you can start painting. The choice of paint is also important. We recommend sticking with the trusted brands as they have a reputation for a reason. Like the primer, you will need an exterior specific paint, something like a Dulux Weathershield, or any quality exterior paint should serve you well.
The actual painting process is mostly the same as any exterior painting. You can be sure to achieve an even spread of paint by performing uniform up and down movements with the roller. You could also use a brush to cut in on edges and areas that are less accessible with the roller.
Refreshing a Render Gone Rogue
Giving new life to an existing rendered surface is much the same as painting a newly rendered area. However, there are a few more steps at the start to prepare the surface for painting.
Again, you will need to clean the surface as your first step. This could be a little bit more involved than the new render as it has had time to accumulate dust and grime. If you notice extensive rotting or mould, then it’s probably easier to enlist one of Bayside’s professional painting services. Professional painters have trade connections so we can handle all elements of the job to make sure any repairs are completed to an expert standard.
If the damage extends to some hairline fissures and dirty render then DIY repairs and a clean will likely suffice. If you live near the beach such as on the Mornington Peninsula, you can remove salts with a 5% vinegar solution. Mould or moss should be removed using a bleach solution or special de-mossing agent which can be purchased at your local hardware store.
Hairline cracks can be filled with a render primer, but larger cracks will need to be filled using an exterior specific render filler. Once the area has been cleaned and all the gaps have been filled appropriately you can add the primer.
Once you have prepared the surface adequately, begin your painting project as you would a fresh render painting job. You’ll amaze yourself with the results! A new coat of paint can be a complete game-changer to the façade of your house and you shouldn’t feel intimidated just because you need to paint on render.
When to hire a professional painter
If you do feel that the task ahead is too daunting, you don’t need to worry. Our team of male and female house painters from the Mornington Peninsula are ready to assist you.
Perhaps your walls are very high and require scaffolding to reach safely, or there is extensive damage to the painting surface. Perhaps you simply don’t have enough time to spend painting the whole house. Whatever assistance you need, we have a broad range of experience and would be happy to discuss any painting job. If you would like to discuss your render painting project further please contact us on 0468 390 058.