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, we’ve got you covered. This article will contain the answers to all your render paint questions and more. We provide details on what rendering is and a step-by-step guide to painting over rendering.
So, keep reading to understand all there is to know about painting over render and more:
What is Render?
Render is a cement or plaster-based material that is used to coat exterior or interior walls. It is used to provide a smooth and modern look, or it can be used to create deliberate texture. Preparation will differ depending on the type of render due to differing chemical properties and application requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Over 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. For interior render painting, ensure that specific interior paint and primer products are used.
Step 1: Preparing to Paint Over Render
The preparation of painting over render will be dictated by whether the render is new and unpainted, or if the render has been painted on before. While the preparations have some similarities, you must prepare appropriately to get the optimal results.
Painting a New Render
One of the main considerations of painting a new render is making sure it is completely dry and cured before beginning painting. If the render isn’t dry, then your paint job will probably end up 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 also 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 likely result in a poor paint finish that needs to be replaced within the year.
Previously Painted Render
Now, if the render has been painted before, the process involves 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.
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.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Paint & Primer
You’ll probably notice just how many paint and primer options there are available, and it can quickly become overwhelming. You must make the right choice, though, and the right option for your individual situation will depend on several different factors.
For primers, 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.
Now that we’ve covered the right primer, on to the right paint! Once the primer is dry, you can start painting the render. 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.
Step 3: Application Tips & Process
Once you’ve made your primer and paint selections, it’s time to get painting! To ensure you get the desired finish, we have some tips for you:
- Mix the Paint – It’s a good idea to stir the paint properly, as this will ensure there is an even consistency.
- Apply Multiple Coats – Apply two coats of paint, and make sure you are leaving enough time in between coats for the paint to dry.
- Use the Correct Tools – You’re only as good as the tools you have, so make sure you have the right tools for the type and size of job you’re tackling.
- Work Quickly – Break things down into management sections, performing uniform up and down movements with the roller, which can help to avoid streaks and patchy areas.
Step 4: Maintenance & Long-Term Care
It’s also a good idea to consider the longevity of your work, and there are a few things you can do to ensure it looks as good as the day you first painted. Cleaning is one of the easiest things you can do, and you should be cleaning the area about once a year.
If you notice any cracks, stains or peeling paint, it’s better to address them as soon as possible. Leaving them may make the situation worse and end up costing you more in the long run. So, regularly check for any issues and look for the cause, limiting the chance of it happening again.
When to Hire a Professional Painter?
If you know what you’re doing, painting over render isn’t too difficult a task, but it can be time-consuming, and there are a multitude of ways things can go wrong. That’s why many simply leave it to the professionals, and our female-led team of 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. Even if 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.
