Preparing Masonry for Painting

Step 1 – Give it a good clean!

You need to make sure the surface and area you are working in is clean. Take a heavy brush and clear the surface of your walls of cobwebs and dirt. If available, you may want to use a pressure washer to clean walls, just make sure you do this a few hours before your work, or at least enough time to let it dry.

Step 2 – Repair Damage

This is an important step! No amount of paint will cover up a large crack or hole. Once the area is cleaned, you need to apply exterior filler or mortar. If the crack or damage is deeper than 10mm, then you will have to apply more than one layer. See our guide on filling holes in plaster for a detailed guide at applying filler.

Step 3 – Cover the external features

Any drainpipes, windowsills or doors will need to be covered before any further work is done.

Step 4 – Seal and Prime

For porous or powdery surfaces, you will need to seal and prime the wall before applying paint. This is done with an external primer or sealer. Simply follow the guidelines on the container to apply. Use a small brush for any nooks and crannies. A selection of sealers and primers are available over at out shop.