One of the first questions most homeowners ask is surprisingly simple.
“Where do we even start?”
The answer is rarely with the paint.
Every exterior property is different. Some need very little preparation. Others require repairs, stabilising loose coatings, treating algae or carrying out more extensive preparation before any finish coats are applied.
After completing more than thirty exterior painting projects this season across Dublin and the surrounding counties, one thing has become very clear.
No two houses are prepared in exactly the same way.
That is why we always recommend planning exterior painting a few weeks in advance whenever possible. It gives us time to inspect the property properly, decide on the preparation required, recommend suitable products and organise the work around the weather.
Trying to rush exterior decorating rarely produces the best outcome.
One of the questions we are often asked during a site visit is whether windows, paving, gutters and surrounding areas will be protected before painting begins.
The answer is always yes.
Masking windows, protecting paths, covering adjacent surfaces and keeping the property tidy are simply part of the preparation. They are not optional extras and they are not something that needs to be requested.
They should already form part of the work.
Where required, we return to the property in advance to carry out pressure washing. This allows walls to dry properly before preparation starts and gives us a clearer picture of the condition of the existing coatings.
Painting onto dirty masonry or damp render is rarely a good long-term solution.
Many homeowners also ask whether old exterior paint can simply be painted over.
Sometimes it can.
Often it shouldn’t.
Loose coatings, chalking surfaces, damaged render or unstable paint systems need to be dealt with first. Skipping preparation may save time initially, but it usually shortens the life of the finish.
The right preparation depends on the surface rather than the age of the property.
Small details often make the biggest difference once the scaffolding has been removed.
Straight lines between render and soffits.
Clean masking around windows.
Neat cutting-in.
Proper exterior fillers where repairs are needed.
The correct primers where surfaces require stabilising.
These are the details that separate a finish that simply looks freshly painted from one that looks properly decorated.
There is no single answer.
The size of the property is only one part of the quotation. The condition of the existing paint, access, level of preparation, repairs, weather exposure and the coating system all influence the amount of work involved.
Two houses of the same size can require completely different labour.
That is why quotations should always begin with the condition of the property rather than simply its square metres.
→ Assess the property.
→ Plan the preparation.
→ Use materials suited to the substrate.
→ Protect the surrounding areas.
→ Complete the work methodically.
→ Leave a finish designed to last.
If you’re planning exterior house painting in Dublin, we’re always happy to visit the property, discuss the preparation required and explain exactly what the work will involve before any painting begins.
