Masonry Painting in Newcastle: Render, Pebbledash and Brick

Render, pebbledash and brick

Render

Smooth and textured sand and cement render is one of the most common surfaces we paint. Hairline cracks are normal over time, and we fill them before painting. Hollow areas that sound drummy when tapped may need repair by a renderer first.

Pebbledash

Very common on postwar and interwar houses across the North East. It holds dirt and algae in its texture and takes a lot of paint, which needs working into every stone. Loose patches should be fixed before painting.

Painted brick

Brick that has already been painted usually needs repainting to keep it looking tidy and protected. We remove loose paint, deal with any damaged pointing that you would like repaired first, and recoat with a breathable finish.

When not to paint brick

Not every wall should be painted, and it is worth thinking carefully before painting bare brick or stone for the first time.

• Good brick usually looks after itself. Sound, unpainted brick in decent condition rarely needs paint, and once painted it will need repainting for the rest of its life.
• Some older walls rely on breathability. Solid brick or stone walls with lime mortar need to release moisture, and the wrong coating can cause damp and frost damage.
• Planning and conservation rules. Painting the front of some buildings, particularly listed buildings or homes in conservation areas, may need permission. It is worth checking with your local council first.
• Underlying damp. Paint will not fix a damp wall and can make it worse. Causes such as faulty gutters or high ground levels should be sorted first.

If we think paint is the wrong answer for your wall, we will say so.

Breathable masonry paints and preparation

Modern masonry paints are designed to keep rain out while letting water vapour escape. We choose between smooth and textured finishes depending on the surface, and use specialist breathable coatings on older or lime-based walls where needed.

Our preparation typically includes:

• Washing down to remove dirt, loose material and old chalky paint
• Treating algae, lichen and mould with a fungicidal wash
• Scraping off flaking paint back to a firm edge
• Filling cracks with an exterior filler suited to masonry
• Applying a stabilising primer on powdery or chalky surfaces
• Protecting windows, doors, paths and planting

Two coats of masonry paint are usual, with more care and product on rough surfaces like pebbledash.

Weather, exposure and timing

Masonry painting needs dry walls and dry forecasts. Walls hold moisture after rain for longer than many people expect, so we allow time for them to dry out. Cold temperatures slow curing, which is why most masonry work is best planned for the warmer, more settled part of the year.

Homes on the coast, on high ground or facing the prevailing weather take a beating, and benefit from extra attention. Our weatherproof painting page explains more. Woodwork, doors and fascias are covered on our exterior painting page, and we often paint walls and trim together.

Local knowledge of North East walls

Working from Westerhope, we see a wide mix of masonry across Newcastle and nearby towns: brick terraces, stone cottages, rendered semis and pebbledashed postwar homes. We will look at your walls, talk you through what they need and what they do not, and give a clear, free quote. Get in touch through the contact page, or see our general wall painting page for both interior and exterior surfaces.