Exterior paint for windows and doors

• Exterior paints and finishes
• Exterior paint for windows and doors
• Exterior paints for fencing and sheds

Although the impact of painting the exterior of your home can be huge, it rarely requires planning permission unless you live in a listed building, a conservation area or a designated place of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, you should give some consideration to how other homes near you are decorated. Whites and creams blend in anywhere, and some historic towns have a prevalence of pink, blue, yellow or rust. Alternatively, you might take your cue from the period of the property – a number of paint companies now offer heritage ranges.

Standard masonry paint comes in two finishes; smooth or textured; the latter giving a rough, sandy effect. Applied properly, it should last for around 15 years on masonry, render, pebbledash, concrete and brick. Many of the well-known DIY stores supply own-brand ranges that offer a good-value solution.

Before starting the job, professional painters recommend preparing with a fungicidal wash and, depending on the state of the walls, an exterior masonry primer as well, to seal porous, chalky or weathered surfaces and provide a stable surface for painting. If you have a period property, it's a good idea to use an external-grade limewash rather than a modern synthetic paint. It gives an authentic finish to older homes, but most importantly, it is a breathable finish that allows moisture to escape. Limewash is available in historic colours, from off-white and cream to sage, grey and umber. It's suitable for use on porous surfaces, such as lime render, stone and brick, but only where modern paints haven't already been used, because these form a barrier.

Windows and doors

As a porous material, it is essential that timber is given a protective coating. Windows and doors can be treated with a stain or exterior varnish to allow the beauty of the wood to shine through. Traditionally, wood stains have all been solvent-based, but modern water-based stains are just as efficient and conform to 2007 EU Paint Regulations, which limit VOCs. Colour is by far the most popular option and you can find exterior paint for wood in pretty much any shade you can imagine.

Timber paint will be labelled as exterior eggshell or gloss, and can also be used on metal. Tougher than interior eggshell, timber paint is also resistant to mould and algae, and won't yellow in the sun. Some masonry paints can also give a matt finish to woodwork, but do check the tin. When choosing a finish, remember that matt gives an understated, uniform appearance and hides dents and bumps, but it can trap dirt and be more prone to fungi. Silky, satin finishes give a just-painted sheen and gloss offers high shine. Water-based formulas are gradually replacing traditional oil-based paints. These tend to hold gloss colour better; brushes are easily washed in soapy water and the finish is less likely to crack and peel.

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