Exterior paints and finishes

Freshly painted exterior

Let a coat of fresh colour bring outside spaces to life and protect your house, shed and fencing from the elements


Spending time outdoors in the summer offers the ideal opportunity to assess exterior decor. Freshly painted walls, garden buildings, fences or decking add to the appeal of your home and, if you are planning to sell soon, a smart exterior has good kerb appeal, demonstrating immediately that your home is well-maintained.


There is no one-product-fits-all solution to exterior decorating. While some masonry paints can create a matt finish on exterior woodwork, most can't, so choose between oil-based exterior paints for a high-gloss finish; acrylic eggshell or natural-look satin gloss varnish for front doors, window frames, garden sheds and summerhouses; satin or gloss for ironwork, and proprietary stains for fences and decks.


Preparation for exterior surfaces is not dissimilar to jobs indoors – surfaces need to be clean and dry, and woodwork lightly sanded or, in the case of ironwork, rubbed down with a stiff wire brush to key the surface. Many areas will also need priming, with the exception of those to be treated with special metal paints that can be applied over rust, or timber stains. Unless you're especially dedicated and have a head for heights, entrust decorating the exterior of your home to the experts. Word of mouth is the best way to find a good decorator.


When it comes to getting the job done, a full weekend of sunshine is not essential because many paint jobs will be touch-dry within a few hours. However, very cold, wet, damp or blustery conditions are not good news for decorators.

Chosen by House to home

Exterior paints