Tips

Tips for exterior jobs

Why have I not achieved the coverage rate quoted on the tins?

Coverage is usually measured as a theoretical average of the paint being applied to both painted/unpainted and various masonry surfaces. The covering or spread rate of paint coatings will be determined by the condition, porosity or profile of the surface they are applied to. Most surface paints are applied to are naturally absorbent. You should quench this absorbency with good quality primers or sealers before applying finishing materials. Unsealed surfaces will absorb more material which will reduce the spread rate. The profile of the surface will also effect the spread rate of the paint e.g. masonry surfaces with a raised profile can increase the surface area by 30%.


Which or what sealer do I need for my unpainted concrete walls?

If they are clean and dry and in a sound condition a first coat of slightly thinned masonry paint would do. If the surface is friable and dusty then treat with a stabilising solution.


Do I need to use a stabilising solution before applying masonry paint?

Not if the paint is going on to a sound clean surface but if there is a possibility the surface is extremely porous or chalky then a stabiliser is essential. Stabilising solution is a highly penetrative material designed to bind friable or chalky surfaces and quench highly absorbent surfaces to provide a suitable bound and sealed surface for any water based masonry coating. To ensure there is good adhesion of the masonry coating the surface must be non-glossy. The stabilising solution should be applied to a small test area and if it dries to a glossy finish then it should be thinned with one part white spirit to two parts stabilising solution. Products should always be used in accordance with application instructions and precautions on the product data sheet.


The masonry paint I applied this morning has washed off in the first rain shower after I finished, why?

This is a water based material and if the paint film hasn't had time to fully cure before the rain shower, the rain would soften & thin the coating causing it to wash away. Water based coatings dry mainly by evaporation of the water content. Cold, humid conditions & low temperatures (10˚C & below) can prevent the paint from drying so it shouldn't be applied during these conditions or just before they are expected. If there is any doubt about the conditions at the time of application use Pliolite Based Masonry finish which is rain resistant within 20 minutes and can be applied in temperatures as low as -5˚C.


What would cause masonry paint to flake off?

There are many reasons why this would happen. Firstly the surface under the paint may not have been prepared properly and could be contaminated with dirt, mould, lichen etc or it was in a poor unstable condition and should have been stabilised. Moisture is a key factor too this may have been within the underlying substrate at the time of application or has entered during the period of exposure due to defects in the surface or leaking pipes and gutters etc. In certain instances when heavy layers of existing paint coatings are present, a week bond can form and the added weight and stress of the new coating can cause a breakdown. Always check the surfaces carefully before painting.


How can I avoid a batch to batch colour variation when using more than one can?

For best results select from the same batch whenever possible. It is important when using more than one batch to intermix the paint to avoid colour variations. If intermixing cans is not practical try to find a natural break in the work.


What are the benefits of using our Flexible Exterior Gloss and Undercoat product on exterior woodwork instead of traditional paints?

This type of product is manufactured using Flexible Alkyd Resins. The dry paint film is highly flexible and much more resistant to cracking and blistering as timber moves and/or becomes damp. This product has been independently tested to give a life expectancy in excess of five years.


Can the Flexible Exterior Gloss system be used on previously painted surfaces?

Yes- it offers much better resistance to UV attack and weathering compared to traditional gloss. Therefore retaining its colour and gloss for longer.


I want to hide and disguise hairline cracks on my walls. These keep appearing even after I've filled them, what can I do?

Hi-Textured Masonry Finish is ideal for this application. It will hide and disguise the cracks in the wall. The flexible nature of the coating will also prevent the cracks from re-appearing over a period of time.


Do I need to use the undercoat on plastic rainwater goods that have not been painted?

No, as long as they have weathered just apply the Gloss directly onto the surface. Make sure that the surfaces are clean and dry before painting.


I have got mould on my external walls, what do I do before painting?

It’s always a good idea to check that the damp proof course is intact and repair any cracks in the wall and leaks in rainwater goods. All areas supporting mould and fungal growths should be treated with Fungicidal Wash making sure the growths are treated for at least 24 hours. In many instances treating the surfaces twice is necessary.


I need to paint my external walls during the winter months what can I use?

Pliolite Based Masonry is the ideal product as it is shower proof after 20 minutes and can be applied in temperatures as low as -5˚C. This allows for all year round exterior decoration.


I need to paint car park walls and the clients specified an anti-carbonation coating can you help?

Smooth Masonry & Fine Textured Masonry paints have been tested and provide excellent anti-carbonation properties to resist the ingress of carbon dioxide from exhaust fumes. Confirmation of this can be obtained from Leyland paints on request.


Can I paint Fletton Common Bricks?

These types of bricks are usually very smooth, un-absorbent and dense. Gaining adhesion to them is difficult; therefore we would not recommend they are painted.


I am painting the exterior front door of my customer's house. It is flaking really badly since the last time it was painted, what is the best remedy?

Remove all the existing coatings right back to the bare wood and use the full Flexible Exterior Gloss System. This system offers great flexibility, colour retention and allows the wood to breathe due its micro porosity.