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How to paint rendered brick wall?

nagumuthu

Hello,

I’m looking for advice on painting the exterior rendered brick shown in the picture below.

I plan to use white paint. Please suggest any suitable paint.

What specific gear and supplies should I pick up from Bunnings? Also, will any paint drips ruin the Buffalo grass underneath, and what is the ideal number of coats and drying time between them?

Thanks

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JacobZ

Hi @nagumuthu,

With rendered brick, I'd suggest using a quality exterior paint such as Dulux Weathershield Exterior Low Sheen. It is suitable for masonry and render and is self-priming on most previously painted surfaces.

The most important part of the job will be preparation. Give the wall a thorough clean to remove dirt, dust, cobwebs and any mould or contaminants, then scrape or brush away any loose or flaking paint. Any cracks or damaged sections of render should also be repaired, following How to repair a rendered wall before you start painting. If there are any areas of bare or particularly porous render, I'd recommend priming them with Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat, which is suitable for exterior render and masonry.

For the painting itself, you'll want a long-nap masonry roller, an extension pole, a good-quality cutting-in brush, paint tray or bucket, masking tape and drop sheets. A roller around 18–21mm nap is a good choice for getting paint into the textured surface of the render.

I'd apply two coats of Weathershield, allowing each coat to dry according to the directions on the tin before recoating. Avoid painting if rain is expected or if the wall is particularly hot from direct sunlight.

I'd definitely cover the Buffalo lawn with drop sheets while you're working. A few tiny specks are unlikely to destroy the lawn, but larger spills of paint certainly aren't something you'd want on it. I'd use a waterproof drop sheet immediately beneath the wall and move it along as you work rather than leaving the grass covered for an extended period.

You might also like to have a look at How to paint your home's exterior for some further guidance.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jacob

nagumuthu

Thanks Jacob. Much appreciate your input.

nagumuthu

Hi

The weather forecast informs intermittent rain for the next two days, with some sunshine today. Can I start painting job today?

Thanks

MitchellMc

Hi @nagumuthu,

I'd recommend holding off until you have atleast a few consecutive days of dry weather. Although there might be some sunshine today, intermittent rain over the next two days could compromise the paint finish.

The render needs to be completely dry before painting, and you'll need sufficient dry weather for the paint to cure properly. Even if the paint feels touch-dry, it can still be vulnerable to rain.

I'd suggest using today to prepare the surface, provided it's dry enough, and waiting for a more favourable weather window before applying the paint.

Mitchell

nagumuthu

Thanks, @MitchellMc . I will follow your recommendation.

I do have a few questions regarding the reuse of paint rollers and brushes. Could you please share any tips or best practices?

I'm also concerned about paint vapours and other potential health hazards that I may not be aware of when painting. Could you please advise what personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended? I currently have safety goggles and a respirator similar to the one shown below, although I haven't replaced the cartridges for about 12 months and am unsure how frequently they should be changed.

If paint thinner is used, could you also provide guidance on its disposal? I assume it should not be poured down household drains.

There seem to be many things I'm learning as I go, so thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and answer my questions. It's greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

MitchellMc

You're most welcome, @nagumuthu. It's great that you're taking the time to understand the process and the necessary safety precautions before getting started.

As you're using water-based Dulux Weathershield, cleaning your brushes and rollers is relatively straightforward. Remove as much excess paint as possible by scraping it back into the tin, then wash your equipment in a bucket of water until clean. Avoid washing paint directly into stormwater drains. Allow the wash water to settle and dispose of the residue in accordance with your local council's requirements.

If you're taking a break between coats, you can wrap your brushes and rollers tightly in plastic wrap or seal them in an airtight bag to prevent them drying out. For longer-term storage, wash them thoroughly, allow them to dry and store them somewhere clean and dry.

Regarding PPE, I'd recommend safety glasses, gloves, enclosed footwear and suitable clothing. Although water-based exterior paints generally produce fewer solvent vapours than oil-based alternatives, you should still work in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing in paint mist or dust.

Your respirator may be suitable, but that depends on the cartridges fitted. P2 particulate filters protect against dust and airborne particles, whereas appropriate organic vapour cartridges are needed for certain solvent vapours. A combination filter may be necessary depending on the products and tasks involved.

As your cartridges haven't been replaced for 12 months, I'd recommend checking the manufacturer's replacement guidelines, expiry dates and storage requirements. Organic vapour cartridges have a limited service life, particularly once opened, and should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions and a suitable change schedule. You should also check that the respirator seals correctly against your face.

You shouldn't need paint thinner for water-based Weathershield. However, if you use solvent-based products for another project, never pour leftover thinner down household drains or into the garden. Contact your local council about household hazardous waste collection facilities.

One final precaution is to wear a suitable P2 respirator when sanding or brushing old paint, and take additional care if there's any possibility of lead-based paint.

Please don't hesitate to ask further questions as you work through the project. We're always happy to help.

Mitchell

nagumuthu

Thanks @MitchellMc

In reference to your reply "If you're taking a break between coats, you can wrap your brushes and rollers tightly in plastic wrap or seal them in an airtight bag to prevent them drying out." - Have you meant to keep the brush wet after clean and seal them in a bag after each day's work? Should it be maintained dry before the next coat?

The rendering in external walls (near the mailbox) was completed recently by the trades. Should I lightly sand the surface before applying paint, or can I paint directly? However, I will give the wall a thorough clean to remove dirt, dust, cobwebs and any mould or contaminants.

Thanks

MitchellMc

Hi @nagumuthu ,

When I mentioned wrapping brushes and rollers in plastic, I meant doing so while they're still loaded with paint, rather than cleaning them first. If you're applying another coat later that day or the following day, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or seal them in an airtight bag to prevent the paint from drying out.

There's no need to wash them between coats. However, if you're finished painting for several days, I'd recommend cleaning them thoroughly and allowing them to dry before storing them.

Regarding your freshly rendered wall, you generally won't need to sand it before painting, provided the surface is reasonably smooth, sound and free from loose material. A thorough clean to remove dust and debris should be sufficient. If there are any particularly rough patches or imperfections, you can lightly sand those areas.

The important consideration is allowing the new render to cure fully before painting. Depending on the render product used, this can take several weeks, so I'd recommend checking with the tradesperson who completed the work to confirm the product and its required curing time.

You'll also need to ensure the fresh render is suitably primed or sealed before applying your exterior paint, following the paint manufacturer's recommendations.

Mitchell