Step-by-step guide from Intserv Painting Bournemouth
A beautifully painted exterior boosts kerb appeal and protects your home from the elements. Intserv Painting specialises in professional exterior painting across Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch — delivering durable, attractive finishes that last.
🔎 Pro tip: Most UK homes benefit from repainting every 5–7 years depending on exposure.
Moderate temperatures and lower rainfall make this period ideal.
Longer days help with drying and productivity.
Still mild; watch forecasts for wetter spells.
Match the style of your neighbourhood (especially if in terraced/semi-detached). Consider how natural light changes colours during the day. Light tones brighten shaded homes, while darker colours can ground large façades.
Measure wall area (length × height), then subtract windows/doors. Factor in that rough masonry, pebble dash, or textured render will need 15–25% more paint than smooth brickwork.
Masonry walls: smooth or textured masonry paint.
Wood & metal: exterior-grade gloss/satin.
Bare wood: use microporous paint to let moisture escape and prevent rot.
Coastal areas: consider marine-grade paints for extra protection from salt air.
Scrape off flaking paint, sand rough edges, and clean with a stiff brush. Treat mould, moss, or algae with a fungicidal wash (available from UK DIY stores). Fill cracks with exterior filler and allow to dry fully before painting.
Cover paths, windows, and plants with dust sheets or polythene. Mask around trims and fittings. Remove or cover house numbers, lights, and satellite dishes where possible.
In the UK, aim for at least 2–3 dry days in a row. Avoid painting in direct strong sunlight (can cause blistering) or when temperatures are below 10°C. Always check the 5-day forecast.
Rollers with long pile for rough render or pebble dash.
Smooth rollers for flat masonry.
Brushes with synthetic bristles for water-based paints.
Extension poles to reduce ladder use.
Follow ladder safety: stable base, 4:1 angle, and three points of contact. For houses above two storeys, consider scaffolding for safe, efficient work.
Most UK exterior paints need 4–6 hours between coats. Always check manufacturer guidance. Avoid evening painting in damp conditions as dew can spoil the finish.
Never pour leftover paint or wash water down drains. Use your local council’s paint disposal scheme (most UK councils provide this). Store sealed tins indoors for future touch-ups.
⚠️ For longer or higher-risk tasks, use scaffold/tower access and follow UK HSE guidance.
Start at the top to avoid drips on finished areas.
Work down the elevations methodically.
Finish with detail elements for a crisp result.
Intserv Painting, based in Bournemouth, provides professional interior & exterior painting across Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch. Specialising in house painting, wallpapering & wood staining, I offer free estimates and high-quality results that transform homes.
