Start with the render, not the paint
Before choosing a paint, work out what your render is made of. Most post-war houses have cement-based render, which is hard and fairly forgiving. Many older houses – particularly those built before about 1919 – have lime render, which is softer and needs to breathe. Newer houses sometimes have through-coloured or silicone renders that were never designed to be painted at all.
The wrong paint on the wrong render is one of the most common reasons exterior paint fails. A tough, film-forming masonry paint on a breathable lime wall can trap moisture, which then pushes the paint off – or worse, damages the render behind it.
The main types of exterior wall paint
Most of what you'll find at a trade counter falls into a few broad categories:
| Paint type | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth acrylic masonry paint | Sound cement render | Affordable, wide colour range, easy to apply | Less breathable, can fade |
| Textured masonry paint | Render with fine cracks | Bridges hairline cracks, hides imperfections | Harder to clean and repaint |
| Silicone-based masonry paint | Exposed or damp-prone walls | Highly water-repellent yet breathable, stays cleaner | Costs more |
| Silicate (mineral) paint | Lime render and old masonry | Very breathable, bonds into the surface, long-lasting | Specialist, needs mineral substrate |
| Limewash | Traditional lime walls | Authentic, breathable | Needs recoating more often |
Common paint types for rendered walls
Smooth vs textured masonry paint
Smooth masonry paint is the default for most rendered houses. It's easy to apply, comes in lots of colours and is straightforward to repaint later. Textured masonry paint contains fine aggregate, which helps fill and bridge hairline cracks and gives a slightly rougher finish. It's useful on render that's sound but has lots of fine crazing.
Textured paint is harder to clean and gathers dirt more easily, so it isn't always the best long-term choice. For bigger cracks, you need to repair the render first – see our guide to repairing and painting cracked render.
Why silicone paints are popular
Silicone-based masonry paints repel water very effectively – rain beads and runs off – while still allowing water vapour to escape from the wall. They also resist dirt pick-up and algae growth better than standard acrylics. On exposed coastal houses, north-facing walls and areas with heavy rain, they're often worth the extra cost.
Rather leave it to a professional?
Breathable paints for older homes
If your house has lime render, solid walls or soft brick, use a breathable paint such as a silicate or a lime-based system. These allow moisture to move out of the wall. Our guide to breathable paints for old homes explains the options in detail.
Colour and fading
Pale colours are the most forgiving outside – they fade less and hide dirt and algae better. Strong, dark colours can fade noticeably on south-facing walls and absorb more heat. If you love a darker shade, choose a high-quality product with good UV resistance.
Also check whether you're in a conservation area or have an Article 4 direction before making a big colour change.
Preparation matters more than brand
Even the best paint will fail on a poorly prepared wall. Good preparation means cleaning, killing algae, removing loose and flaking paint, filling cracks, stabilising chalky surfaces and priming where needed. Two full coats are standard.
Our masonry paint guide has more on application, and you can compare masonry paint vs exterior wall paint. When you're ready, get quotes from local exterior painters.
