MASONRY SPECIALISTS
FULLY INSURED
WRITTEN GUARANTEE
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Exterior Painting & Rendering Services Across London
London weather is hard on a building. Rain hammers the brickwork year after year, UV degrades the paint film, frost works into hairline cracks, and pollution settles into every pore of the masonry. Whether your walls need a thorough preparation and two coats of high-performance masonry paint, or a full strip and re-render from scratch, we’ll assess what’s actually needed — not slap fresh emulsion over the top and hope for the best.
5.0 — 200+ Google Reviews
30+
YEARS IN THE TRADE
3,500+
PROJECTS COMPLETED
15yr
TYPICAL PAINT LIFESPAN
10yr
WORK GUARANTEE
PREPARATION FIRST
A decent paint job isn’t about the paint.
Nine times out of ten, when masonry paint peels, blisters, or flakes within a couple of years, it’s because the surface underneath wasn’t prepared correctly. Loose material wasn’t removed. Cracks weren’t filled. Damp wasn’t addressed. The substrate was chalking or powdery and no stabilising primer went on first.
We don’t work like that. Every project we take on starts with a thorough surface preparation — scraping, sanding, wire-brushing, filling cracks and defects, treating any mould or algae with a fungicidal wash, and priming unstable surfaces with a stabilising solution. Only once the substrate is sound do we apply the paint or render.
EXTERIOR PAINTING
Exterior House Painting in London
We paint every external surface London houses are built from — brick, render, pebbledash, stone, concrete and block. Smooth or textured. New work or repaints.
Masonry Painting
Professional-grade masonry paint systems in smooth and textured finishes, matched to the surface and the level of weather exposure. On previously painted walls in reasonable condition, two coats over proper preparation will hold up for 10 to 15 years.
On bare render, fresh plastering, or surfaces that have been stripped back to substrate, we apply a suitable primer before any topcoat. That step is non-negotiable — skip it and the paint won’t bond, no matter how good the product is.
Exterior Woodwork
Sash windows, front doors, sills, timber fascia and soffit boards, bargeboards — all of it takes a beating from the weather. We strip, sand, fill, prime, and repaint every part of the exterior woodwork. Where timber has rotted, we use specialist resin-based fillers or replace sections entirely before painting.
On period properties with original sash windows, we take particular care to prepare each frame without damaging the profiles or the glazing. It’s slow, detailed work, but it’s the only way to get a finish that lasts.
Exterior Wall Coatings
For properties needing something more durable than standard masonry paint, we apply high-performance wall coatings. These are thicker, resin-based systems that bond to the masonry and form a long-lasting weatherproof barrier — typically 15 to 20 years before recoating.
Critical point: wall coatings must be breathable. A coating that fully seals a wall traps moisture inside, which causes worse problems than tired paint ever did. We only use microporous, vapour-permeable systems that let the building breathe while keeping rain out.
EXTERNAL RENDERING
External Wall Rendering Across London
Render lays a protective layer over brickwork or blockwork, shielding it from weather penetration and improving thermal performance. It also covers up poor brickwork, patch repairs, and mismatched materials — which is why so many London extensions and renovations end up rendered. The right system depends on the building, the substrate, the exposure, and the budget. Here are the four routes we take, depending on what the property actually needs.
01
Sand and Cement Render
The traditional choice. Hard-wearing, cost-effective, and well suited to most London properties. Applied in two or three coats, trowelled to a smooth or textured finish, then painted with masonry paint in any colour you like once cured.
We mix on site using the correct sand-to-cement ratios for the application. On older, softer brickwork — common on Victorian properties across the capital — we adjust the mix to avoid a render that’s harder than the masonry behind it, which causes cracking and spalling of the bricks. Getting that mix right is one of the things separating a good render job from a bad one.
02
Monocouche Render
Single-coat, factory-mixed, through-coloured render. Goes on in one pass and never needs painting once cured. Available in a wide range of colours and textures — smooth, scraped, dashed, or stippled — and because the colour runs right through the material, scratches and chips never reveal a different layer underneath.
More expensive than sand and cement, but it removes the ongoing cost of repainting every decade. For new-build extensions, full renovations, and properties where a clean uniform finish is the aim, monocouche is a strong route to take.
03
Silicone Render
The top end of the market. Highly flexible, so it resists cracking far better than cement-based renders. Breathable, so moisture vapour can escape the wall rather than getting trapped. Hydrophobic, so water beads and runs off the surface rather than soaking in, which keeps the render cleaner for longer.
Silicone render is typically applied as a thin-coat system over an insulation-backed base, making it a natural partner for external wall insulation projects. It can also go straight onto a prepared masonry surface. We use products from established manufacturers and apply them strictly to the manufacturer’s specifications.
04
Removing & Replacing Old Render
Cracked, blown, or hollow-sounding render isn’t protecting your walls — it’s hiding the damage happening behind it. When old render has failed, we hack it off completely, assess the condition of the masonry underneath, carry out any necessary pointing or brick repairs, then apply a new render system from scratch.
We also remove pebbledash and roughcast finishes for homeowners after a cleaner look. It’s not a quick job — the old material has to come off carefully so we don’t damage the brickwork — but the results speak for themselves.
PREP & ACCESS
Surface Preparation and Access
Preparation is the single biggest factor in how long your new paint or render will last. We’ve said it already on this page, but it’s worth saying again. Every surface gets cleaned, loose material removed, cracks filled, damp issues addressed, and primers applied where needed — before any finish coat goes on.
For multi-storey houses, terraces with limited access, or commercial buildings, we arrange scaffolding as part of the project. Where scaffolding is going up anyway for roofing or fascia replacement, combining the exterior decoration into the same project makes obvious sense — you avoid paying for scaffold twice.
On larger properties, we use drone surveys to assess high-level render and paintwork before committing to a full scaffold. It saves time and gives us a more accurate picture of what’s actually involved.
Substrate testing — we check for chalking, powdering, and previous coatings to specify the right primer system.
Fungicidal washes — all algae, mould, and biological growth treated and killed off before any new coating goes near the wall.
Crack and defect filling — hairline through to structural movement cracks raked out, treated and filled correctly.
Scaffolding & access — scaffold, towers, drone inspection on tall properties. Combined with roofing where it makes sense.
Stabilising primers — non-negotiable on bare render, fresh plaster, or chalky substrates. Bond first, finish second.
PAINT OR RENDER?
Should You Paint or Should You Render?
This question comes up regularly, and the answer depends entirely on what you’re starting with.
If the brickwork is in good condition and you simply want to change the colour or refresh how the property looks, painting is the quicker, cheaper route. A good masonry paint system on well-prepared walls will hold up for 10 to 15 years.
If the brickwork is poor quality, patchy, or has been repaired over the years with mismatched materials, rendering gives you a uniform finish that hides the patchwork beneath. It also adds a layer of weather protection that paint alone doesn’t provide.
If the existing render has already failed — cracked, blown, or coming away from the wall — then it needs stripping and re-rendering. Painting over failed render is money down the drain.
We’ll always be straight with you about which route makes sense for your property. Sometimes the answer is obvious. Sometimes it’s a combination — render the extension, paint the original house.
Written Workmanship Guarantee
Every paint and render job we complete carries a written guarantee. Public liability insurance covers every project, end to end.
Professional-Grade Materials
Trade-grade masonry paints, breathable wall coatings, and silicone render systems from established UK manufacturers — never the cheap stuff.
Every London Borough
Based in Hackney, with painting and rendering jobs running across every London borough and into the South East.
Fixed, Detailed Quotes
An itemised written quote before any work starts. The price we agree is the price you pay — no surprises on completion.
What Sets Us Apart
Three things we never compromise on
01
Accountability
Every painter and renderer on your job works for us directly. No agency staff, no sub-contractors, no surprises. Fully qualified, fully accountable.
02
Communication
You won’t be left guessing. From survey to sign-off, we keep you informed at every stage. We answer the phone and we tell you when there’s weather coming that’ll push the schedule.
03
Transparency
No hidden charges, no vague answers. Detailed itemised quotes before any work begins — products specified, coats listed, access included.
Other Building Services
Painting often goes hand-in-hand with other trades.
If we’re up on your scaffolding and we spot lifted lead flashing, loose ridge tiles, or shot guttering, we can deal with it there and then — instead of sending you off to find another contractor.
01
Plastering & Rendering
Internal plastering for walls and ceilings, plus all the external rendering systems above. Our plasterers are specialists — it’s all they do.
02
Fascias, Soffits & Guttering
UPVC supply and fit. Full replacement of worn roofline systems — often combined with exterior repaints to share the scaffold cost.
03
Roof Repairs
Leaks, cracked tiles, failed flashings, ridge work. Often picked up during exterior surveys when scaffolding is being planned.
04
Renovation & Refurbishment
Whole-house overhauls and period property restoration where exterior repaint and re-render are part of a wider scope of works.
Customer Reviews
What our customers say
Service Areas
Painting and rendering across every borough.
Based in Hackney, we run exterior painting and rendering jobs right across the capital and into the South East. We know the local housing stock — Victorian terraces in the inner boroughs, 1930s semis further out, post-war stock and new-builds — and the conservation rules that go with each.
Hackney
Islington
Tower Hamlets
Westminster
Camden
Kensington & Chelsea
Southwark
Lambeth
Wandsworth
Haringey
Newham
Greenwich
Barnet
Ealing
Richmond
Bromley
Croydon
All London Boroughs →
FAQS
Exterior Painting & Rendering — Frequently Asked Questions
How long does exterior masonry paint last?
On properly prepared surfaces, a high-quality masonry paint will last 10 to 15 years. Cheaper products or poor preparation will reduce that significantly. High-performance exterior wall coatings can last 15 to 20 years or more.
What is the best time of year to paint or render the outside of a house?
Late spring through to early autumn — ideally between April and September. Both painting and rendering need dry conditions and temperatures above 5°C to cure properly. We monitor the weather forecast closely and won’t start work if rain is expected within the drying window.
Do I need to strip old paint before repainting?
Not always. If the existing paint is sound and well-adhered, we can paint over it after cleaning and preparation. But if it’s peeling, flaking, or blistering, the loose material needs to come off first. On badly deteriorated surfaces, we strip back to a stable base and start fresh.
What is the difference between render and masonry paint?
Render is a cementitious or resin-based layer applied to the wall surface — typically 10 to 20mm thick. It provides structural protection and a uniform finish. Masonry paint is a thin film applied on top of an existing surface — render, brick, stone, or block. Render protects the wall; paint protects the render and adds colour.
Can you render over pebbledash?
In some cases, yes — but only if the existing pebbledash is firmly bonded to the wall. If it’s loose, hollow, or cracking, it needs to come off first. Rendering over a failing surface will just give you a problem that falls off in a few years. We assess the condition properly before advising.
Do I need planning permission to render or paint my house?
For most properties, no. However, if the building is listed or in a conservation area, you may need consent before altering the external appearance. Changing the colour of a rendered or painted surface may also fall under local planning restrictions in certain areas. We can advise on this during the survey.
Get a Free Exterior Painting or Rendering Quote
Whether your walls need a fresh coat of masonry paint or a full strip and re-render, we’ll survey the property, assess the condition, and provide a clear, detailed quotation. Most surveys can be carried out within 48 hours of your call.