Painting a facade is not just about picking a nice colour. It means asking the paint to resist blazing sun in some regions, constant humidity in others, sea salt spray on the coast, and thermal swings that make walls expand and contract dozens of times a year. The right paint protects; the wrong one peels within months.
Regional climate variations demand different choices
The climate varies so much between regions that paint ideal for one house can fail completely elsewhere. In areas with high humidity and frequent rain, paints need fungal resistance and the ability to breathe, allowing vapour to escape without forming blisters. Siloxane or elastic paints work well under these conditions because they combine impermeability to rainwater with permeability to vapour.
In areas with intense sun most of the year, high UV radiation and less rainfall, the challenge shifts. The priority becomes protecting colour from fading and keeping the paint adhered even as the surface heats dramatically during the day and cools sharply at night. Quality acrylic paints with UV additives and stable pigments handle this reliably.
On coastal zones, salt carried by sea winds accelerates degradation of any coating. Facades near the sea need paints with reinforced chemical resistance, typically siloxane or formulations designed for marine environments. Light colours help reflect heat and reduce thermal stress.
Cracks, humidity and degradation: signs your paint must address
Before choosing paint, understand the wall's actual condition. If you see microcracks, damp patches or areas where old paint has peeled, the problem runs deeper than the surface. Temperature swings cause mortar to expand and contract, and when paint cannot follow this movement, it cracks. Rising damp or leaks create blisters and allow fungi and algae to colonise the facade, especially on north-facing walls that receive little sun.
Elastic paints are designed to follow small wall movements, covering and protecting cracks up to a certain size. They are not a cure-all (structural cracks need mortar repair), but they help prevent minor flaws becoming major problems. For walls with a history of dampness, formulations with antifungal additives and vapour-permeable properties are essential, otherwise the paint peels again within months.
If the facade shows severe degradation, persistent dark patches or widespread delamination, a facade coating (usually thicker with greater coverage capacity) may be the most durable solution. These products function almost as an extra protective layer, smoothing irregularities and offering greater long-term resistance.
Paint types and when each makes sense
100% acrylic paints are versatile and suitable for most situations where the wall is in good condition. They adhere well, resist sun effectively and wash easily. They are the standard choice for facades without significant structural issues or dampness, especially in dry climates with high sun exposure.
Siloxane paints combine characteristics of silicone and acrylic paints, creating a water-repellent surface that remains permeable to vapour. This makes them the best option for humid climates, facades exposed to constant rain or homes with a history of condensation. They cost more, but durability justifies the price, especially in regions with high humidity.
Elastic paints suit situations with microcracks or when you want to prevent them. The elasticity allows the film to follow mortar movement without cracking. They do not solve structural problems, but protect better than rigid paint on walls subject to sharp temperature changes.
For extreme cases (severely degraded facades, high-exposure areas, older houses with uneven mortar), textured or high-build coatings offer the most robust protection. They cost more and take longer to apply, but create a durable barrier that can last years without maintenance.
When requesting a facade painting quote, remember that any estimate based only on square metres is always preliminary. Two walls with the same area may be in completely different condition (one smooth and well-maintained, the other cracked, damp and peeling), and this radically changes price and labour time. On our platform, we always request photos and videos of surfaces before finalising any quote, precisely to avoid surprises mid-work and ensure the professional knows exactly what they are dealing with.
What to do before ordering paint
Before buying anything, it is worth confirming three things. First, the wall's actual condition. If there are leaks, structural cracks or rising damp, no paint will solve the problem alone, and painting over it only delays (and worsens) the issue. Second, the facade's orientation. A wall facing high-sun areas, catching direct sun all day, needs reinforced UV protection; one facing away, which rarely dries fully, needs fungal resistance. Third, the house's history. If previous paint peeled quickly, likely causes were poor preparation or wrong product choice, and repeating the mistake costs money.
Another important point: confirm the professional is properly registered. Facade painting involves working at height, knowledge of specific products and techniques, and mistakes can cost thousands to fix. Our platform always verifies that the painter is registered as self-employed or has a registered business, saving you that task.
Finally, understanding how payment works helps you plan the budget. Our model is straightforward: 50% at the start (to reserve the date and buy materials) and 50% at the end, after verifying the work. Never pay everything upfront, but do not expect a professional to start without a deposit, especially if materials need ordering.
