exterior
Render & Masonry Painting
Protecting and refreshing London's exterior surfaces
From £2,500 per façade
Based on a standard London townhouse front elevation. Includes scaffold, preparation, and two coats. Multi-storey and large facades quoted individually.
Typical Duration
3-7 days depending on facade size and condition
Free Consultation
No-obligation quote and colour advice
Painted render and masonry facades define the streetscape across much of central London. Our render and masonry painting service covers everything from simple refresh coats on sound surfaces to full systems involving crack repair, stabilisation, and weather-resistant coatings. We work with smooth render, roughcast, pebbledash, and exposed brickwork to deliver façades that look clean, sharp, and properly protected.
About Our Render & Masonry Service
London's rendered and masonry facades endure relentless exposure to rain, frost, pollution, and UV light. Over time, masonry paint fades, chalks, and loses its waterproofing properties. Render develops hairline cracks that allow water to penetrate behind the coating, leading to damp, staining, and in severe cases, frost damage that causes render to blow from the wall. At Belgravia Painters, we assess the condition of rendered and masonry surfaces with a diagnostic eye: testing adhesion, checking for hollow areas, identifying cracks, and evaluating the existing coating system. Our approach prioritises long-term protection — we repair defects, stabilise surfaces, and apply microporous masonry coatings that shed water while allowing the wall to breathe. The visual transformation is dramatic: a tired, stained façade becomes clean, uniform, and weather-tight, enhancing both the appearance and the value of the property.
What We Deliver
- Full assessment of render and masonry condition including adhesion testing
- Crack repair using flexible masonry fillers and mesh reinforcement
- Algae, moss, and pollution washing using low-pressure biocide treatment
- Stabilising solution application for chalking or friable surfaces
- Microporous masonry paint systems that breathe while repelling water
- Textured masonry coatings for a uniform, long-lasting finish
- Colour matching to neighbouring properties or estate specifications
- Scaffold erection and management for multi-storey facades
- Protection of windows, doors, and landscaping during exterior works
Our Approach
Render and masonry painting is an exterior discipline that demands proper preparation. We never paint over a failing surface. If the existing coating is chalking, we stabilise it with a penetrating solution. If the render has cracks, we open them, fill with flexible filler, and reinforce with alkali-resistant mesh before overcoating. Algae and biological growth is killed with biocide and allowed to die back before any cleaning takes place — pressure washing alone drives contamination deeper into the pores. Once the surface is sound, clean, and dry, we apply a masonry primer followed by two coats of microporous masonry paint. For properties requiring a textured finish, we use roller-applied textured coatings that provide a uniform appearance while filling minor surface imperfections. All adjacent surfaces — windows, doors, rainwater goods, and landscaping — are thoroughly masked and protected.
Materials & Brands
Masonry coatings include Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry, Johnstone's Stormshield, and Sandtex Ultra Smooth for a fine finish. For textured systems, we use Dulux Trade Weathershield Textured Masonry and Andura Masonry Coating. Stabilising solutions include Dulux Trade Weathershield Stabilising Primer. Crack fillers are from Sika and EverBuild. Biocide treatment uses Algon or Wykamol products.
Property Considerations
Rendered facades in conservation areas must be repainted in approved colours — typically white, cream, or stone tones specified by the local planning authority or estate management. We are experienced in working within these requirements across Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Camden. Scaffold on the public highway requires a council licence, which we arrange and manage. Properties in terraces must consider colour matching with adjoining buildings. Listed buildings may require breathable lime-based masonry paints rather than modern acrylics.
Why Choose Our Render & Masonry Service
Diagnostic Approach
We test adhesion, check for defects, and address the root cause of any deterioration before applying new coatings.
Microporous Systems
Breathable masonry paints shed water while allowing trapped moisture to escape, preventing long-term damp damage.
Estate Compliance
We match colours to estate or conservation area specifications and obtain any necessary approvals.
Our Render & Masonry Process
Survey & Specification
We assess the facade, test the existing coating, and specify the correct repair and paint system.
Scaffold Erection
Safe scaffold access is erected, licensed if on the highway, and inspected before work begins.
Cleaning & Repair
Biological growth is treated, surfaces are cleaned, and cracks and defects are repaired.
Priming
Stabilising primer is applied to ensure optimal adhesion of the topcoat system.
Masonry Coating
Two coats of microporous masonry paint are applied by brush and roller for full coverage.
Scaffold Down & Clean
Scaffold is dismantled, protection removed, and all surrounding areas left clean.
Brands We Use for Render & Masonry
Available Across London
We offer render & masonry painting across all 20 of our service areas in prime London.
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Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
We paint all render types including smooth cement render, pebbledash, roughcast, tyrolean, monocouche and traditional lime render. Each substrate is assessed individually and the correct primer and topcoat system selected.
We power-wash the surface to remove dirt, algae and loose material, then apply a fungicidal wash. Cracks are raked out and filled with flexible exterior filler or matching render. A stabilising solution is applied to any chalky or friable areas.
We use high-build masonry coatings such as Dulux Weathershield or Johnstone's Stormshield that flex with thermal movement and bridge hairline cracks. For lime render, breathable mineral paints like Keim or Beeck are essential to maintain vapour permeability.
A quality masonry paint system on well-prepared render typically lasts ten to fifteen years. Lime-based mineral paints can last even longer as they become part of the render surface rather than forming a film on top of it.
Yes, a fresh colour can completely transform your property's kerb appeal. In conservation areas, colour changes may require approval from the local planning authority, and we will advise you on whether permission is needed before work begins.
Absolutely. Hairline cracks are bridged by the masonry coating itself. Wider structural cracks are cut out and filled with flexible filler or a matching render mix. Blown or hollow areas are hacked off and re-rendered before painting.
Ready for Expert Render & Masonry?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from our specialist team. We respond within 24 hours.