Exterior House Painting Specialists London & Home Counties
With 30 years of experience in the field of residential exterior house painting, We offer skilled, high-quality and efficient painting services on time and within budget. We offer a wide range of exterior house painting services and we guarantee excellent results every time. With satisfied customers throughout the South East of England, we’re proud of our reputation and our commitment to customer service.
If you live in London & Home Counties areas reach out today to book your free quote. Call us now on 0333 015 5051.
Get a free quote!
Do I need to paint the outside of my property?
There are two main reasons you should consider painting the exterior of your home. Firstly, painting your home can instantly transform its kerb appeal, which can prove invaluable if you are thinking of putting it on the market to sell.
Secondly, it can serve as the first line of defence against the British weather, which can be unpredictable at the best of times. Your home is continuously exposed to rain, sun, wind and snow and the potential damage caused by these elements, and a new paint job helps to protect your home from experiencing long-term damage.
Our exterior painting process
The thorough Advanced Painters exterior painting process is what ensures our customers are always satisfied. We believe in painting lives, not houses, by creating spaces that you’ll enjoy comfortably living in for years to come.
10 Tips for Successful Exterior Painting
Here’s a glimpse into our proven exterior painting process:
Honest Estimating
When you’re ready to hire Advanced Painters for your exterior house painting services, you’ll work with an estimator who will provide a straightforward estimate for the entire job with no hidden fees.
- An estimator visits your home to gather all the details about the project
- A free, no-obligation estimate is provided to you
- Exterior house painting is scheduled as quickly as possible
- An estimator provides you with a project timeline
- You choose paint colours with the help of a Advanced Painters Colour Consultant
Every house painting project is unique, so there is no way to guess what your price will be until an estimator sees your home and understands the scope of work that needs to be completed. This is how Advanced Painters delivers an accurate and complete estimate for you.
2. Thorough Preparation
The Advanced Painters team understands how important preparation is to ensure the final paint job is the highest quality possible, and we follow essential steps to prepare all surfaces before a single paintbrush touches them, including:
- Washing of all surfaces to remove any mildew or mould
- Scraping off any loose paint and preparing any glossy areas by scuffing and sanding them
- Filling gaps with caulk to ensure there are no future water intrusions
All steps in the preparation stage of your exterior house painting services are comprehensive and completed with great attention to detail and care for your home. We stay in constant communication during your project, so you feel comfortable with the work your painting team is doing for you.
3. Expert Painting and Meticulous Cleanup
Once all surfaces have been prepared, your exterior house painting can begin. Again, the team of exterior painters at Advanced Painters are highly trained and will paint your house as if it were their own by following specific steps:
- We prime all painted areas to ensure your home has a uniform finish
- We paint surfaces with the highest quality paints
- We clean all tools and materials around your home at the end of each day
- We inspect the job with you upon completion to ensure your 100% satisfaction
The exterior house painting services delivered by Advanced Painters were developed so your painting team disrupts your day-to-day life as minimally as possible. Not going to be home when the exterior painting team is there? No problem. We’ll work with you to find a schedule that fits your life.
“Fantastic Job …”
“Advanced Painters did a fantastic job on our house painting which hadn’t been done in over 7 years. They were extremely responsive from initial point of contact through to completion. They were flexible and accommodated our furniture / plants, moving them with care, and hand sanded parts that were not feasible with a machine. Our job was not a straightforward / easy project but he tackled it without complaint / issues. Very tidy as well. I was very pleased with the quality of service / the finished product.”
~ Bruce
"No hesitation in recommending..."
“Super-prompt, efficient, courteous and tidy service from the team. I had lots of concerns about getting the house painting to fit in with some improvement work we had planned and some unplanned insurance work, and their practical, helpful approach and detailed advice has taken a huge weight off my mind.
They really tailored what they did to what we needed, and will be doing some more work for us to fit in with the schedule we have to work to. I’d have no hesitation in recommending them.”
~ Jane
“Highly skilled in there work…”
“We hired Advanced Painters to refurbish two of our London properties. The professionalism is to be commended. They were highly skilled in there work, and if he didn’t have the knowledge to complete a particularly technical job, he was able to outsource it to a reliable expert. Advanced Painters were consistently on-time, communicative, and reliable. We would not hesitate to recommend them”
~ Christine
Choosing a Colour Scheme: Selecting the Right Exterior Paint Colours
Choosing exterior paint colours for your house is an exciting part of the painting process, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many options.
The key is to narrow down the choices by selecting a colour scheme that you love and that also works with your home’s architecture and surroundings.
First, determine if you want a complementary, analogous, monochromatic or triadic colour scheme. Complementary uses opposite colours on the colour wheel, like blue and orange.
Analogous uses neighboring colours, like blue, blue-green and green. Monochromatic sticks to shades of one colour. And triadic uses three colours equally spaced on the wheel, like red, yellow and blue.
Next, consider your home’s style. A craftsman bungalow, for example, works well with earthy, natural tones. A colonial home pairs nicely with historical colours like red, yellow and blue.
And a modern home can handle bolder colours. Also, think about how much maintenance you want. Deeper, richer colours require more upkeep. Lighter, brighter colours are more forgiving.
Then, look at colours of neighboring homes and nature surrounding your property. You want your house to stand out but still complement the overall look and feel of the neighborhood.
Colours that are too bright or too dark can seem out of place.
Finally, buy some samples and paint them on your house to see the colours in the proper light and next to trim and roof colours.
This is the best way to determine if you’ve made the right choice before investing in gallons of paint. With some thought and experimentation, you’ll land on an exterior colour scheme you’ll love for years to come.
Book a free exterior painting quote
Find out today how Advanced Painters can transform the outside of your home. You’re never too far away from our team who are always at work on a project in the South East, and we’ll organise a time that works best for you. All our quotes are fixed-price, with no hidden fees or charges, and we’re happy to answer any additional questions you might have about the process. Call us now on 0333 015 5051.
Preparing the Surface for Exterior House Painting
The key to a gorgeous exterior paint job is all in the prep work. Before you even think about picking up a brush, you need to thoroughly clean and inspect the surface.
First up, power wash the entire exterior to remove built-up grime, dirt, and debris. Get into every nook and cranny, around trim, in corners, and scrub any particularly stubborn stains.
Next, closely examine the surface for any damage or repairs needed. Look for cracks, holes, rotted wood, rust spots, or peeling paint.
Patch or seal any small cracks, and replace any rotted wood. Lightly sand any areas of peeling paint, then prime them before painting.
For larger repairs like holes, dents, or rust spots, you may need to apply a primer, then patch compound, and sand until smooth. It’s best to tackle repairs before power washing so you can properly clean and prepare the new patches.
Once everything is clean and prepped, you’re ready to start painting! But taking the time to thoroughly wash and repair the surface will ensure you get smooth, professional-looking results that last.
A pristine surface gives the new paint something solid to adhere to, allowing it to withstand the elements for years to come.
Estimating How Much Paint You Need
Calculate the Square Footage
The first step is to determine the square footage of the areas you want to paint. Measure the height and width of each wall, including doors and windows, then multiply to get the square footage. Add up the totals for all walls. For trim, measure the linear feet and calculate based on the width of your trim.
Consider the Material
The type of siding or surface you’re painting also affects how much paint you need. Rough or porous surfaces like concrete, stucco, and brick require more paint than smooth surfaces like vinyl or aluminum. As a general rule of thumb:
- Smooth surfaces: 350-400 square feet per gallon
- Semi-rough surfaces: 250-300 square feet per gallon
- Rough, porous surfaces: 150-200 square feet per gallon
Choose a Sheen
The sheen or gloss level impacts coverage as well. A higher sheen like gloss enamel may only cover 250-300 square feet per gallon, while a flat sheen can cover up to 400 square feet per gallon. The sheen level also depends on your siding material and personal preference.
Add an Extra Coat
For the best protection and coverage, you’ll typically need two coats of exterior paint. So calculate the total square footage and divide by the expected coverage range for your surface and sheen, then multiply by two. It’s always a good idea to buy an extra gallon or two in case of spills, drips, or uneven coverage.
Don’t Forget the Trim
If you’re painting trim, doors, shutters, or other accents, measure and calculate the square footage for those as well. Trim paint typically comes in quarts, so you may need multiple cans.
Will the cold weather affect the paint?
The cold itself won’t damage the paint, but the application may be slightly different. We use paints specifically formulated for cooler temperatures that dry properly even when it’s chilly out. We may also adjust techniques like applying slightly thicker coats. As always, we check the weather to be sure temperatures won’t drop below freezing for at least 24-48 hours after painting.
How many coats of paint are typically needed?
Usually, 2 coats of paint are needed for the best, long-lasting results. The first coat provides coverage and adhesion, while the second coat protects the first and provides an even finish. For homes with darker colours or rough surfaces, a primer and 3 coats of paint may be required.
Do you power wash before painting?
Yes, power washing the exterior of the home is an important first step. Power washing removes dirt, grime, loose paint chips, and debris to provide a clean surface for the new paint to adhere to. Power washing may reveal any necessary repairs like cracks, holes, or rotted wood that need to be addressed before painting.
What precautions are taken for windows, plants, and walkways?
Care is taken to protect windows, plants, walkways, driveways, decks, etc. from overspray and drips. Painters tape off and cover areas around the home, or use drop cloths, tarps, and plastic sheeting as needed. Plants and walkways may need to be covered or moved before and during the painting process. Windows are taped and covered to avoid splatter and ensure clean lines.
How long does it take to paint an average-sized house?
Painting a typical 2-3 bedroom house usually takes 3 to 5 days for a team of 2-3 professional painters. The exact time will depend on factors like the number of coats needed, the condition of existing paint, the number of trim pieces, and weather conditions. We aim to complete most exterior house painting projects within 1-2 weeks.
What if it rains during the job?
Don't worry, we've got you covered. Our painters carefully monitor weather forecasts to avoid rain as much as possible. However, if rain does occur during a job, we take measures to protect any wet paint. We also use top-quality paints with longer open times, allowing us to stop work until rain passes without issue. Any surfaces already painted are protected, and we simply resume work once dry.
How often should I repaint the exterior of my house in London?
So how often should you break out the paintbrush for your London home's exterior? As a general rule of thumb, aim for repainting every 5-8 years. London's damp climate means exterior paint tends to fade and peel more quickly.
To determine if it's time for a refresh, inspect your home's siding and trim for any visible signs of damage or wear like cracking, chipping, blistering or peeling paint.
If more than 20% of the surface area shows issues, it's best to repaint. It's also a good idea if the colour has significantly faded or if you just want an update.
When prepping to repaint, thoroughly clean the exterior to remove dirt and grime. Scrape off any loose or peeling paint, then sand down remaining paint to provide “tooth” for the new coat to adhere to.
Prime any bare wood or patched areas, then apply at least two coats of high-quality exterior paint, waiting for each coat to dry completely.
What are the benefits of hiring professional painters for exterior house painting
Hiring professionals to paint the exterior of your London home comes with some major benefits.
First, professional painters have the proper equipment and experience to do the job right. They have industrial paint sprayers, extension ladders, and scaffolding to reach even the trickiest areas of your home’s facade.
Professionals also have the skills to properly prepare the surface. They will thoroughly clean, scrape, sand, and patch any problem areas before painting to ensure an even, long-lasting finish.
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your exterior painting services?
When choosing an exterior painting contractor, an important factor to consider is whether they offer any guarantees or warranties on their work. As a homeowner in London, you want to ensure any investment in your property will last.
Ask the contractor specifically what kinds of guarantees or warranties they provide on their exterior painting services. At a minimum, a reputable company should offer a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for at least 2-5 years. This means if the paint starts peeling, fading, or chipping prematurely, they will come back to inspect and make necessary touch-ups at no additional cost.
Some contractors may also provide a warranty against structural damage to components like siding, trim or windows caused by their work. Be wary of any company that does not stand behind their services with some form of written warranty or guarantee. Their unwillingness to do so could indicate a lack of confidence in the quality and durability of their work.
Can you help me choose the right colours that complement the architectural style of my home?
When choosing exterior paint colours for your London home, think about complementing its architectural style. For older homes, historic colours are a great place to start. Many paint companies offer heritage colour collections based on the era your home was built. These palettes feature colours that were popular and commonly used at the time.
For example, if you have a Victorian-era home, consider deep, jewel-toned colours like emerald green, burgundy or navy blue. These richer shades were hallmarks of the period. For an Edwardian house, lighter pastel colours like rose pink, pale yellow or mint green would beautifully accentuate the home’s delicate details.
Even if you prefer a more modern colour scheme, look for shades that coordinate with your home’s existing stone, brick or wood elements. Warm, earthy tones tend to naturally complement most traditional London home exteriors. Choosing a colour scheme with an analogous, complementary or triadic relationship on the colour wheel will create a sense of harmony.
Can you provide a detailed cost estimate for the exterior house painting project?
Painting the exterior of your home is a big job, so you'll want to make sure you budget properly. The total cost will depend on several factors:
House size and number of stories. A larger home with multiple floors will require more paint and labor, so the price will be higher. Expect to pay between £2,500 to £10,000 or more for a typical 2-3 bedroom London home.
Type of paint. Higher quality paint, especially premium acrylic latex or oil-based paint, will increase the cost. Budget paint can work fine for stucco or brick but for wood siding, invest in a good exterior paint.
