Tools needed for the job: * 2″ paintbrush * Scuttle * Kettle hook * Rad roller * 9″ or 12′ roller (sheepskin or deep pile best especially if rough texture render or pebble dash) * Long roller pole * Scraper * Masking tape * Filler/ decorators caulk * Wet rag * Ladders- double 10′s or 12′s and if your house has an apex you may need treble 12′s * Step ladders * Dustsheets * Masonry paint, Dulux Weathershield is a good choice * Fungicidal wash- only if there is a build up of algae or mould on the render General ladder tips: * Inspect the ladders for damage.
* Have someone foot the ladders.
* 1 foot out for every 4 foot up angle is recommended.
* Keep 3 points of contact with the ladder at all times.
* Keep a level base when placing ladder- avoid uneven surfaces.
* Do not over stretch when up the ladders.
* Keep a mobile phone with you when working at heights, at least if you have an accident you can call for help.
* Be extra careful or avoid placing ladders on wet decking.
* Check what you have rested the ladders against before climbing up, needs to be stable and both ends at top make contact with wall or fascia.
* Make sure when working up ladders there are no people below you.
* Only have one person on a ladder at any time.
(of course you say!) Now the health and safety lecture is over it must be time to set up for work.
Best to break the job down to different sides of the house.
Lay down sheets to paths, driveways on first side.
Mask up window sills to prevent spray damage Move any cars out of range and ask neighbours to do the same.
If it is a windy day be very careful as the spray can travel quite a distance.
If you are painting a bare pebble dash house or bare render the first coat will need to be diluted with water, 1/4 water to paint and mix well.
When rolling bare pebble-dash the roller will clog up with small stones from the walls and this will reduce the rollers ability to hold paint.
To remove the stones spin out the roller over a sheet and stones will come out.
Do this every 10 minutes or so.
Also it will be easier to mask up around windows and soffit then you can just run a rad roller against the tape rather than cut in to a dry bare surface.
Have a look over the walls and scrape out any cracks or blown areas.
Fill cracks and holes to walls with external filler or if small, decorators caulk.
Fill the scuttle with paint leaving a quarter in the can to cut in with.
Use the kettle hook to attach paint can to ladders.
Now start at 1 end and cut in the top half of the house (just this side for now).
Around windows and soffit the rad roller may help with the knuckle side rubbing against the soffit it will let you get very close.
(With the damp rag you can wipe any paint off windows.
) Attach the roller to the extension pole and roll out this side of the house.
Work in a system, it may help to imagine 3 foot square boxes on the wall, paint each one at a time and it will help avoid missed patches.
It will be easier to roll out when the sun is not shining on the wall as hard to see which bits you have done in the sun.
When complete you just have to cut in the lower part of the house.
To paint behind the downpipes, use the rad roller and cut in brackets with a brush.
You have the option to mask downpipes or gloss after walls.
Once this side of the house is complete take off masking tape and move dust sheets to the next side and repeat the above steps.