Taking the correct steps when undertaking any decorating project is the key to results that stand the test of time. That's why we've put together this guide to applying Emperor Masonry Paint, so you can achieve professional results no matter your experience level.
Before you start with anything there are a few things to bear in mind. We all know the Great British weather means that painting outdoors isn't always suitable. Make sure that the temperature is above 5°C when you are painting and for the full drying time. Also ensure that there is no risk of rainfall before the paint has dried. It is recommended to avoid painting in direct sunlight when temperatures are above 25°C as this can impact how paint dries.
The very first step when painting exterior walls is to ensure it is clean and free from dirt, debris or contamination. Painting a dirty surface will mean the paint is stuck to the dirt rather than the wall. Cleaning is a two step process. Firstly, wash the masonry down with a pressure washer (on a low pressure), hosepipe or a stiff brush and hot water. This removes the surface level dirt from the wall. Once this has been done apply Emperor Masonry Cleaner to the wall where there are problems with organic growth. This contains a fungicide which kills any fungus. Simply apply the cleaner to the wall using a brush, roller or pump-sprayer and allow this to dry for 2-3 hours at 20°C.
1. Clean
The very first step when painting exterior walls is to ensure it is clean and free from dirt, debris or contamination. Painting a dirty surface will mean the paint is stuck to the dirt rather than the wall. Cleaning is a two step process. Firstly, wash the masonry down with a pressure washer (on a low pressure), hosepipe or a stiff brush and hot water. This removes the surface level dirt from the wall. Once this has been done apply Emperor Masonry Cleaner to the wall where there are problems with organic growth. This contains a fungicide which kills any fungus. Simply apply the cleaner to the wall using a brush, roller or pump-sprayer and allow this to dry for 2-3 hours at 20°C.
2. Repair
The surface you are painting must be sound before you can paint it. This is not only to ensure the surface looks its best but also prevents any water getting into the wall so the paint can do its job. If there are any cracks or holes in the wall, make sure you fill these with a good-quality exterior filler. While any loose or defective paint may have been removed during the cleaning process, this is the last opportunity to check whether all previous paint is still sound. If there is any peeling paint, remove this using a paint scraper back to a 'firm edge', where no more paint can be removed.
2. Repair
The surface you are painting must be sound before you can paint it. This is not only to ensure the surface looks its best but also prevents any water getting into the wall so the paint can do its job. If there are any cracks or holes in the wall, make sure you fill these with a good-quality exterior filler. While any loose or defective paint may have been removed during the cleaning process, this is the last opportunity to check whether all previous paint is still sound. If there is any peeling paint, remove this using a paint scraperback to a 'firm edge', where no more paint can be removed.
3. Prime
Any bare masonry that isn't painted must be primed before you paint. You do not need to prime surfaces that are painted or silicone renders that are pre-coloured. Simply apply Emperor Masonry Primer to the bare surface using a brush or roller at a coverage of between 5-8m2 per litre, depending on the porosity of the surface. Make sure you allow the primer to dry for 3-5 hours at 20°C, or longer at lower temperatures. If you are using Emperor Textured Basecoatto create a textured finish, you do not need to apply primer as this is self-priming.
3. Prime
Any bare masonry that isn't painted must be primed before you paint. You do not need to prime surfaces that are painted or silicone renders that are pre-coloured. Simply apply Emperor Masonry Primer to the bare surface using a brush or roller at a coverage of between 5-8m2 per litre, depending on the porosity of the surface. Make sure you allow the primer to dry for 3-5 hours at 20°C, or longer at lower temperatures. If you are using Emperor Textured Basecoat to create a textured finish, you do not need to apply primer as this is self-priming.
4. Paint
Make sure to mix your paint thoroughly with a paddle before use. The easiest way to apply the paint is a combination of a masonry brush and a long-pile roller, although you can also use an airless spray machine. Emperor Masonry Paint is a two-coat paint which must be applied at 5-6m2 per litre on smooth surfaces, which can be reduced down to 2-3m2 per litre on rough, textured surfaces such as pebbledash. You can dilute your first coat of paint by 10% with water but do not dilute your second coat. While touch dry after 1-2 hours, it is crucial to allow 8 hours at 20°C for the first coat to dry before you apply your second coat. Lower temperatures will extend this drying time. For full application details, read the Emperor Masonry Paint product datasheet.
4. Paint
Make sure to mix your paint thoroughly with a paddle before use. The easiest way to apply the paint is a combination of a masonry brush and a long-pile roller, although you can also use an airless spray machine. Emperor Masonry Paint is a two-coat paint which must be applied at 5-6m2 per litre on smooth surfaces, which can be reduced down to 2-3m2 per litre on rough, textured surfaces such as pebbledash. You can dilute your first coat of paint by 10% with water but do not dilute your second coat. While touch dry after 1-2 hours, it is crucial to allow 8 hours at 20°C for the first coat to dry before you apply your second coat. Lower temperatures will extend this drying time. For full application details, read the Emperor Masonry Paint product datasheet.
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Resources
Want to print this guide for when you need it? We recommend downloading this guide and the product datasheet so you have everything you need for when you start painting.
Emperor Masonry Paint will be dry after approximately 2 hours, in which time it will be showerproof and fully waterproof. The full beading effect of the super hydrophobic technology may take up to 10 days after application while the paint cures to the surface.
No, you only need to remove any loose and flaking paint. Remove this back to a firm edge where no more paint comes off when scraped and all paint is sound.
Emperor Masonry Paint can be applied to any exterior wall, including brick, stone, concrete and all types of render. This means it can be applied to renders such as silicone render and lime render, unlike standard masonry paints. These surfaces can be either bare (with use of Emperor Exterior Primer) or previously painted.
So you know the coverage will depend on the roughness of the surface you are painting, but not sure whether it would be deemed a smooth, semi-smooth or rough texture? Emperor Masonry Paint has a coverage of 5-6m2 per litre on smooth and semi-smooth surfaces. These include bricks, concrete and renders with a small dashed finish. A smooth or semi-smooth surface doesn't mean perfectly smooth like the finish you would achieve from plaster, it just means properties that do not have a heavily textured finish. Rough, textured renders reduce the coverage rate down to 2-3m2 per litre. These include finishes such as pebbledash and roughcast, which are typically found in rural and coastal areas. Need some help? Get in touch with our experts who can help you identify whether you have a smooth or a rough surface if you aren't sure.
Emperor Masonry Paint is touch dry and showerproof in 1-2 hours at 20°C. This takes longer at lower temperatures. This is not to be confused with the recoat time of the paint, which is 8 hours at 20°C.
The simple answer is it depends. If there is any signs of organic growth such as mildew, algae and lichens then yes, you do need to apply Emperor Exterior Cleaner to be covered by our lifetime guarantee. If you do not apply the cleaner, this organic growth could continue to bloom underneath the paint and over-time cause problems. The reality is, some organic growth is not visible, which is why we recommend that everyone applies Emperor Exterior Cleaner before painting, just to be safe. After all, by applying it you can have full peace of mind knowing that there is nothing that can cause the paint problems in the long-term.
We are extremely proud of our paint, but like any paint it must be applied correctly to get the best possible results. Coverage rate is crucial for any paint as they are designed to create the correct 'film build'. Achieving the film build the paint is designed to have ensures it performs at its best. If you don't apply enough paint, you won't create enough of a film build to get full protection from the paint. If you apply too much paint, it won't be able to dry properly causing what is known as 'crazing' or 'crocodiling', where the surface of the paint begins to crack.
While it can be tempting to use that old tin of primer you have in the back of the shed, it is crucial that you only use Emperor Exterior Primer before painting with Emperor Masonry Paint. Firstly, Emperor Exterior Primer is fully compatible with Emperor Masonry Paint, which is not always the case with other primers, depending on their formulation. Secondly, Emperor Exterior Primer contains the same super hydrophobic and highly breathable nano-technology as our paint, meaning you aren't compromising performance in any way.
With a coverage of 5-6m2 on smooth surfaces and two coats required, a 10L tub of Emperor Masonry Paint will cover 25-30m2. As a guide a mid-terrace property is roughly 40m2, so you would need 15L of paint for a property this size. Why not try our handy quantity calculator to estimate how much paint you will need?
Yes, it is recommended that you thoroughly mix Emperor Masonry Paint before application to ensure that the product is ready for use. This combats any settlement that you may get. If you do not mix the paint before use you may not see if the full super hydrophobic beading effect of the paint. The most effective way to mix the product is with a paint mixing paddle attached to a drill. If you do not have a drill, stir the paint with a stick for 1-2 minutes.
Yes, we recommend opening all of your tubs of paint before applying to check the colour is consistent. While mistakes are very rare, always check you have recieved the correct colour before application.
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