Masonry and Render
We paint exterior walls, including brick, render, pebbledash and other masonry surfaces. We use breathable masonry paints where appropriate, so moisture can escape rather than build up behind the coating.
Service
Exterior Decorating
Professional exterior painting and decorating for homes and businesses across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, London and the South East.
Exterior Painting and Decorating Services for Homes and Businesses
Exterior painting does more than change the colour of a building. It protects the surfaces underneath from weather, helps prevent moisture getting into masonry and timber, and keeps a property looking cared for. At Hawkes Decor we prepare and paint exterior walls, woodwork and metalwork properly, using coatings suited to the surface and the conditions it faces.
We work on houses, flats, rental properties, commercial buildings and business premises across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, London and the South East. Every job starts with a look at what is already there: the condition of the paint, the type of surface, any areas of damage or wear, and how exposed the building is to sun, wind and rain. That tells us what preparation is needed and which products will last.
Whether you need a full exterior repaint, a refresh of tired woodwork, or masonry painting on render or pebbledash, we quote for the work that is actually needed. We do not cut corners on preparation, because that is what decides whether a paint job lasts five years or fifteen.
What's included
- Full surface preparation included
- Masonry, render and pebbledash painting
- Exterior woodwork repair and painting
- Doors, windows, fascias and gutters
- Weather-appropriate paints and coatings
- Tidy, considerate workmanship
What We Paint
Exterior Woodwork
Doors, window frames, fascias, soffits, bargeboards and other exterior timber need regular painting to stay sound. We prepare the wood, repair minor damage, and apply suitable primers and topcoats.
Metalwork
Gutters, downpipes, railings and other metal surfaces are painted with coatings designed for metal. We remove rust and loose paint first, then prime and finish to protect against further corrosion.
Fences and Gates
Garden fences, gates and other timber structures benefit from treatment or painting. We can paint or stain them to match the rest of the property.
Commercial Buildings
We repaint shopfronts, offices, warehouses and other business premises. We can work around opening hours and keep disruption to a minimum.
Why Preparation Matters
Exterior paint fails most often because the surface was not prepared properly. Loose or flaking paint, dirt, moss, grease and old caulking all stop new paint from bonding. That leads to peeling, cracking and water getting in.
Before we paint, we wash down surfaces to remove dirt and contamination. We scrape and sand loose or flaking paint back to a sound edge. We fill cracks and small holes, and replace caulking around windows and doors where it has failed. On new or bare surfaces we apply the correct primer. On previously painted surfaces we spot prime any bare areas before the topcoats go on.
Different surfaces need different preparation. Render and pebbledash may need stabilising solution or a thinned first coat. Timber may need knotting, sanding and a wood primer. Metal needs rust treatment and a metal primer. Getting this right is the difference between a finish that lasts and one that needs redoing in a couple of years.
Choosing Colours and Finishes
The colour you choose affects how the building looks from the street, but it also affects how the paint performs. Very dark colours absorb more heat, which can cause movement and cracking on some surfaces. Very light colours show dirt more quickly. We can advise on colours that suit the property and the surface.
For exterior woodwork, we typically use water-based or solvent-based trim paints depending on the condition of the wood and the existing coatings. Water-based paints stay flexible and keep their colour well, but solvent-based paints can be easier to apply over old oil-based paint. For masonry, breathable exterior masonry paint is usually the right choice.
We can also help with colour consultation if you are unsure what will work. We look at the style of the property, the surrounding buildings, and any planning restrictions that might apply, then suggest colours that will look right and wear well.
How We Work
Initial discussion
We talk through what you want to achieve, the areas you want painted, and any concerns you have about the condition of the surfaces.
Site assessment
We visit the property to look at the surfaces, check for damage, and assess what preparation is needed. We also consider access, height and any practical constraints.
Quotation
We send a written quotation that sets out the preparation, the coatings we will use, and the areas included. It is clear about what is and is not covered.
Preparation and painting
We agree a start date, taking weather into account. We prepare surfaces properly, then apply primers and topcoats in the right conditions.
Completion and tidy up
We remove masking, put back any fittings we moved, and leave the site clean and tidy. We walk through the job with you to make sure you are happy.
What Affects the Time and Cost
Several things affect how long an exterior painting job takes and what it costs. The size of the property is the obvious one, but the condition of the surfaces matters just as much. A building with sound, well-adhered paint needs less preparation than one with peeling paint, cracked render or rotten wood.
The type of surface also makes a difference. Pebbledash and roughcast take longer to paint than smooth render because they have more surface area. Painting windows and doors takes longer than painting large flat walls. Access is another factor: scaffolding or tower access adds time and cost, but it is often essential for safe work at height.
Weather is the biggest variable outside our control. Exterior painting cannot be done in the rain, in high winds, or when the temperature is too low. We plan work around the forecast and will not paint if conditions would compromise the finish.
Looking After the Result
Once the painting is done, a little maintenance helps it last. Keep gutters clear so water does not overflow onto painted surfaces. Cut back vegetation that touches the building. Wash down dirt and grime once a year, especially on sheltered areas that do not get rain.
If you notice a small area of damage, such as a cracked joint or a chip in the paint, get it sorted before water gets in. Small repairs are much cheaper than repainting a whole wall.
We can advise on what to look out for after we finish, and we are happy to come back for touch-ups or further work when needed.
Related services
All services →Often booked alongside
FAQs
Exterior Decorating — FAQs
Can't see your question? Call or send a message and we'll answer it.
How often should a house exterior be painted?
It depends on the surface, the exposure and the quality of the previous paint job. As a rough guide, exterior woodwork often needs repainting every five to eight years, while masonry can last ten to fifteen years or more. South and west facing walls, and coastal or very exposed locations, tend to need more frequent painting.
What exterior surfaces can be painted?
We paint most exterior surfaces including brick, render, pebbledash, concrete, timber, metal and uPVC (with appropriate primers). Some surfaces, such as badly spalling brick or rotten wood, need repair before painting. We will tell you if a surface is not suitable for painting or needs work first.
Why is preparation important before exterior painting?
Preparation removes dirt, loose paint, rust and other contaminants that stop new paint from bonding. It also allows us to repair cracks, fill holes and treat any areas of rot or corrosion. Without proper preparation, even the best paint will fail early.
What is the best time of year for exterior painting in the UK?
Exterior painting is usually best between late spring and early autumn, when temperatures are reliably above 10°C and rain is less frequent. We can sometimes work outside this window if conditions are dry and mild, but we will not paint in rain, high humidity or freezing temperatures.
Can previously painted masonry and exterior woodwork be repainted?
Yes, as long as the existing paint is sound and well adhered. We remove any loose or flaking paint, sand the edges, and spot prime bare areas before applying new topcoats. If the old paint is in very poor condition, we may recommend stripping it back first.
How do I arrange a quotation for exterior painting?
Contact us by phone or through the website with a few details about your property and what you want painted. We will arrange a convenient time to visit, assess the surfaces and provide a written quotation. There is no obligation and no charge for the quote.
Exterior Decorating? Get a free quote
Tell us about the rooms or exterior that need decorating and where you are. We will come back with a sensible, itemised price.
- Straight answers, fast
- Priced on the job in front of us
- Tidy, protected, finished properly