Types of Exterior Wall Coatings: A UK Homeowner’s Guide

There are several types of exterior wall coatings available in the UK, each designed to provide different levels of protection, appearance and durability.

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From traditional masonry paint to specialist high-build exterior wall coatings, the right solution depends on the condition of your walls, the existing surface, exposure to British weather and the finish you want to achieve.

Below, we explain the most common types of exterior wall coating and where each system may be suitable.

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1. Specialist Exterior Wall Coatings

Specialist exterior wall coatings provide a durable protective finish designed to outperform conventional decorative masonry paint.

These systems are normally professionally applied following extensive cleaning, preparation and repair work. Depending on the product selected, they can offer excellent resistance to rain, weathering, surface deterioration and colour fading.

SmartShield primarily installs specialist Andura exterior wall coating systems, with other professional coating systems available where appropriate for the property and substrate.

Specialist coatings are particularly suited to homeowners looking for a long-term alternative to frequent exterior repainting.

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2. Silicone Wall Coatings and Silicone Render

Silicone-based exterior coatings and silicone render systems are popular because they combine water resistance with breathability.

Their hydrophobic properties help repel rainwater while allowing moisture vapour within the wall to escape.

Silicone systems can be particularly useful for properties exposed to heavy rainfall and harsh British weather and are available in a variety of colours and finishes.

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3. Acrylic Exterior Wall Coatings

Acrylic wall coatings provide a flexible, decorative finish suitable for a range of exterior masonry surfaces.

They are available in both smooth and textured finishes and can provide good resistance to weathering while allowing the appearance of the property to be refreshed.

The exact performance of an acrylic coating depends on the product specification, surface preparation and condition of the existing substrate.

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4. Masonry Paint

Exterior masonry paint remains one of the most common ways to decorate rendered, brick or masonry walls.

It is relatively straightforward to apply and is available in a wide range of colours.

However, masonry paint normally forms a much thinner decorative layer than a specialist high-build exterior wall coating and may require more frequent repainting and maintenance, particularly on exposed or weathered properties.

For homeowners looking for longer-term protection, a specialist exterior wall coating may therefore be a more appropriate solution.

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5. Textured Exterior Wall Coatings

Textured wall coatings are designed to provide both protection and a decorative finish.

They can help disguise minor surface imperfections and create a consistent appearance across rendered, masonry or previously coated walls.

Different textures can also be used to retain the traditional character of a property or create a more uniform modern finish.

Professional preparation remains essential to ensure damaged areas and cracks are properly treated before coating.

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6. Waterproof and Water-Repellent Wall Coatings

Water-repellent exterior wall coatings are designed to help protect masonry from driving rain and water penetration.

Some systems form a visible protective coating, while products such as ProPERLA masonry treatments can provide water repellency while retaining the natural appearance of brick, stone or masonry.

These systems can be particularly useful for exposed elevations and properties affected by rainwater penetration.

Because damp can have several causes, the property should always be assessed before deciding whether a waterproofing treatment is appropriate.

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7. Flexible Wall Coatings

Flexible exterior wall coatings are designed to accommodate a degree of movement within the surface and can be particularly useful on properties with previously repaired or weathered render.

They are normally used as part of a complete preparation and coating system rather than simply being applied over existing cracks.

Any structural or significant cracking should always be investigated and repaired before a protective coating is installed.

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8. Thermal and Insulating Coatings

Some specialist exterior coating systems are designed to provide additional thermal benefits alongside weather protection.

The level of performance varies considerably between products, so homeowners should look for independent testing and manufacturer technical data rather than relying solely on marketing claims.

A professional survey can determine whether a specialist thermal coating is appropriate for the property.

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Which Exterior Wall Coating Is Best for My Home?

There is no single wall coating that is best for every property.

The correct system depends on factors including:

• existing render or masonry condition

• cracks and previous repairs

• exposure to wind and driving rain

• damp or water penetration

• existing paint or coating

• desired colour and texture

• property age and construction

• maintenance expectations

A professional survey allows the wall condition to be assessed before the correct preparation and coating system is recommended.

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Why SmartShield Uses Specialist Wall Coating Systems

SmartShield Wallcoating Solutions installs a range of professional exterior coating systems, with Andura forming our primary specialist wall coating range.

Depending on the property and application, we can also specify systems from Wethertex, Plaspertex and ProPERLA.

This allows us to recommend a coating based on the condition and requirements of the property rather than applying the same product to every home.

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Get Expert Advice on Exterior Wall Coatings

If your exterior walls are cracked, weathered, discoloured or require frequent repainting, SmartShield can assess the condition of your property and recommend an appropriate solution.