Can You Paint Silicone Render? A Guide to Painting Silicone Render

Imagine you’ve just moved into a beautiful new home with stunning exterior walls covered in a sleek, modern silicone render paint. This is designed to be durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for homeowners.

But after a few months of exposure to the elements, you notice the render is starting to look dull and faded. What can you do to bring it back to life?

This is where painting silicone render comes in. While many people assume that silicone render cannot be painted, the truth is that you can transform your exterior walls with a fresh coat with the right approach.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of painting silicone renders. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to refresh your exterior walls or a DIY enthusiast eager to take on a new project, read on to learn more!

But before delving into it, let’s know whether you can paint silicone render or not.

Can You Paint Silicone Render?

If you’re considering painting your silicone render, you may be wondering if it’s even possible. The good news is that, yes, you can paint silicone render! However, there are some things you need to know before you get started.

Advantages of Painting Silicone Render

• Refreshes the look of your home and makes it stand out
• Protects the render from further damage caused by weathering
• Allows you to customize the colour and finish to your liking
• Can increase the value of your home

Disadvantages

• It can be more expensive than leaving the render unpainted
• Paint can hide the texture of the render
• Requires maintenance and may need to be repainted periodically

Preparing the Surface for Painting

Before you can paint your silicone render, you must prepare the surface properly. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Clean the surface: Use a pressure washer or a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to clean the surface of the render. This will remove any dirt, grime, or loose material.
2. Allow the surface to dry: Let the surface dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
3. Fill any cracks or holes: Use a silicone-based filler to fill any cracks or holes in the surface of the render. Smooth the surface with a trowel or putty knife and let it dry.
4. Apply a primer: Apply a primer designed for use on silicone render. This will help the paint adhere properly and ensure a smooth finish.

Choosing the Right Paint for Silicone Render in the UK

It’s important to consider the specific weather conditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Types of paint that can be used on silicone render

• Acrylic paint: A popular choice for silicone render in the UK due to its durability and ease of application. It can be used on most types of silicone render.
• Mineral paint: Ideal for older buildings in the UK, where breathability is important to prevent damage to the render.
• Silicone resin paint: A high-quality, weather-resistant paint specifically designed for silicone render in the UK.

Factors to consider when selecting paint

• Durability: Choose a paint that will withstand harsh weather conditions in the UK, including rain, wind, and UV rays.
• Weather resistance: Look for a paint specifically designed for the UK climate, with high waterproofing and weather resistance levels.
• Colour and finish: Consider the style of your home and the surrounding landscape when selecting a colour and finish for your silicone render.

Different paint options available for silicone render

1. Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint: This is specifically designed for the UK climate and provides a smooth, long-lasting finish on exterior walls, including silicone render. It is water-resistant and comes in a range of colours.
2. Dulux Weathershield: This is ideal for use on exterior walls in the UK, including silicone render. It is weather-resistant and comes in a range of colours.
3. Johnstone’s Stormshield Smooth Masonry Paint: This paint is designed for the UK climate and provides a durable, weather-resistant finish on exterior walls, including silicone render. It is available in a range of colours and finishes.

How to Paint Silicone Render Correctly

Silicone render painting requires proper preparation and techniques to achieve a long-lasting and attractive finish. Here are the essential steps to follow:

1. Preparation Steps Before Painting

Before you start painting, ensure the surface is clean, dry and free from debris or contaminants. Here are the preparation steps you need to follow:

• Clean the surface: Use a high-pressure washer, a stiff-bristled brush, and soapy water to remove dirt, algae, or other stains. Allow the surface to dry completely before painting.
• Mask off areas: Use painter’s tape to protect windows, doors, and other areas you don’t want to paint.
• Repair any damage: Use a silicone render patching compound to repair any cracks, holes, or other damage. Allow the compound to dry completely before painting.

2. Tips for Applying Paint to Silicone Render

Here are some tips to ensure that you apply the paint correctly:

• Choose the right tools: Use a roller or sprayer for large areas and a brush for smaller, detailed areas.
• Work in small sections: Work in small sections to ensure that you maintain a wet edge and that the paint doesn’t dry before you finish.
• Apply two coats: Apply two coats of paint, allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second.

3. Techniques for Achieving a Smooth and Even Finish

Here are some techniques to help you achieve a smooth and even finish:

• Feather out edges: To prevent lap marks, feather out the edges of the paint as you work.
• Don’t overwork the paint: Avoid overworking the paint, as it can cause it to peel or crack.
• Work from top to bottom: Always work from top to bottom to prevent drips and ensure a neat finish.

Painting Over Silicone Render

If you want to paint over existing paint on silicone render, here are the steps you need to follow:

How to Paint Over Existing Paint on Silicone Render

• Clean the surface: Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt or debris.
• Sand the surface: Sand the surface lightly to remove any gloss or sheen from the existing paint. It will help the new paint adhere properly.
• Apply a primer: Apply a primer to the surface to ensure that the new paint adheres properly.

What to Do if the Surface is Uneven or Damaged

If the surface is uneven or damaged, here’s what you need to do:

• Repair any damage: Use a silicone render patching compound to repair any cracks, holes, or other damage. Allow the compound to dry completely before painting.
• Apply a textured coating: Apply a textured coating to the surface to even out any imperfections and create a uniform surface for painting.

Weatherproofing with Silicone Render

How painting silicone render can help weatherproof your home

Using weatherproof paint on your silicone render can help protect your home from damage caused by rain, wind, and other harsh weather conditions. Silicone render paint is designed to create a barrier against moisture, preventing it from seeping into the walls and causing structural damage or mould growth.

Importance of weatherproofing for exterior walls

Weatherproofing your home’s exterior walls is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your home’s structure and preventing costly repairs in the future. It can also help improve energy efficiency by reducing drafts and preventing heat loss, saving you money on energy bills.

Tips for maintaining weatherproof paint on silicone render

• Regularly inspect your silicone render for any signs of damage or wear.
• Clean your silicone render at least once a year to remove dirt, grime, and other debris.
• Touch up any areas of the paint that have chipped or faded over time.
• Consider reapplying a new coat of weatherproof paint every 5-10 years, depending on the condition of your silicone render.

Over To You

Transform the look of your home and increase its value with just a simple step: painting your silicone render! Not only does it provide a fresh, updated look, but it also protects your home from weather damage. Sure, there are some downsides, like cost and maintenance, but the benefits outweigh them.

But before you start slapping on some paint, properly prepare the surface. Clean it thoroughly, fill any cracks, let it dry, and apply a primer. When choosing the right paint, consider the weather in your area and the style of your home. And remember, applying paint to silicone render takes some finesse. Work in small sections. Use two coats of paint and feather-out edges to ensure a professional look.

By following these steps, you can transform your home into a stunning masterpiece that will make all your neighbours envious!

ProGuard Exteriors are your local experts for external wall insulation, exterior wall coatings, coloured render systems, and exterior painting for your home.

ProGuard Exteriors are your first choice for quality local workmanship throughout the South East of England.

Call us today on 0800 612 5254 to arrange a free quote or get in touch for more information on how to protect and transform your home!

Silicone Render painting – FAQ’s

Can you paint silicone render?

Yes, you can paint silicone render. However, it’s essential to choose the right type of paint suitable for silicone render and follow the correct preparation and application steps.

What type of paint is best for silicone render?

The best type of paint for silicone render is one that is specifically formulated for this type of surface. You should choose the paint that is water-resistant, weatherproof, and breathable. Acrylic or silicone-based paint is often the best choice for painting silicone render.

Do you need to use a primer before painting silicone render?

Using a primer before painting silicone render is always a good idea. A primer will help the paint adhere better to the surface and provide a more even finish. Make sure to choose a primer that is compatible with both the silicone render and the paint you plan to use.