How to Decorate Coastal Properties

September 6th, 2024

Living by the sea is a dream for most people, but with properties subjected to harsher weather conditions, it can be difficult to find an exterior finish that looks great and also offers year-round protection. Here are some top tips to help you redecorate coastal properties!

Preparation:

Preparation is the key for coastal properties, as they are more likely to be exposed to erosion, damp and rust. Properties that directly face the coast without any protection from hills or other properties are more likely to be subjected to harsh weather conditions and property damage. Ocean spray, storms, ultraviolet damage from the sun, are all elements that can affect a building’s substrate and paintwork. Properties will also have salts deposited on their surface, which will need to be thoroughly washed off. This is especially important for ferrous metals as the salts can draw moisture through the coatings, causing corrosion. If your property has substantial damage, consult an expert for guidance.

Cracks and loose render can also cause damage and allow excess water to penetrate the building causing damp and mould growth. There are a range of render repair products available from brands such as Toupret and Prestonett that will be able to fix the damage caused. To remove mould, use a suitable fungicidal wash prior to painting and make sure it has been washed off and fully dried before painting. 

Ensure any essential timber repairs are carried out and suitably primed. For metalwork, remove all loose paintwork and strip any existing paint coatings. Dig out any badly rusted metal, de-grease and fill and repair if necessary. Bradite and Rust-Oleum are reliable brands you’ll find in-store for treatment, preservation and painting of metal. Always choose a good quality primer, unless you’re choosing a product that can be safely applied directly to the base substrate.  For example, Mathys Noxyde can be applied to new or bare steel; it’s an elastic coating with excellent anti-corrosive and water-resistant properties, and won’t flake because it flexes with the expansion and contraction of underlying metalwork.

Photos courtesy of Repair Care.

Painting:

Coastal areas tend to be harsher environments, so you will need a finish with specialist qualities. For masonry paint, the starting point would be any good quality masonry paint, moving up to a Pliolite based product or a waterproofing masonry such as Mathys Murfill Waterproofing for extra protection. While some standard trade paints will be up to the task when painting property exteriors in a seaside location, it’s worth the extra investment in sourcing specialist paints and surface coatings. These will have been formulated to do a very specific job and withstand tougher climates for longer.

Not every surface is suited to waterproofing; some building materials, and indeed parts of the building, are designed to be porous and breathable. 

Speak to one of our specialist coatings experts to help you find the right products and application for your property on 01323 576101.