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Exterior Wall Coatings Types: A Definitive Guide

An Introduction to Exterior Wall Coatings

Exterior wall coatings are an essential solution for maintaining and protecting the façade of your property. Whether you’re looking to refresh the look of your home or improve its resilience to the UK’s unpredictable weather, the right wall coating can offer both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Wall coatings form a protective layer over the exterior walls, defending them against water infiltration, UV rays, and even algae growth. Understanding the different types available can help you make an informed decision tailored to your property’s needs.

Each type of wall coating serves a unique purpose, whether it’s enhancing durability, breathability, or simply adding visual appeal.

Curious about the basics of wall coatings? Check out our in-depth pieces on:

What Are Exterior Wall Coatings?

Different Types of Exterior Wall Coatings

When choosing an exterior wall coating, it's crucial to consider the specific needs of your property. From preventing moisture damage to adding thermal insulation, there’s a wall coating for every requirement.

With so many different wall coating solutions on the market, it's difficult to know which one would be best for your property type so we have tried to simplify the options available.

1 - Acrylic Wall Coatings

Acrylic wall coatings are popular for their versatility and ease of application. Made from a water-based acrylic resin, these coatings are flexible, durable, and available in a wide range of colours and finishes.

Composition: Acrylic resins mixed with various pigments and additives.

Best For: Modern homes, particularly those looking for a cost-effective solution to minor cracks or imperfections. Acrylic coatings can be applied to both smooth and textured surfaces.

Durability: While acrylic coatings are reasonably durable, they may need reapplication after several years, especially in areas exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Acrylic wall coatings are often chosen for their quick drying time and affordability, making them a go-to for homeowners wanting a fast, effective solution.

2 - Silicone Wall Coatings

Silicone wall coatings are known for their superior water-repelling abilities. These coatings allow walls to breathe while preventing external moisture from seeping in, making them an excellent choice for homes in damp or rainy areas.

Composition: Silicone resins combined with hydrophobic additives.

Best For: Older buildings or properties in wet climates. Silicone wall coatings are ideal for structures that require moisture control without sacrificing breathability.

Durability: Long-lasting and low-maintenance, these coatings offer excellent protection against rain and algae growth. They can also retain their colour for many years.

3 - Mineral Wall Coatings

Mineral wall coatings, often composed of silicate or lime, are particularly favoured for their natural composition and environmental friendliness. They bond chemically with the surface, creating a highly durable and breathable finish.

Composition: Silicate-based or lime-based, using natural minerals.

Best For: Heritage buildings or properties constructed with traditional materials like stone or brick. Mineral coatings allow moisture to escape while providing a durable shield against weathering.

Durability: These coatings are highly durable and resistant to cracking. They are perfect for long-term protection, especially on historic or older buildings that need to maintain structural breathability.

Mineral coatings are eco-friendly and can last for decades with proper maintenance.

4 - Elastomeric Wall Coatings

Elastomeric wall coatings are designed for superior flexibility. They can stretch and contract with changes in temperature, making them particularly effective for surfaces prone to cracking.

Composition: A flexible resin-based formula that allows for stretching and flexibility.

Best For: Properties in regions with fluctuating temperatures or buildings with surface cracks. Elastomeric coatings can fill and hide cracks up to a certain width, protecting the structure from further damage.

Durability: Highly durable and weather-resistant, elastomeric coatings provide a thick protective layer that lasts for many years, especially in climates with frequent temperature changes.

For an in-depth look at how wall coatings are applied, visit our wall coatings process page.

5 - Polyurethane Wall Coatings

Polyurethane wall coatings are best known for their toughness and durability, making them a prime choice for high-traffic areas or properties exposed to industrial conditions. While not the most common choice for residential homes, polyurethane coatings excel in protecting walls from wear and tear, as well as chemical exposure.

Composition: A synthetic polymer blend, polyurethane coatings are highly resilient and can resist extreme conditions, including UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and impact.

Best For: Commercial or industrial buildings where robust protection is necessary. Also suitable for residential properties that face particularly harsh environmental conditions or require extra durability.

Durability: Polyurethane coatings are extremely long-lasting, often outlasting other types in harsh environments. They resist fading, cracking, and peeling, making them an excellent long-term investment for buildings in need of heavy-duty protection.

6 - Lime-Based Wall Coatings

Lime-based wall coatings have been used for centuries, prized for their breathability and environmental sustainability. These coatings are made from natural lime and provide a breathable solution that allows moisture to escape from the wall, preventing dampness and mildew buildup. This makes them particularly suitable for older properties or those built using traditional construction methods.

Composition: Lime, water, and mineral pigments create a natural, eco-friendly coating that integrates well with older or heritage properties.

Best For: Historic homes, cottages, and properties where the natural aesthetic needs to be preserved. Lime-based coatings are also ideal for areas where walls need to release trapped moisture to avoid damp issues.

Durability: Though durable, lime-based coatings may require regular maintenance, particularly in harsh climates. However, they can last for many years when applied correctly, making them a preferred choice for conservation projects.

Lime-based coatings also have a distinctive matte finish that many homeowners appreciate for its understated elegance.

7 - ProPERLA Hydrophobic Coatings

ProPERLA is a specialist in hydrophobic coatings, designed to keep exterior walls dry by repelling water while allowing walls to breathe. This advanced technology provides excellent protection against moisture, which can be especially beneficial in the UK's wet climate.

ProPERLA coatings also improve thermal performance by reducing heat loss, making them an energy-efficient choice.

Composition: Advanced hydrophobic compounds that create a barrier against water without affecting the breathability of the wall.

Best For: Properties in high rainfall areas or those near bodies of water where water ingress is a significant concern. ProPERLA is ideal for homeowners looking to protect against damp and mould while also improving energy efficiency.

Durability: These coatings are highly durable, with an expected lifespan of 15–20 years. ProPERLA coatings are UV stable, meaning they won't degrade or fade with sun exposure.

We have been using ProPERLA coatings for a number of years and can highly recommend them.

8 - Wethertex Masonry Coatings

Wethertex offers premium masonry coatings that combine aesthetics with long-lasting durability. Designed to withstand the UK's ever-changing weather conditions, Wethertex coatings provide robust protection against rain, wind, and frost. These coatings are available in a range of colours and textures, allowing you to achieve the perfect look for your home while ensuring maximum protection.

Composition: High-performance resin technology, specially formulated to bond with masonry substrates, creating a flexible and weatherproof layer.

Best For: Modern or traditional homes seeking a highly durable, weather-resistant coating that requires minimal maintenance. Wethertex coatings are suitable for any type of masonry, including brick, render, and stone.

Durability: These coatings can last up to 20 years with minimal upkeep. Wethertex is particularly noted for its resistance to cracking and fading, even in extreme weather conditions.

For more detailed information on the benefits of using these coatings, you can read our article on

the benefits of wall coatings.

We have been also using Wethertex coatings for a number of years and can highly recommend them too. Wethertex are by far the most popular and preferred coatings solution chosen by our clients.

Choosing the Right Coating for Your Property

Now that we’ve explored various types of exterior wall coatings, it’s time to consider how to make the best choice for your specific property. The decision should take into account several factors beyond just aesthetics, such as the type of wall surface, climate, and maintenance needs. Let’s dive deeper into how you can select the perfect exterior wall coating.

Key Factors to Consider:

1. Wall Material

Brick: If your home has brick walls, options like Acrylic or Elastomeric coatings are a great fit. Both provide flexibility, filling small cracks and gaps that may naturally occur over time.

Render: For rendered walls, consider Silicone or ProPERLA coatings, which offer moisture resistance and breathability—ideal for preventing damp.

Stone: Mineral wall coatings are particularly suitable for stone or older heritage properties, as they offer breathability and enhance the natural appearance of the stone.

2. Weather Conditions

Rainy Climates: Homes in areas prone to high rainfall will benefit from Silicone or ProPERLA Hydrophobic Coatings. Their water-repellent properties help keep the walls dry and free from damp.

High UV Exposure: If your property is exposed to a lot of sunlight, Polyurethane or Wethertex coatings are great for maintaining colour and protection, as they are UV stable and resist fading.

3. Cracking and Imperfections

Properties with Surface Cracks: Elastomeric coatings are designed to stretch and contract with the wall surface, making them ideal for homes prone to cracking due to temperature fluctuations.

Older Properties: Lime-based wall coatings offer an excellent choice for older or listed properties. These coatings work well on breathable, natural walls where traditional methods need to be preserved.

Maintenance and Longevity of Exterior Wall Coatings

Once you’ve chosen the right exterior wall coating, it’s essential to think about its maintenance and how long it will last. Different coatings have varying lifespans, but a well-applied wall coating can drastically reduce future maintenance needs.

Tips for Maintaining Your Wall Coating:

Regular Cleaning: Depending on the location, external walls can collect dust, algae, or moss. Using a gentle power wash once or twice a year can help maintain the cleanliness of your exterior walls, especially with ProPERLA or silicone coatings, which naturally repel water and dirt.

Inspect for Damage: Check your walls every year for any signs of wear or damage, particularly after winter months. While most coatings are designed to be durable, catching small cracks or chips early can prevent larger issues down the line.

Reapplication: Some coatings, like Acrylic, may require reapplication after several years, depending on exposure to extreme weather. However, premium coatings like Wethertex or Elastomeric typically last up to 20 years with minimal maintenance.

“By investing in the right wall coating, property owners can reduce the need for frequent repainting and repairs, while boosting their home’s overall durability and aesthetic."

Conclusion

Exterior wall coatings offer an unparalleled way to protect, beautify, and extend the life of your home’s exterior. From modern acrylic solutions to advanced hydrophobic and flexible elastomeric coatings, there’s a wide range of choices available to suit every type of property.

For modern homes, look to Acrylic or Wethertex coatings for a versatile, cost-effective solution.

For historic or heritage properties, breathe life into your walls with Lime-based or Mineral coatings.

For properties in damp climates, invest in Silicone or ProPERLA Hydrophobic Coatings to keep your home dry and free from damp issues.

For high-stress environments, choose Polyurethane or Elastomeric coatings for heavy-duty protection against cracking and wear.

By selecting the right coating, you not only preserve the structural integrity of your property but also ensure its visual appeal for years to come. Whether you need a flexible solution to protect against cracks or an eco-friendly option to maintain breathability, there’s an exterior wall coating tailored to your needs.