How to Paint Exterior Woodwork & Metal

1. Choose the Right Conditions

We recommend painting exterior surfaces in dry, settled weather, ideally between April and September.

Avoid painting in rain, frost or extreme temperatures. The surface must be completely dry, and each coat needs sufficient time to dry before the next is applied.

For best results, work when the temperature is between 10°C and 30°C. Avoid painting in strong, direct sunlight, which can cause the paint to dry too quickly.

2. Clean & Prepare the Surface

Before painting, ensure the surface is clean, dry, sound and free from grease, dust and loose material.

Thoroughly sand existing coatings to provide a suitable surface for the new paint. Remove any unstable or incompatible coatings completely by sanding or stripping.

Fill holes and imperfections in woodwork with a suitable exterior filler. Allow it to dry, sand smooth and remove all dust before priming.

3. Prime Exterior Woodwork

All bare wood should be primed with our Water-Based Wood Primer.

Treat any bleeding knots in accordance with the primer instructions before coating the entire surface. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly, then lightly sand and remove all dust.

Apply at least two coats of Water-Based Eggshell or Gloss, lightly sanding between coats where recommended.

Previously painted woodwork should be thoroughly cleaned and sanded. Prime any exposed bare wood or other areas that require it before applying the topcoats.

4. Prime Exterior Metalwork

Metal surfaces require preparation and priming appropriate to the type of metal and its existing coating.

For unprimed iron or steel, remove corrosion thoroughly before applying a suitable rust-protection primer. Allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Factory-primed ferrous metal without corrosion should be cleaned and sanded before painting. Follow the relevant technical data sheet to confirm whether additional priming or a diluted first coat is required.

Please note: Our existing guidance states that this paint system is not suitable for galvanised steel or non-ferrous metals. Check substrate compatibility before starting.

5. Apply Your Paint

Stir the paint thoroughly and check that you have the correct colour and finish before beginning.

Apply evenly using a suitable brush or fine-pored, short-pile roller. On woodwork, lay off in the direction of the grain for a smooth finish.

Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before lightly sanding, where appropriate, and removing dust. Apply the next coat only when the surface is ready.

Our Water-Based Eggshell and Gloss may also be suitable for spray application. Consult the relevant technical data sheets  for thinning and spraying instructions.

6. Allow Sufficient Drying Time

Under suitable conditions, the original guidance gives the following approximate drying times:

Touch dry after 2 hours

Recoatable after 6 hours

Low temperatures, high humidity and overly thick coats can significantly extend drying times.

Protect freshly painted surfaces from rain, dust and damage while drying, and avoid handling them unnecessarily until the finish has hardened sufficiently.

Always follow the current technical data sheet for the specific finish you’re using.