Any tips on painting external render?

[satans worm]

Have bare render (never painted) on our bungalow, thats been on the house for around 8 months, that we want to paint.
Must admit, we havent actually decided on a colour yet (we have cream windows so need a different colour to the usual cream or white to help contrast the frames), just wondering if any one can give tips on the best way to aproach the painting.
Firstly should we just paint straight on or put some kind of sealer on first? If so any recommendations?
I assume we would then need to put 2 coats, how do people mask the exterior given how long painting 3 coats of paint will take us with a possiblity bad weather inbetween!
Any tips on this and equipment we should use (rollers, spray??)
Thanks

[anonymous-user]

Hi, I had the pebbledash on my house sprayed a few months back. I have added a link to some before and after pics below. Painter sprayed it on a calm day after masking off doors and windows, what falls to the floor is basically dust. Made a huge difference to look of my house. Cost was £500.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[robinhood21]

If you are going to paint it yourself, I would use Dulux Weathershield.
No need to use primer unless the surface is powdery. Thin the first coat with one part water to five parts paint. Two coats should do it and, best to use a roller. If you mask up a section at a time then first coat, give it a couple of hours, then re-coat.

Edited by robinhood21 on Monday 24th August 22:25

[Four Cofffee]

Too late now but you can get a dye you mix with the render so the colour is all the way through the render and can't flake/chip and show through.

[B17NNS]

Quality paint is the key. May cost a bit more but less coats required. Simply roller it on and cut in with a brush (or mask up if you prefer). I recently painted my newly rendered house. Took 3 coats of Dulux Weathersheild, colour was ivory.

No need for a seal or mist coat.