HOW TO... FIND TYPE THE OF PAINT RIGHT

Choosing the best paint for the look you want is an art

LIMEWASH One of the most beautiful finishes for external walls is limewash, which is made from lime and water, and comes in a range of pastel shades. It’s ideal for porous surfaces such as brick, stone, plaster or roughcast, and needs renewing about every five years.

MASONRY PAINT Great for refreshing render, this comes in a good range of colours. Opt for a textured finish if you need to disguise surface cracks. The downside is that this paint is not breathable in the way that limewash is, although manufacturers are working to make it a more environmentally friendly option.

EXTERIOR WOODWORK There is a wide range of paint available, with most manufacturers producing a wood gloss or eggshell suitable for exterior use. Make sure you prep the wood properly first with an appropriate primer to ensure a professional-looking result.

METAL PAINT This is a hard-wearing product as it’s used to protect railings, gates, guttering and furniture. Exterior eggshells are often suitable, but the sheen of a gloss finish can look smarter. Metal usually requires priming first, but some brands, such as Hammerite, can be applied directly to the surface.