HELP: Snowcem Exterior breathable paint for lime rendered cottage?

ukamber1

Hi,

Please could one of the many experts on these forums very kindly have a quick look at this paint and tell me if its suitable for use as a exterior paint on lime plastered/rendered, 300 yr old cottage. I've read that the paint needs to be breathable but sadly my knowledge stops there. Any help would be appreciated.

https://www.northernpaintsandcoatings.co.uk/product/snowcem-super-white-25kg-bag-copy-copy/

I've never heard of this brand. Would this do the job?

Many thank for any help

SG27

It maybe ok I don't know.

But why not just use limewash? Its the right stuff for painting lime render. Ive found Mike Wye to be a pretty good supplier Ive used them several times just google them.

Also try the forum on http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/index.php there some very experienced people there

ukamber1

SG27 wrote: »

It maybe ok I don't know.

But why not just use limewash? Its the right stuff for painting lime render. Ive found Mike Wye to be a pretty good supplier Ive used them several times just google them.

Also try the forum on http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/forum/index.php there some very experienced people there

Thank you SG27....I've not purchased this before so still learning!;)

The paint is going over pre-painted walls (done by a previous owner) and wasnt sure if "limewash" was something you normally use to directly go on brickwork or plaster? I've also read limewash needs regular maintenance (every 2 or 3 years) so was hoping for a longer term solution?

thank you again

FreeBear

http://www.northernpaintsandcoatings.co.uk/snowcem-the-best-exterior-paint-available/ - According to the headline blurb, it is a "breathable, non polymer, cement based paint". There doesn't appear to be an MSDS sheet available, and based on the minimal info available, I'd avoid it.

Whilst lime wash does indeed need reapplying every 3-5 years, it is dirt cheap (if you mix your own) and keeps very well. Get yourself a tub of lime putty, water it down to the consistency of cream, and apply it in thin coats. Lime wash can be used on interiors or externally. On brick, render, or plaster - Just remember to give the surface a good soaking before you start.

For longer lasting coatings, you could have a look at silicate based paints - Be warned, they are expensive.

Do you know what the previous owner used to paint the walls with ?
If it was done with something like Sandtex or another modern paint, you'll probably have to strip it off.

ukamber1

FreeBear wrote: »

http://www.northernpaintsandcoatings.co.uk/snowcem-the-best-exterior-paint-available/ - According to the headline blurb, it is a "breathable, non polymer, cement based paint". There doesn't appear to be an MSDS sheet available, and based on the minimal info available, I'd avoid it.

Whilst lime wash does indeed need reapplying every 3-5 years, it is dirt cheap (if you mix your own) and keeps very well. Get yourself a tub of lime putty, water it down to the consistency of cream, and apply it in thin coats. Lime wash can be used on interiors or externally. On brick, render, or plaster - Just remember to give the surface a good soaking before you start.

For longer lasting coatings, you could have a look at silicate based paints - Be warned, they are expensive.

Do you know what the previous owner used to paint the walls with ?
If it was done with something like Sandtex or another modern paint, you'll probably have to strip it off.

Thanks FreeBear.....appreciate your reply.

It looks like the previous owner used Farrow & Ball water based exterior masonry paint. I'm not 100% sure but found a matching paint pot under the stairs so just a guess...It looks like the paint has been on a very long time and is still in very good condition...no bubbling or flaking and because of this would be very difficult to remove as I would almost have to chip away at the lime plaster to have any chance of removing it.....so I'm looking for something that durable/breathable/long lasting that can be applied directly over the paint already in place.

Could you recommend any silicate based paints that could be applied directly over the top?

Would something like this work? They seem to suggest it can be painted over old paint if the original paint is well bonded?

http://www.limestuff.co.uk/breathable-paints-limewash/mapei-silancolor-exterior-paint/

thank you again

TamsinC

FreeBear wrote: »

http://www.northernpaintsandcoatings.co.uk/snowcem-the-best-exterior-paint-available/ - According to the headline blurb, it is a "breathable, non polymer, cement based paint". There doesn't appear to be an MSDS sheet available, and based on the minimal info available, I'd avoid it.

This ^^^^^^^ completely

ukamber1

Thanks again for those who commented above and sorry for all the questions...

I've found 2 possible options and both seem to say they can be applied directly over pre-painted surfaces and are suitable for exterior lime plastered walls. They seem expensive (£160+) depending on size of pot but if they last for 15-20years it will be worth it.

Has anyone had any experience with either of these or know if they are suitable to do the job?

https://www.keim.com/en-gb/mineral-products/keim-exterior-paints/soldalit/

With this used as a primer
https://www.keimpaintshop.co.uk/shop/view/31-Soldalit-Grob/381-Soldalit-Grob

OR

http://www.limestuff.co.uk/breathable-paints-limewash/mapei-silancolor-exterior-paint/

With this used as a prmier
http://www.limestuff.co.uk/additives-primers-sealers/mapei-silancolor-primer/


Again....thank you for any help!

FreeBear

ukamber1 wrote: »

Has anyone had any experience with either of these or know if they are suitable to do the job?

https://www.keim.com/en-gb/mineral-products/keim-exterior-paints/soldalit/

I had in mind http://www.limestuff.co.uk/paints-limewash/earthborn-eco-pro-silicate-paint/ when mentioning silicate paints. The Keim stuff looks to be very similar. Still very expensive when compared to £12-£15 for a tub of lime putty.

I've not used any of the above products, so can't comment on suitability or durability. Have a chat with the guys over at Mike Wye and see what they recommend.

Apodemus

I’d add another vote for making your own limewash. I can do my place twice for a £17 bag of hydrated lime. I add a splash of linseed oil to the mix as it makes the resulting whitewash less dusty and smells great! Buy horse grade linseed oil and it’s even VAT-free!

ukamber1

Apodemus wrote: »

I’d add another vote for making your own limewash. I can do my place twice for a £17 bag of hydrated lime. I add a splash of linseed oil to the mix as it makes the resulting whitewash less dusty and smells great! Buy horse grade linseed oil and it’s even VAT-free!

thanks Apodemus....only issue is can limewash be applied directly onto a water based exterior masonry paint? I know very little about these things but thought limewash needed to go directly onto a bare wall or over a coating that was a similar product.

Apodemus

I’ve had good outcomes applying it over all manner of things but you won’t get the advantages of breathability if the underlying layers are not, themselves, breathable.