How to Repaint Pebbledash
Pebbledash covers millions of inter-war and post-war British homes, and repainting it restores decades of kerb appeal in a weekend or two. The irregular texture eats paint and defeats spray application, so the trick is the right roller, enough material, and a patient two-coat approach.
Inspect for loose stones and hollow render
Walk the perimeter tapping the render with a plastic-handled screwdriver. Hollow sounds indicate debonded render that must be hacked off and repaired before painting. Brush loose stones off with a stiff bristle brush - anything that lifts easily will come off in the paint and leave bald patches.
Wash down with fungicidal wash
Apply a biocidal wash (HG Algae & Mould Remover, Thompson's Mould & Mildew) with a garden sprayer. Leave overnight to kill black spot and green algae, then scrub with a long-handled brush and rinse with a low-pressure jetwash (under 100 bar) held 500mm from the wall. Allow 48 hours to dry.
Apply a stabilising solution to chalky areas
Old pebbledash often has a powdery surface from decades of weathering. Brush a stabilising primer (Sandtex Stabilising Solution, Dulux Trade Weathershield Stabilising Primer) into every affected area - it binds loose particles and dramatically improves topcoat adhesion.
Apply two coats of textured masonry paint
Use a premium smooth or textured masonry paint (Sandtex Ultra Smooth, Dulux Weathershield, Johnstone's Stormshield). Spraying is ineffective on the irregular texture - use a long-pile (20mm) roller and a 4-inch brush to push paint into every crevice. Expect 25-40% more coverage consumption than a flat wall; two coats is non-negotiable.
Touch in bell-cast beads and trim
Once the wall is dry, cut into render stop beads, window reveals, and the DPC line with a 50mm brush. Keep paint above the DPC - bridging it causes trapped moisture and blown render. Date and store leftover paint for touch-ups; exterior masonry paint lasts 5+ years in a sealed tub.
Put it into practice!
Use our simulator to apply these tips directly on your project photos.