Devon's wet climate murders cheap paint. After years of painting exteriors here, I've seen what lasts and what peels after one winter. Here's the honest guide.
Why Devon Is Different
Annual Rainfall
Exeter: ~850mm per year National average: ~850mm per year
We're average, but...
Rain Distribution
We get rain consistently through the year, not in concentrated periods. Surfaces rarely dry out completely in winter.
Driving Rain
South-westerly storms bring horizontal rain. Your walls don't just get wet - they get battered.
Humidity
Coastal influence means high humidity, slower drying, more opportunity for paint failure.
Masonry Paint
What Works
Breathable silicone masonry paint:
- Sandtex 365
- Dulux Weathershield
These allow moisture to escape from the wall while repelling water ingress. Essential for older Devon properties.
Self-cleaning types:
- Johnstone's Stormshield
- Dulux Weathershield Smooth
The self-cleaning effect means rain washes off dirt rather than staining.
What Fails
Standard vinyl emulsion: Never use interior paint outside, however tempting the price. It'll peel within months.
Non-breathable coatings: On old buildings especially, these trap moisture and accelerate damage.
Cheap "masonry paint": The really budget options lack the resin content for durability. You'll repaint in 2 years instead of 10.
Application Tips
- Apply in dry weather (min 10°C, no rain forecast for 24 hours)
- Two coats minimum
- Don't skimp on coverage (false economy)
- Prime any bare or repaired areas first
- Use masonry stabilising solution on chalky surfaces
Wood Paint
Exterior vs Interior
Never use interior paint on external wood. It lacks:
- UV resistance (fades and chalks)
- Flexibility (cracks when wood moves)
- Moisture resistance (peels when wet)
What Works
Dulux Weathershield Exterior Gloss: Traditional choice. Hard wearing, good adhesion. Needs full prep (sand, prime, undercoat).
Ronseal 10 Year Weatherproof Paint: More forgiving prep requirements. Flexible formula handles wood movement.
Sadolin Superdec: Professional-grade. Expensive but exceptional durability. Worth it for windows and doors.
What Fails
Standard household gloss: Looks great for 6 months, then cracks and peels as the wood moves.
Oil-based on south-facing: In summer, oil paints can become brittle with UV exposure.
Wood Paint Application
- Preparation is 80% of the job
- Remove all loose paint
- Sand to key the surface
- Prime bare wood
- Fill any damage
- Apply in dry conditions
- Two finish coats minimum
Metal Paint
Exterior Metal Needs
Gates, railings, gutters, downpipes - all need paint that handles:
- Moisture constantly
- Temperature expansion
- Rust prevention
What Works
Hammerite Direct to Rust: Forgiving prep requirements. Can paint over sound rust. Available in smooth and hammered finishes.
Dulux Weathershield Metal Paint: Specifically formulated for exterior. Flexible and durable.
Rustins Metal Paint: Professional grade. Needs more prep but lasts well.
What Fails
Standard gloss on bare metal: Rust will come through eventually without proper primer.
Cheap spray paints: Fine for internal touch-ups, useless on exterior metal.
Metal Preparation
Even the best paint fails on poor prep:
- Wire brush to remove loose rust
- Sand to key sound paint
- Degrease if needed
- Prime with metal primer (unless using direct-to-rust)
- Two coats minimum
Specific Scenarios
Render on Old Cob
Use: Breathable limewash or silicate paint Avoid: Any film-forming paint
Old buildings need to breathe. Trapping moisture causes damage far worse than paint failure.
North-Facing Walls
Problem: Slow drying, more algae, more moss. Solution: Treat with fungicide before painting. Consider anti-mould formulations. May need repainting more frequently.
Coastal Properties
Additional challenge: Salt spray. Solution: Marine-grade paints or frequent repaint schedule. Wash down walls annually to remove salt.
Previously Painted (Unknown Paint)
Test: Does water bead or absorb? If beads: Previous paint is non-breathable. Either continue with same or strip completely. If absorbs: You may have limewash or breathable paint. Use compatible products.
Brand Recommendations
Best Overall Masonry Paint
Sandtex 365 Trade: Worth the extra cost. Seriously durable, good coverage, forgiving application.
Best Wood Paint
Dulux Weathershield for general use: Reliable, available everywhere. Sadolin for important features: Windows, front doors - worth the premium.
Best Value
Dulux Weathershield range: Good quality, often on offer, widely available.
Avoid
Really cheap trade paint: Low resin content fails quickly. "Bargain" exterior paint: Usually cheap for a reason.
Preparation Essentials
What to Have Ready
- Sugar soap for cleaning
- Fungicide if any mould present
- Stabilising solution for chalky surfaces
- Filler for cracks and holes
- Primer for bare surfaces
- Masking tape for clean edges
- Dust sheets
- Quality brushes/rollers
Weather Conditions
| Condition | Can You Paint? |
|---|---|
| Dry, 15°C+ | Yes - ideal |
| Dry, 10-15°C | Yes - will dry slower |
| Dry, under 10°C | Risky - may not cure properly |
| Rain due within 4 hours | No |
| Heavy dew expected | Stop early in day |
When to Hire a Professional
DIY is fine for:
- Small areas
- Simple access (no ladders)
- Basic preparation needs
- You're not in a rush
Get help for:
- Whole house exteriors
- Window painting (fiddly, high impact)
- Anything requiring scaffolding
- Tight timescales
- Previous paint failure (need to identify cause)
Need external painting done properly? I paint throughout Exeter - proper prep, quality paint, and work that lasts. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.
