The Complete Exterior Paint Guide UK: Interiors & Finishes Too

## Introduction Choosing the right paint for your home—whether tackling an exterior refresh or transforming interior walls—can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive exterior paint guide UK covers everything from weatherproof coatings for your façade to selecting the perfect finish for your living room, plus wallpaper options when paint won't do. We've worked with decorators across the country to bring you practical, actionable advice that works in British conditions. ## Key Takeaways Exterior masonry paint costs £15-£45 per litre; budget £600-£1,800 for a typical three-bed semi including labour Matt finishes hide imperfections but mark easily; eggshell offers the best balance for high-traffic areas Premium brands like Farrow & Ball (£95/2.5L) deliver superior coverage and longevity compared to budget options (£15-£25/2.5L) Always use the correct wallpaper paste for your paper type—vinyl requires fungicidal adhesive Painting over wallpaper rarely works well; proper removal saves headaches later ## Choosing Exterior Paint: What Works in UK Weather Britain's damp, changeable climate demands specific exterior coatings. Your standard interior emulsion simply won't survive a Manchester winter or a coastal Sussex gale. Masonry paint remains the gold standard for rendered or brick exteriors. Look for products meeting BS EN 1062 standards, which classify coatings by water permeability and vapour resistance. We recommend breathable formulations (Class III water permeability) that