1.Most exterior wall paints will fill hairline cracks when sprayed on. Rake out and fill larger cracks and holes with mortar or exterior-grade filler.

2.The paint will not adhere properly to a dusty, crumbly surface. Go over areas like these with a stiff brush to remove dirt and any loose material.

3.Where old paint has begun to crack and flake off, use a scraper to remove it from affected areas of the wall. Prime bare areas with paint before spraying.

4.Look out for green spots, which are a sign of mould growth. To prevent any further outbreaks, brush on a solution of bleach or apply a pro prietaiy fungicide.

MASKING OFF

1.Masking off takes some time, but it’s essential that you do it properly. Cover drain pipes with newspapers, working from the bottom up.

2.For larger areas such as windows it’s easier to use larger sheets. Tape all edges and joins carefully for the best results.

3.To prevent the spray from falling over surrounding areas, it’s a good idea to protect the ground at the bottom of the wall with dust sheets.

Article written and provided by Joshua, webmaster of plumbing training and how to become a plumber.