Hi, On a low budget so wondered if anyone could recommend any kind of product which might help my lad cover the surface of this outside wall of his?

To remove all the plaster and have it redone will be expensive so he's hoping to DIY and try and get a decent finish which hides up most of the crass mess made by the people he bought his place from.

Any idea's of any product which he can paint onto this surface which might hold for a year or two?

Thoughts appreciated.

Hi Andrew, new neighbours refurbing their house used silicone rendering instead of traditional rendering. The builders said it was a quicker process, dries quick, and cheaper. I think an excellent result:-D Give it a google there's info and videos.

They also said it can go direct onto pebble dash, but with original rendering the pebble dash needs to be taken off.

Never expected you on the builder question Termi!

Thank you though for this. Would you know if that would suit putting over the top of what is already there as in these pictures because my lad is not keen to spend out having to remove it all first, just wants to paint over what's there and cover the rotten look? He can then consider having it all replaced a couple of years down the line because he has more important things to attend to first.

Run a flat screwdriver in the cracks to open them up a little, then fill with exterior flexible filler or caulk.

I use geocel exterior caulk for cracks up to 5mm wide and toupret filler exterior for bigger patches.

Then prime and finally 2 coats of exterior masonry paint.

Then keep an eye on the cracks, if they reopen slightly (some will inevitably) redo the caulking and painting, this time without running the screwdriver in the cracks.

Thanks King, that's most helpful. Would you recommend any particular masonry paint at all? He just wants to do it white again, but given the messy surface, would it need anything in particular to cover those already badly filled patches of repair?

Many thanks

I use sandtex masonry paint.

For old and new patches use sandtex exterior primer and undercover before painting.

If old patches are flaky use sandtex masonry stabilizing solution first, then primer, then paint.

If old patches are crumbling, remove with chisel and redo with sand/cement mix 4:1.

You can add waterproof to the mortar (not essential) and I heard some people use pva with success (I don't).

Bear in mind that the new paint will be a different shade of white from what it's there because of the weathering effect.

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Read instructions for all products before using them.

Okay, will do - thanks very much, I'll see what we can do, but that's very helpful,

cheers. Instructions will be read too, thanks.

I use sandtex masonry paint.

Other good Masonry Paints are also available

Certainly, but having used sandtex for years without "side effects" I'd rather stick to what I know even if expensive.

I have been told that duly and Johnstone are equally good.

I've also used Sandtex for years King, never had any complaints, over the years I've found myself using a lot of Johnston's paints and would recommend them to anyone.

Used a lot of Farrow & Ball too, not on my own house, far too expensive for me good stuff though.

Never used it on any exterior work.