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External Wall Painting vs Wall Coating

Updated: Oct 21, 2022

Understanding the Difference Between Coating and Painting


External Wall Painting vs Wall Coating

Every homeowner knows the importance of protecting a home from the elements and maintaining its appearance. Two ways to do this are External Wall Painting and Wall Coating.


One common question we get asked is, "What's the difference between painting and coating? Aren't they just two sides of the same coin?".


The simple answer is no. They are not. Although both involve the application of a product to a surface, there are vital distinctions that set them apart. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to understand the difference before deciding which one to use.


If you are wondering whether to apply wall coating or paint to the exterior of your property, you're in the right place. Here, you can learn about the crucial differences between external wall coatings and wall paints and determine which one will be the best option for you.


External Wall Painting vs Wall Coating


  • Application

  • Weather Resistance

  • Longevity

  • Environmental Friendliness


1. External Wall Painting


It doesn't look like much from the viewpoint of someone who hasn't been trained in it, but there are a lot of significant differences between paint and wall coatings.


Both coloured products give visual delight to a home's exterior, and the differences between wall and paint become pretty clear with further scrutiny.


Paint is a decorative medium used for centuries to improve the look of various surfaces. It can be applied using numerous application techniques, and it can be used to create a wide range of effects.


Generally speaking, the main benefit of painting is to enhance the appearance of a surface.


2. External Wall Coating - What is it?


What paint can't do is where coating, or if you prefer painting with a purpose, comes into play. The term "wall coating" is pretty much self-explanatory to most people.


It is a process whereby a professional contractor coats the outside of a building with an exterior coating material. There is a wide range of exterior wall coatings available.


They come in different colours, textures, and different features. But, broadly speaking, they all have two primary purposes. The first one is to improve the walls' performance.


This can be done by making the wall more resistant to harsh weather. The second one is to enhance the look of the wall. This can be done by adding texture or changing the colour of the wall.


3. Wall Painting vs Wall Coating - The Key Differences


Here is a breakdown of the critical differences between Wall Painting and Coating to help you make the best decision for your home.


Wall Painting vs Wall Coating - Covering

Exterior wall coatings are much thicker than paints, so they can better hide whatever is beneath them.


Even the most substantial outdoor paints are still relatively thin, meaning they don't entirely hide whatever is beneath them.


For example, if you're attempting to cover up torn walls or uneven indoor stonework, the paint will colour over the damage, but the damage will still be visible through the paint. In contrast, an exterior wall coating would provide a smooth, uniform finish.


Wall Painting vs Wall Coating - Application

Another dissimilarity between these two products lies in how they're applied. Paint requires brushes and rollers, which can be bothersome for uneven surfaces.


Whether it's slate or brick, it can be challenging to ensure paint fills in every crevice of the surface's texture.


With a wall coating spray, the surface area can have full coverage in no time. The coating produces long-lasting results and sticks quite well to most surfaces, so there is little prep work involved.


Wall Painting vs Wall Coating - Weather Resistance

When comparing Wall painting vs Wall Coating, the weather resistance is definitely worth mentioning. Overall, paint is all about aesthetics.


Although certain products have been created particularly for outdoor use and are more resistant, these only provide some protection from the weather.


On the other hand, exterior wall coating products like CorkSol Spray Cork are waterproof to prevent any unsighted wall or base damage. Wall coverings are watertight, preventing wetness from getting through them or worn-down pointing.

Wall Painting vs Wall Coating - Longevity

Paint can't match the longevity of exterior wall coatings in terms of both visual appeal and longevity. To keep your paint job looking fresh, you'll have to repaint the exterior walls every 2 to 3 years.


Most outer protective coatings come with a warranty of a minimum of ten years. You don't need to worry about maintaining or repainting your walls; a deviation from their aesthetics is unlikely.

Wall Painting vs Wall Coating - Environmental Friendliness

We mustn't forget the environment when sorting out our needed paints. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are abundant in many paint products.


Once the paint is opened and utilized, the VOCs are released into the air, contributing to ozone or smog. In contrast, natural wall covering like CorkSol Spray Cork is far more environmentally friendly, as it regrows after being utilized in the trees it comes from.


4. Wall Painting vs Wall Coating - The Key Takeaways


Exterior Wall Painting can undoubtedly improve the appearance of your home in the short term, but protecting it for many years will require a more durable covering.


Painting is a practical, short-term beautification property procedure, while coating brings additional benefits. An exterior wall painting cannot compare to wall coating in terms of durability, colour fastness, resistance to weather and overall endurance.



Ultimately, whether you choose to paint or coat the walls of your place or commercial property's exterior, you must make a choice yourself. That said, considering everything that wall coating offers, the choice is obvious!




 

Do you need help?


Let us know if you're still unsure where to go from here. Take the first step and get in touch with Veramut Ltd - your local exterior home renovation contractor serving Dorset. We would love to help.


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