What is the Difference Between Exterior Wall Coating and Painting?
- Veramut
- Sep 26
- 6 min read
How Wall Coatings Differ from Traditional Paint
As the weather turns wetter and colder, most homeowners start thinking about how to shield their property from the elements. Rain, wind, frost, and ice all take their effect, and if your home isn’t properly protected, problems like damp patches, heat loss, or even weakened walls can arise.
While painting is the traditional way to give walls a revamp, exterior wall coating has become increasingly popular for its strength and longevity. Many of our clients often ask about the difference between exterior wall coating and painting, so we decided to write this article to share our knowledge and experience, helping you understand the options and make the best choice for your home.
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What is the Difference Between Exterior Wall Coating and Painting? Article Outline:
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What is Exterior Wall Coating?
Exterior wall coating is a specialist protective system designed to safeguard your home far beyond just enhancing its appearance. Unlike traditional paint, which sits on the surface, high-quality coatings penetrate deep into the wall material, forming a super hydrophobic layer. This means that rainwater beads up and runs off the walls instead of being absorbed, protecting the structure from damp, frost, and long-term weathering.
One of the leading options available is spray cork, a breathable, advanced coating that allows moisture vapour inside the property to escape while keeping water out. Spray cork can be applied as a neutral finish, preserving the natural look of brick, sandstone, or stone, or as a coloured coating for a modern, uniform façade.
Its self-cleaning properties and UV resistance ensure that walls stay cleaner for longer, while also maintaining their colour and appearance over time. With professional application, spray cork offers protection that can last up to 25 years, reducing maintenance and safeguarding your coastal property against the harshest weather conditions.
Just as walls benefit from protective coatings, your roof can also be shielded with a specialist waterproof coating. Roof coatings like spray cork or silicone create a barrier that is both wind and watertight. This protects tiles from frost, prolonged moisture exposure, UV damage, and other environmental factors.
The application process for roofs is similar to walls: the surface is cleaned of moss, algae, debris, and any loose or damaged tiles are repaired or replaced. Then the coating is sprayed on using professional equipment for even coverage. The process contributes to energy efficiency, prevents damp from penetrating the home, and keeps the roof looking fresh and well-maintained for years.
How Exterior Wall Coating Works
The principle is simple: by preventing water from entering the walls, coatings also reduce heat loss. Just 5% moisture content in a brick can lower insulation performance by up to 50%. A coated wall remains dry, keeping the home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
This not only improves comfort but can also cut heating bills. Damp walls act like a bridge for heat to escape; by blocking absorption, coatings help energy efficiency without trapping air inside.
The Process of Applying a Wall Coating
Unlike painting, which often involves only light preparation, coating is a thorough process. A professional property renovation team will:
Repair cracks, render issues, and loose bricks.
Remove old flaky paint or debris.
Pressure-clean the surface to eliminate dirt, moss, and pollutants.
Apply the coating with specialist spraying equipment, usually in one or two coats.
The result is an even, protective finish that doesn’t just decorate but fortifies the structure.
What is Exterior Wall Painting?
Painting is the familiar, traditional approach for maintaining and refreshing a home’s exterior. It can quickly improve kerb appeal, brighten tired walls, and provide a wide range of colours and finishes, allowing homeowners to personalise the look of their property. At first glance, it seems like a straightforward and cost-effective solution.
However, the reality is that painting does relatively little when it comes to long-term protection. Standard exterior paints sit on the surface, forming only a thin decorative layer. They do not penetrate the wall material, which means porous bricks and mineral surfaces remain vulnerable to rain, frost, and damp.
Over time, water can seep in behind the paint, causing peeling, cracking, and discolouration. Paint also provides minimal resistance to temperature changes. During hot summers, it can fade and blister; in cold winters, it can become brittle and flake.
Typically, painted walls require significant maintenance every five to seven years, including scraping, repainting, and sometimes even repairing underlying damage. Essentially, while paint may improve appearance temporarily, it offers very limited long-term protection, and repeated upkeep can become both costly and time-consuming.
Difference Between Exterior Wall Coating and Painting
From our experience, many homeowners are not aware of the difference between exterior wall coating and paint and assume they are quite similar. As you have already noticed, by reading this article, wall coating and painting serve very different purposes. Painting is a familiar option and can give walls a fresh look, but it only provides a thin surface layer that fades or peels over time.
Exterior wall coatings, on the other hand, are designed to protect the structure itself, repel water, resist UV damage, and keep walls dry for many years. Understanding this distinction helps homeowners choose the solution that best suits their property, budget, and long-term maintenance goals.
Durability
Traditional paint usually lasts around 5 to 7 years before showing signs of wear such as peeling, cracking, or fading. In contrast, high-quality exterior wall coatings can last up to 25 years. This longevity means coatings provide lasting protection without the frequent reapplications that painting demands.
Weather Protection
Paint provides only a superficial barrier. Exposure to heavy rain, frost, UV rays, and wind gradually wears it down, leaving walls vulnerable to damp and temperature-related damage. Exterior wall coatings, on the other hand, form a protective layer that repels water, resists UV damage, and shields the underlying walls from extreme weather conditions. This makes coatings especially valuable in climates prone to heavy rainfall or cold winters.
Energy Efficiency
One often overlooked aspect of the difference between exterior wall coating and painting is insulation. Paint does little to prevent heat loss, as moisture can easily penetrate the walls. Coatings help maintain dry walls, which can significantly reduce energy loss. Studies show that damp walls can lower insulation efficiency, so keeping walls dry with a proper coating helps retain warmth and reduce heating bills. [1]
Maintenance
Painted surfaces require regular upkeep, including touch-ups, scraping off peeling areas, and sometimes even repairing damaged substrates. In contrast, exterior wall coatings are self-cleaning and low-maintenance. They resist dirt, moss, and algae growth, keeping your home looking fresh for years without constant intervention.
Cost
Painting is generally cheaper upfront, making it attractive for quick aesthetic updates. However, when factoring in the need for frequent repainting and repair, paint can become a more expensive option over time. Property coatings require a higher initial investment but provide long-term savings by reducing maintenance and energy costs.
What is the Difference Between Exterior Wall Coating and Painting? Summary.
The difference between exterior wall coating and painting comes down to durability, performance, and long-term cost. Paint is versatile, affordable, and good for quick updates. Coatings, while more expensive upfront, provide unrivalled protection, long lifespan, and lower maintenance.
When choosing between exterior wall coating vs. painting, think about how long you plan to stay in your home, the local climate, and how much maintenance you are prepared to do. With the right decision, your property will not only look good but also stand strong against the elements for years to come.
If you’re still hesitating or unsure which option is right for your home, get in touch with Veramut Ltd today. Our experienced team will happily share advice, explain the choices, and provide a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your property. Taking the next step could save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.
FAQs
Q1: Is wall coating just thick paint?
No, it’s a specially formulated product designed to bond with wall materials, making them waterproof and resistant, while remaining breathable.
Q2: Can I apply the coating myself?
It’s not recommended. Proper surface preparation and professional spray equipment are essential to ensure even coverage and long-lasting performance. DIY applications often fail to provide the full benefits.
Q3: Will exterior wall coating improve my home’s energy efficiency?
Innovative wall coatings (like silicone or cork) help keep walls dry, which reduces heat loss and keeps homes warmer in winter.
Q4: Do extreior wall coatings prevent mould and algae growth?
Modern exterior wall coatings are designed with advanced technology that helps protect against organic growth. For example, silicone-based coatings create a super hydrophobic surface that repels water and makes it hard for moss, lichen, or algae to take hold.
Q5: Are property coatings worth the extra cost?
Property coatings provide long-term protection, lower maintenance, and improved insulation, making them a smart investment for homeowners. The choice depends on the goals you want to achieve and your budget.
Trusted sources:
[1] MDPI
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