How to paint an old outside wall at front of house?

[AlisonM]

 I am new to DIY. What is best process to paint this old front wall? It is at front of house. I think it is concrete bricks, with layers of old paint. Do I need to take all old paint off? Then seal and paint? What kind of paint to use? Thank you!

[Jason]

Hi @AlisonM,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We trust you'll get loads of helpful advice and inspiration for all your projects around the house and garden from our wonderful members. 

When painting over a previously painted surface, the rule is always to sand the previous coating back until you have a stable surface. There's obviously no point in painting over something that is already peeling off as your new paint will unfortunately just continue to keep peeling off with the old. 

It's tough for us from your photo to tell how much of the old paint you need to remove from the bricks, but I do know it's not a fun job. I would be first trying a wire brush along with a paint scraper and see how you go. It would be a lot less messy if you could avoid using paint stripper. 

When it comes to painting, as it's likely to be an uneven surface I would be using a quality primer like Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat 4L before moving onto a quality exterior paint such as Dulux Weathersheild. 

Hope that helps kick off the discussion. Let me see if experienced member @Dave-1 might also like to share his thoughts. 

Jason

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @AlisonM 

Whoops, almost missed the post Welcome to the community So many ideas in here to either inspire or how to! 

You will have to remove as much of the old flaking paint as possible. And I mean AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. Any old paint left will possible peel away under your new paint job and then you are back to where you are now.

I am yet to post my bessa black wall next to the pool but it looked in the same state as yours now. It came up beautifully

Here is my patio, same issue with flaky worn paint. Patio renovation using paving paint 

I used a high pressure water blaster as my primary remover, then a wire disc (wire brush) for a mains powered drill (Battery drills didnt cut it as it will take time) Plus I used a paint scrapper. It was hard work but steady. I did it section by section so it felt like I was moving along. Note with the water blaster, paint flecks will get every where! and I really mean every where! 

I would follow @Jason's recomendations on what products to repaint with  

Dave

[AlisonM]

Thank you!  This is really helpful. Cheers

[AlisonM]

Thank you!  That's helpful.  My next project will be painting flaking concrete paths, so will have a look at your patio project. Cheers!