Painting render on Victorian House

[matt80]

Hi all,

I have a strip of render above the first floor windows and below the roof line of my Victorian semi. It is already painted white and I'd like to spruce it up with a fresh coat. What is the best paint to use? I've heard that lime wash would be best as it is likely to be lime render on a Victorian house. However, having not long bought the house I can't be certain that it is the original render or what paint products have been used in the past.

Any advice?

Thanks
Matt

 

[Feltwell]

Some pictures would be helpful Matt - both close up and further out. If it's a narrow strip and it's already been painted in masonry paint then I wouldn't get too hung up on breathability, but post some pictures up and folks should be able to provide some advice.

 

[Penners]

Matt - I agree with Feltwell. If the render is lime and if it has always been painted with limewash previously, then yes - it's best to use limewash again.

But over the years there's always the risk that (a) someone has rendered or re-rendered with cement, and/or (b) someone has painted it with a modern masonry paint. If so, then it's not worth painting over the top with limewash - you won't create breathability where none exists.

But I concur - if it's only a modest strip, high up on the house, I wouldn't worry too much either way.