Sandtex.

[Douglas]

I've been asked about the pros and cons of the above and said no don't do it. Has anyone got any experience of Sandtex? The problem is that the cottages (which are built of coarse rubble limestone) have been painted with masonary paint at some point and I imagine have limewash or distemper underneath. I also imagine that the quote they've received will be hideous.
I'm going to have a look this afternoon to investigate.
Thanks in advance
Douglas.

 

[Jon Maine]

Sandtex is an impermeable paint for painting solid cement buildings, although they may say you can paint old lime buildings with it don't do it.

The thing to do is strip off the existing plastic paint, repoint any cemented areas with a lime mortar and limewash again.

This will mean that the building stays breathable and also will look beautiful.

The trouble with plastic paints is that moisture will find a way behind it and the wall will get wet and the paint will not allow it to then dry out causing all sorts of secondary damp problems and making the walls damp and losing far more heat through them than needs be.

I hope this makes sense.

 

[chuckey]

If the Sandtex has been applied to a new surface complete with a stabilizer, then I guess it will do what it says on tin. If its painted over a lime wash, the trapped moisture will soften the lime wash and the sandtex will start to peel - nice. Best to avoid it unless its for a quick sale.
Frank

 

[DaveBrigg]

Even painted straight onto the brick, it is likely to get damp behind and flake off in patches after a few years. This is a real benefit for someone trying to restore a property, since in places it can be removed with a brush. Unfortunately, some patches will probably adhere more firmly, making the building look like it has caught leprosy. I wouldn't use it, even for a quick sale.

 

[Douglas]

The cottages I mentioned are built of coarse limestone with a mud mortar but have been pointed with a lime mortar at some point. They have had a limewash on them or some such but more recentley have been painted with a modern masonary paint. The reason for the sandtex quotation is due to a fire that occured in July and the insurers contractor have reccommended sandtex. The owners have knocked this idea back and are looking into alternatives. I personally think that power washing and re-pointing would be best but of course you're always going to find more than you first anticipated with these things.

 

[Jon Maine]

The cottages I mentioned are built of coarse limestone with a mud mortar but have been pointed with a lime mortar at some point. They have had a limewash on them or some such but more recentley have been painted with a modern masonary paint. The reason for the sandtex quotation is due to a fire that occured in July and the insurers contractor have reccommended sandtex. The owners have knocked this idea back and are looking into alternatives. I personally think that power washing and re-pointing would be best but of course you're always going to find more than you first anticipated with these things.

I would be very careful power washing if you have mud mortar. Good luck with getting it sorted. Should you get into problems I would recommend speaking to your local authority conservation officer who may be able to offer similar advice with a little weight behind it.