Q38: Exterior Paint
Q38: After the heavy rain over the winter it's time to re-paint the outside of my house - the paint is down to bare concrete in many places. What products should I use for best protection against damp, and for longevity?
A38.1: You need a good quality sealant/damp resistant (diluted with water) coating prior to painting with a good quality topcoat. Unfortunately it is still difficult & expensive to get really good quality paint in Bodrum - everyone still seems to work on the assumption of re-painting every 1 or 2 years with paint that resembles liquid plastic. We bought good quality masonry paint from the UK which is far longer lasting. Filler from the UK is also much better quality than the Turkish brands, even if more expensive. You also need to be careful not to decorate in high temperatures as the paint will dry too fast and not adhere to the surface. --Steve