Repairing and painting smooth new render

[Docj0nes]

Hi All,
I’ve joined here to inquire about my dilemma regarding unpainted smooth render. I’ve added some images at the bottom to help explain things. It’s rained recently so can show the extent of the issues. Hope some have valuable ideas here, thanks.

Context:
I had the side and rear of my home rendered smooth last year. They installed a metal PML mesh before applying a sand/cement render.
Over a few weeks it developed all sorts of cracks, many hair line with few a cm or two large in areas. The renderer was hired via my builder who left my home 80% complete claiming it to be finished (long story) so I’m left with solving the rest myself where I can.

The Goal:
Ideally I’d like to fill the majority of the hairline cracks using paint.
Where I think the cracks are too large I rake and fill with exterior filler.
I paint the walls with smooth roller to create a flat finish using a breathable paint.

So far:
I’ve found the paint I want to use which I have read comes with great reviews - Bedec Extra Flex.
I have raked the largest cracks, cleaned the entire wall with Fungicide Wash and brushed the cracks clean before using Toupret Exterior Filler (part way through).
I’ve sanded areas of the wall down using 40 grit on an orbital sander.

My issues:
Although using a putty knife the filler inevitably has spread wider than the crack as I’ve applied.
Sanding down has now created a smoother finish than the rest of the slightly gritty wall (grit = sand and/or swirls made in the render when sponging the wall down during install)
Some parts of the crack the filler has shrunk slightly meaning I need a second application.

Questions/Fears:
- Do I need to rake out the filler again to apply a second coat?
- Does anyone have any experience / comments on the Bedec Extra Flex?
- With the difference in smoothness I’m now fearing these crack repairs would be seen after painting. Does anyone have any suggestions to remedy or are my fears not an issue?

Although I would prefer a flat uniform finish I have investigated a light textured finish if this is my only way out. I was thinking I could use a textured roller with the Bedec paint although I read I may need a textured base coat first. Any suggestions or experience here also would be greatly received.

If you made it this far thank you! I appreciate any feedback / comments / advise to solve this.

Mark

 

[opps]

I am a decorator...

Many of those cracks qualify as "paint fill". Given that it is your own home, I would apply a decent quality paint such as Dulux Trade smooth masonry paint and see how you get on. I suspect that the render dried too quickly and that it is largely sound. If any cracks persist, gun in a flexible filler such as Toupret Flex and Fill, lightly sponge of the excess and once it shrinks back top it up with Toupret Fibacryl. As it starts to cure, stipple it with a paint brush. If it is too flat, apply a coat of paint then whilst wet, throw some plastering sand it to give it a grainy look.

You do not need to buy a paint that claims to be breathable. You are afterall painting over waterproof render.

 

[Docj0nes]

Thank you for replying Opps. Great suggestions which I’ll look to employ.
The remainder of the filling I done today and mixed a little sand in which seems to have created a better blend. I think I’ll leave the areas with minor shrinkage as now it’s cured. Instead, will paint and apply your suggestions should I still notice it. Never thought of mixing the sand into paint for texture for the patching

 

[opps]

Thank you for replying Opps. Great suggestions which I’ll look to employ.
The remainder of the filling I done today and mixed a little sand in which seems to have created a better blend. I think I’ll leave the areas with minor shrinkage as now it’s cured. Instead, will paint and apply your suggestions should I still notice it. Never thought of mixing the sand into paint for texture for the patching

I would recommend, literally, throwing the sand at the wet paint. Most of it will drop to the floor, but it is an incredibly cheap product.

Best of luck