DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Please see photo of garden wall. How do I stop
It getting streaked with unsightly reddish brown marks on the white wall?

Don’t think the cause is the pointing because it still happens where the pointing is good.

The coping was originally a rusty colour but was over painted with black years ago leaving a reddish black now.

Should I paint it with a sealant or a good masonry paint to stop the streaking? Or am I missing something?

Thanks to anyone who has any ideas. Just painted the wall white again and don’t want the same problem in a few months.

Hi ctb
Most of the stains are originating from the mortar joins. You could try painting the coping again paying special attention to the joins. However these are likely to crack and in time you will have the same problem.
Regards S

Thanks for taking the time to reply Stoneyboy.

Would it help to try and seal it with PVA Bond/Sealer first do you think? And should I use masonry paint or exterior tile paint for the longest lasting finish?

Hi ctb
You could try pva but use the exterior grade.
I would suggest masonry paint but try to find one which,claims to have some flexibility.
Regards S