June 2, 2026 · 6 min read
Inland on the peninsula the climate hits the façade in two ways: very dry summers with strong sun and a winter with frost and rain. A wall that faces south does not need the same as one that faces north, and choosing the paint well is what decides whether it lasts eight years or twelve.
Acrylic: the base for most walls
Acrylic exterior paint is the usual choice when the wall is sound and you only want colour and protection. It breathes, it stands up to Madrid's sun without losing colour too fast, and it offers good value. For smooth façades in good condition it is usually enough.
Siloxane: when water and damp get in
If the façade faces north, gets little sun or tends to grow green algae and damp, siloxane paint works better. It is very breathable yet water-repellent: it lets vapour out of the wall and holds back rainwater. I recommend it on ground floors, shaded areas and façades exposed to wind-driven rain.
Elastic: for façades with hairline cracks
When the wall has small cracks or has moved over time, an elastic (high-build) paint bridges them and stops water getting in through them. It costs more and goes on with more material, but on façades with fine cracks it is what keeps the problem from coming back the next year.
Orientation, waterproofing and deciding on site
As a quick rule: a south-facing wall, prioritise sun resistance and stable colour; a north- or west-facing wall with rain, prioritise water resistance and breathability. Before painting you always have to clean, treat the algae and repair cracks; paint over a damp or loose wall will not last, whatever its quality.
The best solution is not always visible from the street. The exact price and the specific system depend on a visit: you have to touch the wall, see the real orientation and check where the water gets in before settling anything.