Masonry Paint

[Oldie]

Before I slap some masonry paint on the gable wall, am I going to have to rake out the areas where settlement (presumably) has caused these cracks and then re-point? Or will I get away with covering them with a couple of new coats of paint?

Thanks.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KxiPg6KFdBw/V0VRmnz3NWI/AAAAAAAAFRc/GCXRkao8d9U1X377TSDg4ZKP_KhDFnXawCCo/s800/Gable%2BWall%2B001%2B%25284%2529.jpg

[MCN]

I'd demolish the hoose and start again😀
It'll need repair before painting as the paint will not cover perfectly and more likely highlight the condition. Several coats may work. But concentrating on following the crack will be noticeable too. So you'd have to redo a larger area or 'pick out' the lines around the bricks so that layers aren't distinguishable.
Whether repointing is the solution is the question. If it is settlement and not due to heavy traffic/earthquakes then pointing will probably help.
I'd ask a builder. If it was ma hoose. ☹️

Edit: There may be more specialised paints that contain more latex (or something) which have flexible filling properties designed specifically for this sort of job. Google Dulux, Weathershield, Leyland, Berger et al for help too.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[andy_uk]

^^^ What he said...
Make sure it's just settlement before you start.
Assuming it is, there's a Dulux Trade product called Weathershield Maximum Exposure which will bridge hairline cracks. It ain't cheap but it is decent stuff.
I may be biased though 'cause I may actually work for them...

Another alternative is to use a "fine textured" masonry paint as they will also bridge hairline cracks. The downside of these though is the coverage is a lot less. (as low as 6m2/ltr compared to 12m2/ltr for Max Exp)
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Aprilia Classic 125, GS500E, ER5-A1, ER5-C4, ER6 & an XJ6 project frame...

[Oldie]

Well, the textured masonry paint really covered all the imperfections without any hassle (apart from taking 4 days to paint the front of the house (inc window frames/downpipes) and the gable. Only one bit of pointing required raking out and I filled that with some Polyfilla stuff in a tube. Worked well.

Edit - sorry, thanks again for the advice