Damp coming through on smooth rendered garden walls can it be painted ?

If damp is coming through the smooth render on your garden walls, it is important to address the underlying cause of the problem before painting the walls. Painting over damp patches without addressing the root cause can lead to paint failure, as the paint may not adhere properly to damp surfaces and can peel or flake over time. There could be several reasons why the walls are damp, including poor drainage, faulty guttering, or water penetration through the wall itself. It is important to investigate the cause of the dampness and fix any underlying issues before attempting to paint the walls. One possible solution is to apply a waterproofing sealer to the walls before painting. This will create a barrier that can help prevent moisture from seeping through the walls and causing further damage. However, it is important to note that a waterproofing sealer may only be a temporary solution and may not be effective in the long term if the underlying cause of the dampness is not addressed. Another solution is to improve the drainage around the walls to prevent water from accumulating and seeping through the walls. This may involve installing drainage channels or diverting water away from the walls. In summary, before painting the walls, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause of the dampness. Once the problem has been resolved, you can apply a waterproofing sealer or paint to the walls to protect them from moisture and to enhance their appearance.

Does the render touch the floor of the ground or is it situated couple of inches off the floor

This is a easy fix don't worrie about it 2 good treatment on both sides but there could be several reasons it's happening tho but can but fixed

When you had the walls built, did they use a DPM (Damp Proof Membrane) one course above foundation level? If not it could be the root of your problem. The water will rise leading to damp patches forming behind the render, thus meaning when it rains it will visualise the damp patches. Basically, before you apply any paint to the render you will need to get it confirmed that a suitable DPM course was used to stop the risk of water/damp from ground level upwards. I hope this has helped.