What is Masonry Paint?

Masonry paint is specially designed for use on exterior surfaces including render, brick, concrete and previously painted masonry.

Unlike ordinary household paint, masonry paint has to cope with constantly changing weather conditions. Throughout the year, exterior walls expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall, while rain, wind and sunlight continually attack the painted surface.

Quality masonry paints are formulated to provide long-lasting protection against the elements while helping to prevent premature fading and deterioration.

Many modern masonry paints are also breathable, allowing moisture trapped within the wall to escape while still protecting the surface from rain. This helps reduce the risk of blistering and peeling, particularly on older buildings.

Choosing the correct masonry paint is therefore just as important as choosing the right colour.

Smooth or Textured Masonry Paint?

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to choose a smooth or textured finish.

Both offer excellent protection for exterior walls, but they create very different appearances and are designed for different types of surfaces.

Smooth Masonry Paint

Smooth Masonry Paint is the most popular choice for modern homes and properties with sound exterior walls.

It produces a clean, contemporary finish that allows colours to appear rich and even across the surface.

Smooth masonry paint is particularly suitable for smooth render, new render, previously painted render in good condition, brickwork, concrete and garden walls.

Because the finish is smooth, it is generally easier to wash down and maintain over time.

If your exterior walls are in good condition and you're looking for a crisp, modern appearance, smooth masonry paint is usually the best option.

Textured Masonry Paint

Textured Masonry Paint contains fine aggregates which create a slightly rougher finish.

Rather than producing a perfectly smooth appearance, it helps disguise minor imperfections in older rendered walls.

Textured masonry paint is often chosen for older properties, rough render, previously repaired surfaces, slightly uneven walls and hairline surface imperfections.

Although textured masonry paint can improve the appearance of older walls, it should not be used to hide significant structural defects. Any damaged render or larger cracks should always be repaired before decorating.

Choosing the Right Masonry Paint for Your Surface

Smooth Render

Smooth render is usually best painted with Smooth Masonry Paint.

Its even finish enhances the appearance of modern render and allows colours to remain clean and vibrant.

If the render is new, always ensure it has fully cured before painting.

Rough Render

Rough render often benefits from Textured Masonry Paint.

The textured finish helps disguise minor imperfections while creating an attractive, uniform appearance.

Pebbledash

Pebbledash naturally has a heavily textured surface. Textured masonry paint generally complements this finish better than smooth masonry paint and provides excellent coverage across the uneven surface.

Brickwork

Painting brickwork can dramatically transform the appearance of a property.

Smooth Masonry Paint is normally the preferred choice as it provides an even finish while allowing the natural texture of the brickwork to remain visible.

Before painting, make sure the brickwork is clean, dry and free from loose material.

It's also worth remembering that painted brickwork is difficult to return to its original appearance, so this decision should be considered carefully.

Concrete

Concrete garages, outbuildings and exterior walls can all be successfully painted with masonry paint.

Provided the surface is properly prepared, masonry paint provides excellent protection while significantly improving appearance.

Garden Walls

Garden walls are exposed to the weather throughout the year and often become stained with dirt, algae and moss.

Both smooth and textured masonry paints can work well depending on the appearance you're trying to achieve.

Smooth masonry paint creates a cleaner, more contemporary finish, while textured masonry paint is often better suited to older garden walls with rougher surfaces.

Preparing Exterior Walls Before Painting

Preparation is one of the biggest factors affecting how long masonry paint will last.

Even the highest quality paint cannot compensate for poor preparation.

Before painting, inspect the wall carefully.

Remove any loose or flaking paint, brush away dirt and debris and treat any algae or mould growth with a suitable exterior cleaner.

Small cracks should be repaired before painting, while larger damaged areas of render should be made good using an appropriate repair product.

If the surface feels powdery or friable, a stabilising solution may be required before decorating.

Finally, make sure the wall is completely dry before applying masonry paint. Painting damp surfaces can lead to poor adhesion and reduce the life of the finish.

How Long Should You Leave New Render Before Painting?

New render must be allowed to cure fully before painting. The exact curing time depends on the render system used, the thickness of the application and the manufacturer's guidance.

Painting too early can trap moisture within the wall and reduce the performance of the finish.

As a general rule, it's always best to follow the render manufacturer's recommendations before applying masonry paint. Once the render has cured properly, the paint will bond more effectively and the finish should last much longer.

Choosing the Right Brand

Most leading masonry paint manufacturers offer excellent protection and durability, so there isn't a single best brand for every project. The right choice often depends on the type of surface you're painting, the finish you're looking for and whether you're tackling a small DIY project or a larger exterior renovation.

The good news is that whichever reputable brand you choose, careful preparation and correct application will usually have a greater impact on the finished result than the name on the tin.

Sandtex Retail

Sandtex Retail has been helping homeowners protect and decorate their properties for decades and is one of the most recognised names in exterior paint.

It is designed to be easy to apply while providing long-lasting protection against the British weather. Available in a wide choice of colours, it is an excellent option for refreshing rendered homes, brickwork and garden walls, making it a popular choice for DIY decorators looking for reliable performance.

Dulux Masonry Paint

Dulux Masonry Paint combines trusted quality with dependable exterior protection.

Many homeowners choose Dulux because they are already familiar with the brand from previous decorating projects. It offers excellent coverage, durable weather resistance and a wide range of colours suitable for both traditional and modern homes.

If you're looking for a well-known brand with a proven track record, Dulux Masonry Paint is an excellent choice.

Sandtex Trade

Sandtex Trade has been developed for professional decorators and anyone looking for premium long-term performance.

It offers excellent coverage, exceptional durability and outstanding resistance to the weather, making it particularly suitable for larger projects or properties exposed to challenging conditions.

Although widely used by trade professionals, many homeowners also choose Sandtex Trade when they want the reassurance of a professional-grade finish.

Johnstones Masonry Paint

Johnstones Masonry Paint has earned a strong reputation by offering dependable performance at excellent value.

Suitable for both homeowners and professional decorators, it delivers reliable coverage, long-lasting protection and a durable finish that performs well on a wide variety of exterior surfaces.

It is an excellent all-round choice for anyone looking for professional-quality results without overcomplicating the decorating process.

Which Brand Should You Choose?

The truth is that there isn't a single right answer.

All of these brands are capable of delivering excellent results when used on a properly prepared surface and applied in suitable weather conditions.

Rather than focusing solely on the brand, it's often more important to choose the correct type of masonry paint for your surface. Deciding between Smooth Masonry Paint and Textured Masonry Paint, preparing the wall thoroughly and applying two even coats will usually have a greater influence on the finished result than the manufacturer's name on the tin.

If you're still unsure which product is right for your project, the Paintstop team can help you choose the most suitable masonry paint for your property, your surface and your budget.

Applying Masonry Paint

Most masonry paints can be applied using either a brush or roller.

Rollers are generally the quickest way to cover large rendered areas, while brushes are useful for cutting in around windows, doors and architectural details.

Work methodically across the wall, maintaining a wet edge wherever possible to reduce visible lap marks.

Most projects benefit from two coats, allowing the first coat to dry fully before applying the second.

Always follow the manufacturer's recommended drying times.

Choosing the Right Weather

The weather plays a huge part in achieving a successful exterior paint finish.

Choose a dry period where rain is not expected during application or while the paint is drying.

Avoid painting during very hot weather when walls are in direct sunlight, as the paint may dry too quickly.

Similarly, avoid decorating during freezing conditions or when overnight temperatures are likely to fall close to freezing.

Planning around the weather often produces a much better result than trying to rush the job.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many exterior decorating problems occur before the paint has even been opened.

Some of the most common mistakes include painting over loose or flaking paint, ignoring cracks or damaged render, painting dirty walls, decorating before rain, applying masonry paint to damp surfaces and trying to achieve full coverage with one thick coat instead of two thinner coats.

Taking time to prepare the surface properly almost always produces a longer-lasting and more attractive finish.

Frequently Asked Questions