When it comes to making a good first impression, nothing dazzles more than the beautiful visual of a fresh paint job. A fresh slick of masonry paint has the uncanny ability to ensure that your home is the envy of all in your neighbourhood, as well as keeping it looking in tip-top condition.
If you’re wondering what masonry paint is used for, it is usually used for painting walls such as stucco, brick and concrete. It is able to adhere to stone easily and smoothly, all the while resisting fading for a flawless finish that lasts and lasts.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that this type of paint is mainly targeted for use on the exterior of a property.
We’ll be the first to admit though, choosing the best masonry paint for your home exterior can be anything but easy! If you’re wondering what the qualities of a great masonry paint are, or you’re stuck on which masonry paint is best for you and your needs, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at our top five masonry paint picks and providing an unbiased review of each. We’ll then be making sure that you can make the most informed decision possible in our buyer’s guide and F.A.Q section.
So, sit back, relax and prepare to discover your new go-to masonry paint.
In a hurry? This is our winner!
- Suitable for use on: Brickwork, concrete, roughcast, rendering, pebbledash and other similar masonry surfaces
- Specially formulated to provide ideal covering power
- Provides durability and all weather protection for exterior walls
If you’d like to make a quick purchase that you can count on, we recommend the Leyland Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint.
Specially formulated to stay looking fresh and flawless for up to 10 years on exterior surfaces ( such as brickwork, stone, concrete, pebbledash and other similar surfaces) you can’t go wrong with this high-quality masonry paint!
It is easy to apply and provides a smooth weather resisting finish that will help prevent dirt and mould accumulation. The durable and flexible formulation also allows for surface expansion and contracting and is even able to resist flaking or peeling.
Here are some features that set it apart from other Masonry paints:
- The thick and high-quality formula will provide a smooth finish that will last up to 10 years
- It is durable and weather-resistant, so it is suitable to be used on exterior walls and surfaces
- It has an elegant and beautiful matte finish
Best Masonry Paint – Comparison Table
Best Masonry Paint – Reviews
Leyland Granocryl Smooth Masonry, Brilliant White, 5L
If you are looking for a superb masonry paint that is going to be able to cover a large surface area, we recommend the Leyland Grancryl Smooth Masonry Paint!
An excellent masonry paint, Leyland Granocryl boasts superior elasticity and durability. As soon as you’ve finished painting your home, not only will the exterior be given a beautiful new lease of life thanks to the thick, creamy texture of the masonry paint, it will also stay looking that way for up to 10 years.
Not only that, but the mould resistant formula is also able to actively resist flaking and the growth of mould. The Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint is even able to remain flexible after it has dried which makes this masonry paint both resistant to flaking and able to contract with the surface it has been painted on, which in turn reduces the need for a touch-up for longer.
Weather-resistant and durable, this paint can be used on all types of exterior brickwork and concrete with ease, including pebble-dash, roughcast, rendering and other masonry surfaces, too.
Ideal for painting a house, just one litre of the Leyland Granocryl paint can quite easily cover 8 sq.m. However, if the surface is already pre-coated, the paint can stretch to 13sq. It also comes in a range of impressively pigmented and eye-catching shades in minimalistic and earthy tones.
As for the finish, the Granocryl Smooth Masonry paint dries matte, can be applied with a roller or brush and will leave walls looking brand new. What’s not to love?
- Its high-quality formula is flexible and has been designed to be able to ‘move’ with the expansion of the surface that it has been painted on over the years to remain looking fresh and flake-free for as long as possible
- It is suitable to be used on many exterior surfaces
- This paint is weather-resistant and able to last for up to 10 years before needing to be repainted
- It has a matt finish which may not be to everyone’s taste
Sandtex masonry paint, 5 litres, ultra smooth brickwork, multicolour
If you live in an area where the weather can be anything but warm and dry, you might benefit the most from choosing the Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint.
Come rain or shine, the Sandtext Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint offers the distinct advantage of being rainproof after just one hour of drying. Therefore, you have the option of being able to spend a few hours painting and getting the job done even if the weather forecast isn’t looking so great.
This masonry paint from Sandtext is suitable for use on most types of exterior surfaces including bricks, building blocks, roughcast, rendering and pebbledash. You can even use this paint on surfaces that already have pre-existing masonry or emulsion paint on them.
Providing superb protection and ensuring that your property looks aesthetically pleasing to all, this smooth masonry paint consists of a flexible formulation that is able to resist any unsightly flaking, cracking and peeling. It also contains dirt-resistant properties that help to keep your paint job looking fresh and unspoiled for longer.
- It is available in a variety of different shades and hues
- Ideal for use in a wetter climate as this masonry paint has been specifically designed to be rainproof after just 1 hour of drying
- It is both dirt and mould resistant to ensure that your paint job stays flawless for longer
- It may need two coats for the best results
RUSTINS Masonry Paint Matt Black 500ml
On a budget? Look no further: the Rustins Masonry Paint is an excellent choice of paint that won’t break the bank.
With a beautifully smooth finish and fantastically quick-drying formula, the Rustins Masonry Paint will coat your home in its ultra-smooth texture that dries after just a few hours. Its thick formula is easy to work with (it can easily be used with either a masonry paintbrush or roller) and boasts a good viscosity that is able to resist dripping.
Just like other masonry paints, this affordable option from Rustins is also compatible with most exterior surfaces such as brick and tiles, stone, and cement, which makes it great for painting your home or other kinds of property.
You’ll also be pleased to hear that this paint is weatherproof! This means that it can be exposed to the elements for a long period of time before you start to notice and decide to touch-up or repaint. Another plus point is that this masonry paint usually only requires just one coat, which further demonstrates how cost-effective this Rustins paint is.
- It’s attractive and affordable price point makes it ideal for any painter on a budget
- It comes in a variety of different shades and hues
- It is weather-proof
- Quality is compromised due to the lower price, therefore you may need to repaint your property sooner than you might with another masonry paint
Polar Premium Wallguard Masonry Paint - White - 5 Litre - Exterior Coatings - Ideal For Brick, Stone, Pebbledash & Concrete - Waterproof Protection
If you would like a smooth masonry paint that offers a beautiful, long-lasting finish as well as being able to improve insulation, the Polar Premium Smooth Masonry Paint will deliver this and then some.
Ideal for the decoration of external surfaces and walls such as concrete, brickwork, cement, brick, stone and pebbledash; the Polar Premium Smooth Masonry Paint is suitable for protecting and painting your house, cottage or another kind of property!
One unique feature about this premium masonry paint is that it has been carefully formulated to contain ceramic spheres that are able to offer a level of insulation to your wells, which in turn helps to reduce energy consumption.
As soon as you begin to paint, the thick, high-performance water-based eco formula will glide onto the surface of your choice, adhering effortlessly and drying in just 1-2 hours.
Intended to last, this luxurious masonry paint is elastic which means that it is resistant to flaking and able to expand with the surface area over time. It is also water-vapour permeable and waterproof, so you can have confidence and peace of mind that your property’s paint job will remain looking fresh and flawless for a long time before needing to be repainted.
- Efficient and non-time-consuming, this masonry will be dry to the touch in 1-2 hours
- It is elastic, water-vapour permeable and waterproof
- It is suitable for a variety of external surfaces
- Contains ceramic spheres to provide insulation and reduce energy consumption
- It is in the mid-price range which may be too costly for some
Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint Pure Brilliant White 7.5 litres
If you’re searching for a heavy-duty masonry paint, we recommend the Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint!
Ideal for use on almost all masonry surfaces (including roughcast, concrete, pebble-dash and sand faced bricks) this versatile paint is suitable for covering large surface areas with ease including your home, an annexe, a cottage or even commercial property.
In order to ensure you get the best value for money and a beautiful finish you can be proud of, the Dulux Trade Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint contains a fungicide that is able to prevent mould from growing across the paint. The smooth and premium quality texture is also formulated to be resistant to chemicals and fumes, as well as being water-resistant.
After you’ve completed the paint job, this masonry paint from Dulux will be able to provide exceptional durability for up to 15 years. It is also showerproof after just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for using in all different kinds of climates.
- It is built to last for up to 15 years
- It contains a fungicide which is able to prevent the growth of mould
- Fast-drying
- It is suitable to be used in changeable weather
- It may be too costly for some
- Harmful to aquatic life is exposed
Best Masonry Paint – Buyer’s Guide
Maintaining your home’s exterior (or other types of property) can often be seen as a daunting yearly task. However, by contributing to the upkeep of your home, not only will you stand out from the rest of your neighbourhood, but you will also increase the kerb appeal (which is the attractiveness of a property when viewed from the street) as well as keeping it protected from the elements.
If you’re still wondering what qualities the best types of masonry paint should contain, or you’d just like some more information before you make a purchase, keep reading to learn about the different criteria worth keeping in mind:
The type of masonry paint
Generally speaking, there are two types of masonry paint that you can choose from. Both are fantastic and, when applied properly, will last for many years. The most common type you’ll become familiar with is the ‘Smooth’ type that is most suited towards painting a larger surface area – such as the outside of a house. It has a thick, smooth consistency that will adhere to the surface with ease, while also being effortless to apply. It will almost feel as though it is ‘gliding’ onto the wall!
On the other hand, the second type of masonry paint is what is known as ‘Fine Textured’ masonry paint. This is only ever usually used on certain surfaces that are exposed to harsher weather conditions than what is typical as this type of masonry paint is great for providing a dose of extra durability. On top of this, Fine Textured masonry paint is also great at helping to cover, protect and minimise fine cracks and lines.
Weather and Water-Resistant
Another feature that you should consider is how durable your paint will be – especially when it comes to the elements! Though it is pretty standard for all masonry paint to be formulated with some degree of weather and water-resistance, it is still worth double-checking before you make a purchase. The last thing you want to happen is to take the time painting the exterior of your home to find that it needs to be re-touched after just a few months!
Additionally, we also recommend checking to see if the masonry formula has been created to be resistant to mould, algae and general dirt accumulation.
The Finish
The finish of the paint is another factor worth thinking about! A matt finish (which is usually the most common type of finish) is a non-shiny finish that is able to help conceal uneven surfaces, as well as bumps. Another common finish is a satin finish which has a slight sheen to it for a beautifully, polished effect that will make sure your house stands out. When it comes to picking the finish, it all comes down to your personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply my masonry paint?
To get the very best results, preparation is an important step that shouldn’t be overlooked. You should make sure that the surface is smooth and flat and free from any cracks, flaking paint and damp or mould where possible. As soon as you have prepared the wall or chosen surface area, you want to make sure that you only paint on days when there is no rain forecast and the weather is warm to ensure that the paint dries effectively. However, it is important to remember that painting in direct sunlight or on an extremely hot day may cause the paint to blister, which you definitely don’t want! Last up, you need to be armed and ready with the correct tools for the job. We recommend a masonry painting brush or a medium roller with the addition of an extension pole for the hard to reach areas.
What surfaces can I use my masonry paint on?
Masonry paints are usually made for exterior walls. So, for that reason masonry paint is usually suitable for use on all types of outdoor wall surfaces such as brick, render, pebbledash, concrete including many other types, too. You can also quite easily paint over any old existing emulsion or masonry-painted surfaces. It’s a really versatile paint to work with.
How do I know how much masonry paint I need?
In order to save yourself an extra trip to the DIY shop (or to ensure you don’t buy too much), it is important to make sure that you carefully figure out how much masonry paint you need to cover your home. If you have to stop halfway through, you might end up with a dreaded edge line that will stand out even when you’ve purchased extra paint and finished the job.
With that being said, the best way to calculate how much paint you need is by measuring the length and height of each wall that you’re planning on painting and then multiplying them together to get to the surface area. After doing this, you’ll have the final square metre calculation that needs to be painted.