Masonry paint is designed specifically for use on exterior walls on surfaces such as concrete, brick, pebble dash, render, and plaster. It is an incredibly durable paint formulated to minimise moisture, preventing mould, moss and algae from forming, keeping your walls looking clean and bright for years to come.
Most masonry paint is acrylic based and is made predominantly with smooth or textured finishes. For your interior walls, an emulsion paint is perfect to hide any recently acquired scuffing.
Modern masonry paint is incredibly breathable, meaning that any moisture that is already present in bricks isn't trapped by the acrylic paint, preventing mould build-up. At the same time, however, masonry paint is incredibly water-resistant, giving your home the best protection from the elements it can possibly have.
How do I apply masonry paint?
Masonry paint is applied as you would apply a regular emulsion paint; a paint roller or brush is perfect for the job.
Although masonry paint is incredibly durable and quick-drying, you should try and plan ahead for a day of painting as any rainfall could ruin all of your hard work!
If you're looking for some painting pointers, check out our incredibly helpful painting tips guide.
Best masonry paints to buy
We've selected the best masonry paints on the market this year, just in time for DIY season, all of which are available to buy right now.
Specifications
Size: 7.5L
Finish: Smooth
Coverage: 15m²
Drying Time: 2 hours (touch dry)
Protection Guarantee: 15 years
Dulux’s Weathershield is our number one choice as the pinnacle of masonry paint for an unbeatable price. Using an incredibly durable acrylic resin, Dulux’s Weathershield guarantees total protection from mould and algae, as well as flaking and peeling for your household even in extreme weather conditions.
It’s also relatively quick-drying so there’s no need to worry about painting in the UK’s infamously unpredictable weather.
Dulux’s Weathershield is also available in over 100 colours, so finding your perfect shade is an absolute breeze.
Amazon Review: “After trying a cheaper brand last year I reverted to good old Dulux again. You get what you pay for and this is in my opinion a quality product. It covers well in one coat, there were no runs and it stays nice and bright. It simply does what it says on the tin or tub in this case. It is easy to apply and brushes wash out in the water. It cost a bit more than usual this year due to lockdown shortages but I was happy to pay for a decent product”
Specifications
Size: 5L
Finish: Smooth
Coverage: 10m²/L
Drying Time: 2 hours (touch dry)
Protection Guarantee: 10 years
One of our cheapest options, Leyland’s Granocryl masonry paint is one of the highest-rated paints available, and rightfully so. At an incredible value, this paint not only has an incredibly smooth finish, but it also has outstanding mould and UV resistance, guaranteed to last for at least ten years, perfect for both home and garden use.
Leyland’s great value masonry paint is also available in a smaller 2.5L can, perfect for odd jobs around the garden.
Textured paint is also available for a rough aesthetic, although colours are slightly more limited for this look.
Amazon review: “We've used a fair bit of masonry white paint in our time and by far this brand has been the best. It goes on so much better than the others, it seems thicker and spreads very well, meaning you seem to have more left in the pot. We always apply two coats and this makes it look stronger, brighter and more durable. Won't use another brand now!”
Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint
Best masonry paint with protection guarantee
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Specifications
Size: 5L
Finish: Smooth
Coverage: 15m²/L
Drying Time: 2 hours (touch dry)
Protection Guarantee: 15 years
Sandtex’s masonry paint is absurdly great value for money and is one of the finest masonry paints available. Using Microseal technology, Sandtex’s paint is practically moss-proof and offers guaranteed protection from the toughest weather for 15 years. It’s also dirt resistant so that your new coat of paint will continue to look fresh for a long while.
It’s available in 27 lovely colours and works well on most surfaces including concrete, building blocks, facing bricks and rendering.
Amazon review: “I tried another product which was acrylic based. Wished I had not bothered. Sandtex gave excellent covering, brilliant white colour and at half the price.”
Landlords Weather Shield Smooth Masonry Paint
Best masonry paint for colour options
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Specifications
Size: 5L
Finish: Smooth matte
Coverage: 6
Drying Time: m²/L
Protection Guarantee: 15 years
Landlords’ Weather Shield Masonry Paint is a little pricier than some of our other choices, but the additional price is totally worth it.
Landlords’ masonry paint is extremely durable, with a premium matte finish that is certain to brighten up the home. It has a great selection of colours and some outstanding water protection to ensure you’ll have no trouble with moss, lichen and algae. It's not difficult to understand why it's so well-rated.
Amazon review: “Very pleased that I was able to get a colour of masonry paint outside of that stocked by the best-known names. I can’t say how long it will last but it was very easy to apply and cost one a concrete surface that had not been painted before, covered it beautifully.”
Polar Premium Smooth Finish Masonry Paint
Best masonry paint eco-friendly option
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Specifications:
Size: 5L
Finish: Smooth matte
Coverage: 17m²/L
Protection Guarantee: 15 years
A pricey, but premium masonry paint, Polar's fantastic high-performance paint not only looks stunning but is also extremely durable.
Polar's elastic formula allows for water vapour permeation so any water present isn't trapped by the paint itself, while also being completely waterproof, offering perfect protection for your home.
It's also quick-drying and looks terrific even after one coat. If you're looking for impeccable paint that is perfect for use on practically any surface (including metal), then look no further.
Amazon review: “Easy to use, dried in no time and looks great. Got this to cover a flat roof extension. It not only does the job as it says, it also reflects light. As it has just rained hard, can also say that it is waterproof. Excellent would recommend.”