Using the best masonry paints are essential to any new build, fresh render or home improvement project! Masonry paint can be used on external brick, render and stone walls.
For the best results use a masonry paint that lasts the test fo time and holds the colour for many years to come.
If you’re looking for an excellent finish, then you will want to the best outside masonry paints that can be applied easily, seals and dries the same colour as advertised.
But, a good masonry paint must protect, cover well and give you that wow factor when dried! We have revealed the best masonry paints here in the UK, and the results have been exposed.
The Best Masonry Paints
But what makes the perfect masonry paint? Rest assured, we have listed our favourite masonry paint in the UK in this easy to understand list.
If you’re looking for a good cover that weathers well and does not fade, flake and provides an excellent finish, then read on, and we will explain all.
- Excellent coverage by roller and brush
- Seals against moisture and the British elements
- Lasts the test of time
- The colour is the same as advertised!
1) Emperor Masonry Paint
The Emperor Paint brand has created a range of advanced waterproof masonry paints that offer a minimum of 25 years of weather protection.
Their masonry paints are in a class of their own because you really can see this stuff protect your external walls when it rains.
Water just falls straight off the masonry thanks to their Emperor nano-technology.
This self-cleaning, breathable and heat-retaining formula looks great, plus it comes with a lifetime guarantee and is verified by the Energy Saving Trust.
If you are serious about protecting your house all year round from moisture & dampness then Emperor Paint should be your number 1 option.
TOP TIP: They also offer a clear masonry cream that creates an invisible protective barrier on brickwork.
Rated No.1 External masonry Paint – here is why:
- Super-hydrophobic (waterproof)
- Highly Breathable
- 25-year proven performance
- Keeps homes 6°C warmer on average
- Dries within 2 hours
- All external masonry walls
- Read The Full Emperor Paint Review
2) Dulux WeatherShield
The Dulux weather shield is one of our best brands of masonry paints. It covers extremely well, dries quickly and offers many colours.
Because WeatherShields created with acrylic resin, you get a great cover and an excellent finish.
If you want your project to stand out and offer that wow factor, then we advise you to use this brand because it has proven time and time again, it lasts the test of time!
- 2nd Rated Masonry Paint!
- Smooth
- 10-year promise
- Dries within 2 hours
- x4 colours
- All external masonry walls
- Read Our Full Weathershield Review
3) Sandtex Ultra Smooth
The Sandtex brand is a well-known masonry paint that has been on the UK market for many years. It’s long-lasting, effortless to paint with and resists weathering for many years.
Sandtex comes in smooth and textured grades that are great for more significant projects because of its price and overall quality.
If you have any new render or just looking to improve your older masonry walls, then the Sandtex brand should be on your shopping list!
- 3rd Best Masonry Paint
- Smooth & textured
- 10-year promise
- Dries within 4 hours
- x3 colours
- All external masonry walls
- Read The Full Sandtex Review
4) Johnstone’s WeatherGuard
The Johnstone’s weather guard does precisely that, protects and maintains against the elements. Providing you with ten years of protection makes this brand of masonry a great option.
- 4th Best Masonry Paint!
- Smooth
- 6-year promise
- Dries within 1 hour
- X8 colours
- All external masonry walls
What Makes A Good Masonry Paint?
Rendering. If you have had a new wall rendered, then you will want to protect it against the elements. Using paint that will protect it from cracking, flaking or moulding is key to maintaining a good render.
Masonry paint will act as a waterproofing barrier to reduce maintenance and keeping your render from becoming weathered over the years.
- Ageing of the bricks
- Damp (waterproofing)
- Crumbling
A masonry paint will also help with the look of your blocks, using good paint will make it more presentable and maintain it all at the same time.
How To Apply Masonry Paint?
STEP – 1 PREPARATION
Before using your chosen masonry paint, you MUST prepare the surface. Preparation before painting is critical for an excellent finish and longer-lasting paintwork. You must remove:
- Dirt and dust because it will stop the paint from keying to the render or brickwork
- Mould, moss or damp protection, if your wall has a wet issue, then we recommend you use a damp course before deciding to paint because the problem will not just go away from washing over the problem
- If the surface has already been painted, then we suggest you remove any loose paint or as much as possible before you apply more. For a much better key then we recommend that you sand or scratch any paint that cannot be removed with a scraper. Remember, do not mark the brickwork or render because it will show up when painted.
STEP – 2 REPAIRING
If you are improving a wall, then you may need to repair any deterioration, cracks or holes. Which helps with a better finish and makes your wall more presentable.
Depending on the size of the cracks and deterioration you may need to use sand and cement, or for smaller issues, general caulk filler will work.
- Fill any holes and cracks
- Repair any damp issues
- Cover the floor; there is nothing worse than seeing a freshly painted wall or house and seeing splash marks all over the floor and window frames. It makes your work unpresentable and comes across as unprofessional.
STEP – 3 PAINTING
The best way to paint your masonry wall is with a sprayer, brush or roller.
If the bricks are not flat then use a brush to touch up so you get an even coat of masonry
A sprayer uses less paint but might mean you have to do more than two coats. Using a roller will apply more paint, and you will not need as many layers.
Your masonry paint should dry within the hour, so take a step back and examine your work. If another coat of paint is needed, you can start now. If you used the masonry paint options above, you would not have to apply any more than two coats.
Breaking it down
- Use a premium masonry paint featured in this article
- Prepare your wall or surface for a better finish
- Use a brush to paint any holes or bumps not covered by the sprayer!
Happy Painting 😉
Masonry Paint FAQ’S
Yes, you must repair any rising dampness before painting. If it’s extreme, then you will want to have the damp course injected on the lowest row of bricks. You can buy a sealer if your wall is not too extreme.
Would You Like To Recommend A Masonry Paint?
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We specialise in outside projects, gardening, and security! If you have a favourite brand of masonry paint you think should be featured in this article, then please contact us.