Masonry paint guide

Contents:

• Key takeaways
• What is masonry paint?
• Types of masonry paint
• Choosing the right colour for your home
• How to calculate how much paint you need
• How to prepare exterior walls for painting
• Masonry paint maintenance
• Considerations
• FAQs

Masonry paint is designed to protect and enhance exterior surfaces such as brick, stone, and render, helping to shield buildings from weathering while improving their appearance. Choosing the right masonry paint is important, as different formulas offer varying levels of durability, breathability, and resistance to moisture, algae, and cracking. 

This guide will help you understand the key features to look for so you can select a product that delivers long-lasting protection and a professional finish. It also details the tools and equipment needed for masonry painting, how to calculate the amount of paint for a job and how to remove masonry paint.

• Common types: Smooth, textured, acrylic and silicone - each offering different benefits.

• Need to know: Breathable masonry paints allow trapped moisture to escape while preventing water from penetrating the surface.

• Prep: New or unpainted masonry surfaces typically require a primer before painting.

• How to apply: Smooth masonry paint can be applied using a paint sprayer, while textured paint should be applied with a brush or roller.

• Maintenance: Regular cleaning, inspections, and occasional touch-ups can help extend the lifespan of the paint.

Masonry paint is a durable, acrylic-based exterior paint designed for surfaces such as brick, render, concrete, stone, and plaster. It provides protection against weather, moisture, pollution, UV rays, mould, and algae while improving the appearance of exterior walls. Many masonry paints are breathable, helping moisture escape from the building, and some offer additional benefits such as insulation or heat-reflective properties.

Masonry paint comes in various colours, ranging from white, cream and beige to grey, chocolate and black. There are a few things to consider when you choose a colour, such as the style of the property or whether you want to pick out any defining features. 

• Traditional homes: Warm creams, soft whites, stone, sage green, and pale greys work well.

• Modern homes: Crisp white, charcoal, anthracite, and darker greys create a contemporary look.

• Cottages: Earthy shades such as olive, beige, pale blue, or pastel tones enhance character.

• Period properties: Research colours that were commonly used during the home's era to maintain authenticity.

It’s also worth considering your surroundings - for example, urban settings often suit bold, modern colours, whereas rural homes blend beautifully with natural greens, browns and stone shades.

Paint colours can look very different depending on sunlight too. South-facing homes receive warmer light, making colours appear brighter. North-facing homes tend to receive cooler light, making colours appear darker or duller.

Lastly, think about maintenance - lighter colours show dirt and algae more easily, and reflect more heat. Darker colours can hide some stains better, fade faster in strong sunlight and absorb more heat. High-quality masonry paints with weatherproof and dirt-resistant properties can help reduce maintenance.

To work out how much masonry paint you need, work out the surface area of the walls you're painting. To do this, simply multiply the wall's width by the height. If you have multiple areas to paint, work each surface area out separately, then add them together. Then, as you'll need to apply two coats, multiply that number by two.

Once you know the total surface area, check the coverage on the can of the masonry paint you plan to buy. This is shown as metres square per litre (m2/Ltr). Note that smooth and ultra-smooth masonry paint covers a much larger area than textured paint. Also, most paints give coverage as a range rather than an exact figure, which allows for differences in the porosity of different surfaces, painting technique and whether you use a brush, roller or paint sprayer to apply it. So, it’s always best to buy a little more than you think you’ll need.

Proper maintenance helps masonry paint last longer, maintain its appearance, and continue protecting exterior walls from weather damage. While masonry paint is designed to be durable, regular checks and light upkeep can make a big difference.

• Regular cleaning - Over time, exterior walls can collect dirt, dust, algae, and pollution stains. Cleaning the surface gently once or twice a year helps prevent build-up. Use a soft brush or sponge with mild soapy water, or a low-pressure wash where appropriate. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the paint film.

• Inspect for damage - Check painted surfaces periodically for signs of wear such as cracking, flaking, blistering, or fading. Early detection allows small issues to be repaired before they spread and affect larger areas of the wall.

• Address algae and mould growth - In damp or shaded areas, algae or mould may appear. Treat affected areas with a suitable fungicidal wash designed for exterior masonry, then rinse and allow the surface to dry thoroughly before repainting if necessary.

• Touch-ups and repainting - Small damaged areas can often be touched up with leftover paint. For more widespread wear, a full recoating may be needed every few years depending on exposure and paint type. Ensuring good coverage during repainting helps maintain long-term protection.

• Preventing future damage - Good drainage and gutter maintenance are essential. Blocked gutters or overflowing water can cause staining and paint deterioration. Keeping rainwater systems clear helps protect painted surfaces.

• Seasonal checks - It’s useful to inspect masonry paint after harsh weather such as heavy rain, frost, or heatwaves. Seasonal checks help identify early signs of damage and keep the exterior in good condition all year round.

Do you want to spray masonry paint?

Spraying masonry paint can make painting faster, easier and more economical than using a brush or roller. However, only smooth or ultra-smooth masonry paints are suitable for spraying, as textured paints can clog the equipment. Most paints require thinning before use, and it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct nozzle size and application method.

Are you painting over existing masonry paint?

If you're painting over existing masonry paint, consider whether the old paint needs to be removed or if it can be painted over. In most cases, the old surface can be repainted as long as it has been adequately prepared first to ensure the new paint doesn't peel or flake.

Have you decided what kind of paint to use on exterior brick?

To paint an exterior brick wall, it's best to use textured masonry paint. But, as brick is a porous material, ensure the paint is breathable to allow excess moisture to evaporate. If you use paint that isn't breathable, water will become trapped under the paint, causing damage to the bricks and resulting in the paint flaking, peeling and bubbling.