THE BEST MASONRY PAINT PRODUCTS FOR BRICK & MORTAR
A new coat of paint can revamp the façade of your home and boost the exterior appeal of your property. But choosing the right paint goes beyond colour preference. You have to consider both the material you’re painting and also the quality of the product.
Most homes are made of brick and mortar, but not all exterior paints are suitable for these materials. And with so many products on the market, identifying the right one is often far from easy.
To help you find the right product for your home, our expert team has tested the top-rated masonry paints for properties in the UK. See our favourites below.
OUR BEST PICK MASONRY PAINTS
POPULAR MASONRY COLOUR PALETTES
A fresh coat of paint can easily boost the appeal of your home, provided you choose the right colour. Trendy colours such as purple and chartreuse may seem like a good idea, but trends come and go. And unless you plan to repaint your house every year, we recommend choosing a classier and timeless palette.
Earthy tones of beige, cream and brown are classic yet contemporary. Mix and match these colours with white or ivory to enhance the beauty of your masonry structure, or with contrasting greys for a sober, elegant effect.
Prevalent coastal tones are white and blue, but you don’t have to limit yourself to these shades. Instead of white, use sand. Instead of blue choose turquoise.
Red may seem like a great choice in a rural context, but this colour isn’t always the best option. If you want to keep the aspect of your bricks unaltered, a reddish copper could be a better choice. Green is another hue to consider either in a rural or in an urban environment.
Black and white may seem daring, but the combination actually works well. The same goes for dark greys matched with white or ivory.
When it comes to white, we recommend using it for elegant accents rather than the main colour. Not because it doesn’t look good, but because it’s harder to maintain. That being said, a quality waterproof white paint can easily last for years.
Leading waterproof technology ensures unrivalled durability and years of protection.
Finding a masonry paint that withstands the temperamental British weather is near impossible, but HQC Masonry Paint sets the standard. The unparalleled quality of this product prompted us to consider it our top pick despite the poor coverage.
The paint is formulated with acrylic resin, a substance that provides unrivalled weather protection and durability. This leading waterproof technology prevents exterior water infiltration in the walls, keeping your home interior dry and comfortable. But that’s not the only advantage.
One huge benefit of this paint is its water-based formulation which is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. When it comes to colour range, there are plenty to choose from. The product comes in 32 attractive hues that look great on the walls, even if some of them dry to different shades than you might first expect.
Another thing we liked is the value for money. The product is supplied in tins of various sizes and it’s inexpensive considering many of the other options available on the market.
As for the application, you can choose your preferred method; this masonry paint can be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer: it has a great consistency and it doesn’t drip excessively.
One of the highest quality – yet affordable – products for exterior walls.
Dulux Trade Weathershield is synonymous with high-quality and this exterior emulsion doesn’t disappoint. The acrylic resin dries to a waterproof weather shield that repels water and maintains the beauty of the finish no matter what the elements might throw at it.
One of the top qualities is the quick drying time. This product has been formulated with changeable weather in mind and becomes showerproof after only half an hour. We still recommend painting your exterior on a sunny day, but if the weather changes the product won’t wash off.
Another thing we like about Weathershield is its anti-fungal formulation that keeps mould, lichens and algae away from your walls. This not only maintains the paint as new for longer but it considerably reduces maintenance.
An amazing feature is the colour choice. The Pure Brilliant White paint is tintable and there are 1,434 hues to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a timeless classic, a contemporary shade or a trendy option, the generous colour palette covers all preferences.
The only negative aspect is that tinted paints tend to be inconsistent, which is why we suggest investing in a sufficient quantity of paint from the outset.
Weather resistant matt paint suitable for a wide range of surfaces. Ideal for paving and doorsteps.
If you don’t mind an unconventional colour choice, Johnstone’s Doorstep paint is an excellent product to consider. In terms of quality, the paint is outstanding. It is formulated for brick and stone, paving, slates, roof tiles and unglazed tiles.
A matt finish provides a stylish, contemporary effect and gives the dry product non-slip properties. Protective and weather resistant, this masonry paint is guaranteed to last for years without chipping or flaking.
One of the top features of this paint is the ease of application. The product has a pleasant consistency and is easy to paint with a brush or roller without dripping.
Another thing we like is the quick drying time despite the solvent-based formulation. Johnstone’s Doorstep touch dries in about half an hour and can be re-coated, if needed, after about two hours.
Latex masonry water-proofer for interior and exterior walls.
Not a paint but a coloured masonry water-proofer, Drylok is an outstanding product. It is designed to resolve water infiltration from the exterior of your home and condensation issues in the interior. Suitable to use in laundry rooms and bathrooms, kitchens, basements and on all exterior walls.
According to the manufacturer, the product withstands up to 10 pounds of hydrostatic pressure. While we didn’t actually test it, the product did withstand harsh rains and both us and independent users were satisfied with Drylok’s performance.
Another thing we like is the latex formulation. The product has an almost imperceptible odour and complies with all VOC requirements. It is safe to use in enclosed spaces and once dry, it is safe for kids and pets.
We also liked the product’s breathability. Drylok is formulated to stop water from getting in, but at the same time, it doesn’t trap moisture in the masonry. This prevents the formation of mould but also the growth of lichens or algae.
Once dry, the product is easy to clean with warm soapy water. A choice of colours also makes this undercoat ideal to use on its own, without the need to apply decorative paint.
Four colours and quick drying versatility. A great product for small redecoration work.
Rustins Quick Dry is a quick-drying masonry paint ideal to use on interior and exterior walls, on unglazed tiles and bricks, cement and stone. The product is supplied in 250ml and 500ml tins and is ideal for small redecoration works.
Our favourite feature is the water-based formulation that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The paint is easy to apply with a paintbrush or roller and is easy to clean off the brushes once the job is complete.
Consistency is also great. The formula isn’t non-drip but thanks to a rather high viscosity, it’s easy to apply the product without making a mess.
Another advantage is the contemporary matt finish and the colour choice. The neutral choices allow you to mix and match this product with a range of exterior wall colours.
HOW TO PAINT BRICK, CONCRETE & RENDER
MATERIALS
• Masonry paint for brick and mortar
• Primer
• Masking tape
• Caulk
• Sanding paper
TOOLS
• Paintbrushes
• Roller
• Roller tray
• Caulking gun
• Putty knife
• Stepladder
• Pressure washer
DECORATING GUIDELINES
Step 1 – Surface preparation
Painting exterior surfaces is similar to painting interiors and as for any redecoration project, surface preparation is key to success.
The first thing to do is to clean the surface from algae, lichens, moss and dust. You can either scrub the surface until clean or use a pressure washer for faster results. Make sure you remove all dust and debris or the new paint may not adhere.
Next, remove any flaking and peeling old paint with a putty knife. If the surface has cracks or holes, it is essential to repair them either with caulk or with fresh mortar. Once done, sand the surface to level it, then remove all traces of dust.
Let the surface to dry completely and seal any and all areas not to be painted with masking tape before proceeding.
Step 2 – Prime the surface
More often than not, priming is necessary to waterproof the surface and to improve grip. Choose a suitable product for painting brick, concrete or render (depending on the surface you’re painting) and apply the product according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Leave to dry and cure as instructed; in most cases, it is recommended to wait for at least 24 hours before painting the surface.
Step 3 – Paint the surface
Regardless of the type of paint you’re using, make sure you stir it vigorously before starting your project. Depending on the surface to be painted, choose the most suitable application tool. A brush is recommended for small surfaces and refining touches.
A roller is a more adequate tool for large surfaces. As an alternative, you may use a sprayer if the paint is compatible with the system.
If you’re painting with a brush, work on small sections at a time, making sure to apply an even layer of paint. On large surfaces, use the roller and apply the paint with a criss-cross motion. Apply a constant pressure on the roller to achieve an even result.
Once you’ve covered the whole surface, leave the paint to dry as instructed and apply a second layer if needed. Dry and cure the surface as instructed.
Depending on the type of masonry paint and the application technique, the results should hopefully last for many years!