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.

brick masonry

OUR BEST PICK MASONRY PAINTS

Our #1 Best Pick

HQC masonry cream

HQC Masonry Paint

100% acrylic masonry paint for brick, plaster and stone – protects from extreme weather.

Low Cost Option

Dulux Trade Weathershield

Dulux Trade Weathershield

Excellent value for money – a high-quality masonry paint that stands to its name.

Best Of The Rest

Johnstone’s Paint For Bricks, Tiles & Doorsteps

Superb paint for masonry, paving and doorsteps – though it only comes in one colour.

Drylok Latex Masonry Waterproofer

Guaranteed latex water-proofer for interior and exterior walls – backed with a fully transferable 10-year warranty.

Rustins Masonry Paint

Quick drying paint for interior and exterior use on masonry applications.

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.

HQC masonry cream

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.

Pros

• Easy-to-apply product has a quick drying time and can be re-coated after only four hours, depending on temperature and humidity.
• Washable paint requires little maintenance and has a high scrub resistance. It is easy to clean with a soft sponge and mild detergent.
• Thinned paint is ideal to use as a sealer on bare surfaces. The product can also be thinned for an easier conventional spray application.
• Covering power is exceptional. One coat is usually sufficient and the results last for years.

Cons

• One litre of paint covers only up to 6m²; which perhaps explains the low price of the product.
• The colours displayed on the tin are only indicative; the true colour of the paint is inconsistent and will usually dry either paler or darker than expected.

Dulux Trade Weathershield

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.

Pros

• Environmentally friendly paint covers up to 16m²/litre and is supplied in 7.5L tins; 5L and 10L tubs are also available.
• Besides the impressive range of tint-able colours, the paint also comes in 7 pre-mixed hues.
• It usually takes two coats to achieve full coverage and the product can be re-coated in four hours. One coat may be enough if applied on previously painted walls that are in good condition and painted in a similar hue.
• The thinned product can be applied with a conventional sprayer and may also act as a sealer on bare surfaces.
• Durability is guaranteed for 15 years if the paint is applied according to the instructions. The product comes with a 2-year warranty.

Cons

• Colour is sometimes inconsistent. If you need more than one tin to complete a project, we suggest mixing all of your paint together in a larger tub before starting.

Johnstone's for bricks tiles & doorsteps

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.

Pros

• Superb covering power ensures satisfactory results with just one coat. Coverage is up to 10m²/litre depending on surface porosity.
• Attractive colour enhances the aspect of brickwork; the product is suitable for a range of surfaces including doorsteps and paving.
• Priming is unnecessary if the product is applied on a previously painted surface. This paint can also act as an undercoat on bare surfaces.

Cons

• There is only one colour available, which is matt red. You’ll have to look elsewhere for colour versatility.
• This paint is supplied in 750ml tins. A small quantity of paint goes a long way but you’ll still need a number of tins if you’re considering this product for a bigger project.

Drylok waterproofer
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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.

Pros

• Drylok Waterproofer protects the walls against water infiltration but also against the penetration of radon gas, by reducing vapour transfer.
• A fully transferable 10-year warranty gives peace of mind regarding quality. It is required to apply at least two coats to activate the warranty.
• The product can be applied with any preferred method. Brush or roller application is preferred for the first coat.
• Versatile colour choice. The product comes in four pre-mixed colours and white is ‘tint-able’ in six different hues.
• A litre of water-proofer covers up to 9m²; it is required to apply a minimum of two coats and the product is supplied in tins with capacities between one and nineteen litres.
• The product has a dry time of about two hours and it can be re-coated after three hours.

Cons

• This product is very expensive and the price is hard to justify.
• Some users complained about water still bleeding through the walls after waterproofing. Our advice is to follow the application instructions and use the warranty if issues arise.

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.

Pros

• Quick drying formula makes application quick and easy. The product touch dries in half an hour and can be re-coated in approximately four hours.
• Thanks to a great covering power, one coat is usually sufficient to achieve satisfactory results; coverage is up to 14m²/litre.
• Smooth matt finish gives an attractive appearance to the exterior and is easy to maintain. The paint is washable and can be scrubbed with a mild detergent.
• Priming is unnecessary if applying to fresh mortar, new brickwork or to a previously painted wall.

Cons

• Quick Dry by Rustins may be incompatible with some masonry paints. If your walls have been previously painted, check for compatibility on a small test area. Quick Dry will flake or peel off if incompatible.
• It is essential to stir the paint very well before and during use or the product may dry to a satin finish instead of matt.

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!