For those looking to protect their precious homes' exterior, our pick of the best masonry paint will help. Masonry paint is designed specifically for use on exterior walls on surfaces such as concrete, brick, pebble dash, render, and plaster. Incredibly durable, this paint has been formulated to minimise moisture, preventing mould, moss and algae from forming. It keeps your walls looking clean and bright for years to come. Much like chalk paint for furniture, masonry paint aims to give your walls a new lease of life.
Best masonry paint at a glance
• Editor's pick: Dulux WeatherShield Masonry Paint - view on Amazon UK
• Best value masonry paint: Leyland Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint - view on Amazon UK
• Best masonry paint for colour options: Landlords Weather Shield Smooth Masonry Paint - view on Amazon UK
What's masonry paint made of? Well, 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 water-resistant, giving your home the best protection from the elements.
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. Looking to get more involved in the DIY scene? We've got a fantastic guide to home DIY kits, which we think you'll appreciate - kitting you out for any future project.
Best masonry paints to buy
Editor's pick
The Dulux WeatherShield Masonry Paint 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. What do the reviews say about Weathershield?
Customers have awarded this Dulux pick a respectable average star rating of 4.6/5, with many reviews loving the coverage, ease of use and quality. One customer says it covers really well and has a smooth finish, which is great to hear. Not only is it easy to apply, but it's good value. Plus, Dulux’s Weathershield is also available in over 100 colours, so finding your perfect shade is an absolute breeze. Though it's easy to apply and is opaque, you may need two to three coats in some areas...
Pros
- Anti-fade technology delivers longer-lasting colour
- Easy to apply and has excellent opacity
- Inhibits the growth of mould and algae within the film
Cons
- Expect to be doing a second coat!
- Some reviews report leakage in the packaging
Size: | 7.5 L |
Finish: | Smooth |
Coverage: | 15m² |
Drying Time: | 2 Hours (Touch Dry) |
Protection Guarantee: | 15 Years |
Best value masonry paint
One of our cheapest options, the Leyland Granocryl Smooth 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. We had a peek at Amazon's customer reviews...
With an average of 4.5/5, this Leyland paint is well-loved for its quality and value. One customer says it does what it says on the tin (!) and is a breeze to paint on. Not only is it smooth, but the consistency is thick and spreads well. They appreciate the coverage and water resistance. However, some customers disagree about leakage and ease of cleaning, which is something to think about. 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. But, there are still options to choose from.
Pros
- Mould-resistant formula and provides a smooth finish
- Specially formulated to provide ideal covering power
- Provides durability and all-weather protection for walls
Cons
- A customer said their pot came damaged and leaked everywhere
- Must make sure there will be no rain before applying
Size: | 5L |
Finish: | Smooth |
Coverage | 10m²/L |
Drying Time: | 2 hours (touch dry) |
Protection Guarantee: | 10 Years |
Best masonry paint with protection guarantee
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 an impressive 27 lovely colours and works well on most surfaces including concrete, building blocks, facing bricks and rendering.
From over 2,500 global reviews, the Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint has received an average 4.6/5 star rating. Many customers agree that the value, quality, performance and coverage of this masonry paint is great. One customer commented that it was great value, with no leakages - and was easy to apply. They add that the consistency was thick and the colour was both "spot on". Another says the Terracotta is top quality - a "hard wearing" and durable choice. However, some customers do complain about leakages, which is a shame. Be careful when opening it, in that case.
Pros
- High-quality paint formulated in Microseal technology
- Creamy smooth formulation to cover large areas fast
- Dirt and mould-resistant - resists peeling and flaking
Cons
- Some complain about leakage
- Some say colour is slightly different to what is described
Size: | 5L |
Finish: | Smooth |
Coverage: | 15m²/L |
Drying Time: | 2 Hours (Touch Dry) |
Protection Guarantee: | 15 Years |
Best masonry paint for colour options
Landlords’ Weather Shield Smooth Masonry Paint is a little pricier than some of our other choices, but the additional price is 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. And, what are the customers saying?
Customers have given this Landlords' Smooth Paint a respectable 4.5/5 star rating from over 450 reviews. From the reviews, we gather that customers generally like the coverage, value and ease of use. Customers mention that covers well and has a lovely finish. One customer commented that the finish was "fantastic" and that it dried in no time. Customers agree that it's good value for money. However, some customers are not happy with their colour - despite them looking, so gorgeous.
Pros
- Adds water protection and reduces moss, lichen and algae
- Great opacity, non-dripping paint and great adhesion
- Protects exterior walls against extreme weather conditions
Cons
- Some customers are not happy with their chosen colour
Size: | 5L |
Finish: | Smooth matte |
Coverage: | 12-16 m² in One Coat, 6-8 m² in Two Coats |
Drying Time: | Touch Dry - 2 Hours / Recoatable - 4 Hours |
Protection Guarantee: | 15 Years |
Masonry paint FAQs
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.
Ryan Houghton is a Commercial Content Writer for Bauer Media Group, specialising in technology - specifically gaming, PCs, and televisions. As an English Literature and Film graduate, with an unhealthy obsession with PC gaming.