What is Masonry Paint? A Professional Painter's Guide

What is Masonry Paint

With summer in full swing, a common question I get asked is: What is Masonry Paint?

As a professional painter and decorator, I have worked with thousands of litres of masonry paint (literally), so I know a thing or two about this type of paint. In this article, I will delve into what masonry paint is, its uses, how to apply it, and how it differs from normal paint. As a bonus, I’ll share my favourite masonry paints to use.

Overview

What is Masonry Paint?

Masonry paint is a type of paint specifically designed to be used on exterior surfaces. In particular, masonry paint works well on exterior materials like brick, concrete, and stucco.

Masonry paint is best used on exterior surfaces because it is a very durable and weather-resistant paint. The composition of masonry paint containing binders and additives like resins and pigments gives it these unique characteristics.

What is The Difference Between Masonry Paint and Normal Paint?

The biggest difference between masonry paint and normal paint is the contents and uses of the paints.

Uniquely, masonry paint contains binders and resins that allow it to adhere to rough and porous surfaces. On the other hand, normal paint doesn’t have these components and is better suited to smoother surfaces, such as interior walls. As a result, if you use normal paint on masonry surfaces, you’ll find that it won’t be long until it starts to peel and deteriorate.

Can You Use Masonry Paint Indoors?

I wouldn’t recommend using masonry paint indoors. Mainly because its breathability could lead to moisture issues on interior walls, and it may emit strong odours.

Therefore, you would be far better off using interior paints, such as emulsion or latex-based paints, for indoor use. These paints provide better coverage, odour control, and easy clean-up, making them the ideal choice for interior painting projects.

How to Apply Masonry Paint

So we have covered what masonry paint is, how it differs from normal paint, and why it’s not suitable for indoor use.

Now, let’s look at a step-by-step guide on how to apply masonry paint to exterior surfaces.

Tools and Materials You Need

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials, including:

  • Masonry paint
  • Brushes
  • Rollers
  • Extension poles
  • Painter’s tape
  • Protective gear

Step-By-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying masonry paint:

  1. Surface Preparation: Clean the exterior surface thoroughly, removing dirt, grease, and loose debris. Repair any cracks or damages with suitable fillers and allow them to dry.

  2. Priming (Optional): Some masonry paints may require a primer. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations and apply the appropriate primer if needed.

  3. Stir the Paint: Mix the masonry paint thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of pigments and additives.

  4. Cut-In: Use a brush to cut in around edges, corners, and trim before using a roller for larger areas.

  5. Roll the Paint: Apply the masonry paint evenly using a roller, working in manageable sections. Apply a second coat if necessary for better coverage.

  6. Drying Time: Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended drying tim

The Best Masonry Paints:

Out of all the masonry paints available in the UK, here are my absolute favourites:

  1. ProPaint Extreme Weather Masonry Paint
  2. TradeShield All-Weather Masonry Paint
  3. WeatherGuard Smooth Masonry Paint

Conclusion

Masonry paint is a vital tool for professional painters and decorators when it comes to protecting and beautifying exterior masonry surfaces. Its unique composition and characteristics make it the ideal choice for outdoor projects.

Remember to avoid using masonry paint indoors and instead opt for interior paints to achieve the best results for interior surfaces. By following proper application techniques and selecting high-quality masonry paints, you can ensure impressive and long-lasting results for your clients’ exterior painting needs.

Happy painting!