While painting the outside of your home can seem a daunting project—especially if you’re living in a house with multiple stories—the right kind of paint for the job can make the ordeal much easier.
It gets even better. With the right paint, you can also ensure a smoother, more even finish that will stand the test of time.
Remember, your house is exposed to the elements, and you want a strong sturdy paint that will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.
What’s more, by choosing the colors and textures that best suit you, you can do more than just improve the impression your home sets of you to the world—you can mold it.
By choosing the paint that represents your unique personality, you can design the outside of your home to set the right image of you.
How is this done, and what paint do you need for the job?
Generally speaking, the choice comes down to two options: smooth and textured masonry paint.
In this article, we will take a look at what are these and how they are different from one another.
Also, by the end of this article, you will find out which one should you choose and when.
For now, let’s start with the very basic question.
What is Masonry Paint?
Masonry paint is typically acrylic-based exterior paint that can be used on a variety of surfaces.
You can use them over a variety of substrates including concrete, brick, stone, wood, render, tiles, paving slabs, pebbledash/roughcast, decking, and more.
The good thing about these paints is it easily adheres to even difficult surfaces like coarse surfaces.
Application
The main reason why masonry paint is mostly used to paint the exteriors is its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Unlike emulsion paints, masonry paints are highly weather-resistant and can last much longer when exposed externally.
Available in a range of different colors these can easily be applied to all types of properties.
No matter whether you want to paint your property for increasing its value or want to get it protected from the negative impacts of weather conditions, masonry paint can be an ideal solution for your building.
The Types
While you’ll find that many outside paint options exist, the two most common types are smooth and textured masonry paint.
Designed for outdoor use, these popular types of paint can leave your house looking great—and give you a finish that you’ll enjoy for a number of years.
With that being said, these two different types of masonry paint differ in a number of important ways.
Understanding these key differences will help you select which one is right for your job.
| Smooth Vs Textured Masonry Paint | Smooth Masonry Paint | Textured Masonry Paint |
| Good for | Exterior walls | Exterior walls |
| Finishing | Smooth, creamy, and sleek to touch | Textured, rough or coarse |
| Cleaning | Easy to clean and less maintenance | Does require more cleaning, easy to clean |
| Weather-resistant | Can withstand exposure to harsh weather | Tough enough to withstand extreme weather conditions |
| Ease of application | Easy to apply on larger surfaces | Easy to apply on smaller uneven surfaces |
| Ability to hide imperfections | Evenly coat without hiding blemishes | Good at hiding minor blemishes and cracks |
What is Smooth Masonry Paint?
Smooth masonry paint is exactly what it sounds like—smooth.
It lacks the texture of textured masonry paint and instead creates a smooth, sleek finish for the outside of your home.
In many ways, it’s difficult to distinguish smooth masonry paint from most types of interior paint in the home.
But while you may not be able to see a difference, the chemical makeup of the two products differs greatly.
That’s because, again, your outdoor paints will need to be able to withstand more extreme elements.
For this reason, you don’t want to use interior paint to decorate the outside of your home.
Though you may think you’ll get the same finish—and it might even look similar—interior paint cannot replace smooth masonry paint when used outdoors.
To get the job done well, you’ll want to invest in the smooth masonry paint of your choice that comes with a creamy consistency.
What else do you need to know about this common type of paint?
For starters, it’s great to use along already-textured walls and surfaces.
Have a pebbledash applied to the wall OR a brick façade you’re looking to cover? This great paint can do the trick.
Keep in mind, however, that smooth masonry paint doesn’t cover blemishes all that well.
If you know that you’re going to need to hide some imperfections in your outdoor walls, you may want to go with a more textured option.
Note: no paint will hide structural deformities in your wall.
Only minor blemishes can be hidden with any type of paint, so make sure that you understand your wall and your needs before making your purchase.
What is Textured Masonry Paint?
Textured masonry paint isn’t smooth (rather it’s thick), making it instantly distinguishable from the smooth paint variety.
This popular form of outside masonry paint has its own unique benefits and comes in a surprisingly large number of options.
To begin with, you’ll be able to choose just how much texture you want in your paint.
While most options are “light” in texture, you can find some that offer a bit more bulk to the paint.
This makes them great for hiding larger blemishes (again, those not of the structural variety) and gives you more flexibility in decorating your home.
For this reason, be sure to inspect your walls before buying your paint so that you can select the right amount of texture for your job.
Typically speaking, however, textured masonry paint is used on smooth surfaces to give the finished product a more rugged look.
Keep in mind, however, that this can come at a downside, as the rough nature of textured masonry paint makes it more susceptible to collecting and absorbing dirt.
This means that you’ll likely need to clean the outside of your home more often if you do choose to go with textured masonry paint.
Remember, the more texture that your paint has, the more this will apply to you.
Determining if Masonry Paint is Right for You
Now that we’ve seen the benefits and drawbacks of different types of masonry paint, it’s time to ask the question—are these really the right options for you?
It’s important to remember that, while popular, masonry paint isn’t the only option available to create a beautiful finish for your exterior walls.
Indeed—it may even be argued that professional standard wall coatings provide a longer-lasting option for those looking for long-term durability.
That’s because no matter the type of masonry paint you choose; you can expect that it will have a relatively low lifespan.
A professional wall coating provides longer-lasting protection against the elements and will keep the exterior of your home looking newer and longer.
This may prove especially beneficial if you live in an environment with extreme weather conditions.
But that’s only the beginning.
Standard wall coatings offer other important benefits over masonry paint.
For starters, they provide better insulation, meaning that you can save more on energy costs during the year.
What’s more, they better cover blemishes and allow for an even more beautiful finish.
Finally, wall coatings often have self-cleaning properties that keep them looking neater and fresher than standard masonry paint.
This means that you won’t have to spend as much of your time cleaning or worrying about what kind of impression your house is giving to the neighbors (or to anyone else for that matter).
What are the Best Masonry Paints to Use?
When asking which masonry paint is the best, I would say that there is no single product that can suit all your needs.
You would rather need to check your budget, the environmental conditions you are living in, the surface on which you plan to paint, the waterproofing qualities of the paint, and many other related factors before you pick the one.
I have listed down the top favorite brands and best-selling products on the market. Read on for a simple guide that can help…
1- Dulux Weather Shield
Dulux Weather Shield is a versatile masonry paint that boasts good adhesion to surfaces for resisting harsh weather conditions.
Formulated with a unique high-performance acrylic resin the paint ensures flawless finish with long-term durability year after year – thanks to its advanced slow-release biocide technology.
Weather Shield masonry paint by Dulux also offers you a quick drying time which means you can get a ready-to-touch waterproof surface in less than an hour.
2- Sandtex Ultra Smooth
Sandtex Ultra Smooth provides impressive coverage along with fungal protection, weather resistance, quick drying time, and much more.
The paint comes with a Microseal technology which improves its breathability.
Also, it boasts of its excellent adhering qualities that make it good for a variety of different surfaces.
If you are worried about all the flaking and peeling in your exteriors, this would not be an issue with this top-quality premium paint material.
3- Britannia Wallshield Eco
The eco-friendly nature of this relatively new paint in the market makes it perfect for homeowners (as well as businesses) who want to paint their buildings without using any toxic elements.
Not only does this smooth masonry paint enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building but also it works to improve the insulation and overall protection.
4- Remmers Silicone Paint LA
This is another great product for exteriors that can offer unmatched breathability and protection to your outer surfaces.
Primarily known for its water-resistant qualities, this paint is also effective enough in repelling fungi, filling cracks, improving insulation, etc.
No matter whether your building is built with stone or brick, this weather resistance product can be your solution to get a great smooth finish.
There is also a Remmers Concrete Acrylic textured alternative that can be a good option for concrete surfaces.
5- Hydron Nu-Guard AG
This is an energy-saving protective coating system that is designed for achieving maximum weather protection.
Due to its fantastic chemistry and composition, it is highly effective in resisting dirt, pollution, and water.
Plus, it also comes with self-cleaning and energy-efficient properties that make it suitable for internal as well as external users.
The paint coating is also available with fire retardant and anti-graffiti properties making it ideal for building in high traffic areas.
6- Zinsser AllWeather Exterior Masonry Paint
Like in name, it’s an all-weather application that can be coated very fast for offering a tough protective coating in winters and stormy conditions.
This versatile Zinsser smooth masonry paint is highly popular in the UK and many other European countries.
You can apply this paint even at an extreme temperature of -5°C to make the surface dirt and water-resistant.
7- Rust-Oleum Mathys Murfill Waterproofing Coating
This is one of the best smooth masonry paints that come with waterproofing qualities.
The paint is also known for its exceptional breathability, elasticity, colorfast, and cracks bridging ability which means it does not fade color or crack away by harsh UV sun rays.
Rust-Oleum also offers a textured version (Mathys Paracem Quartz) which is highly suitable for internal and external use.
Then there is also a Mathys Murfill Quartz Anti-Pollution and Corrosion-proof paint that is one of the best choices for industrial environments.
If you are in search of a good textured masonry paint these can be your best solution.
How Much Paint Do I Need & How to Apply the Paint Correctly?
In most cases, the masonry paint you will need for your exteriors would be purchased by you and is not supplied by your contractor.
So, to avoid the hassle of an extra trip to your hardware paint shop, it’s good to get this judgment right before you get started.
If you happen to stop painting your walls in between, a ‘wet edge line’ on the surface will always be an eyesore for you.
Figuring out how much of the masonry paint you will need to buy is the right solution.
And thankfully it’s not tough anymore. Here are the steps you may follow:
- Calculate the surface area you want to paint by simply multiplying the length and height of each wall (in meters)
- Calculate the surface areas that you do not want to paint (like doors and windows if there are any)
- Subtract the two calculations and you will get an estimation of the final surface area you will be painting
- Now when you are buying the paint, check the tin of the product which should have a coverage rate in square meters per liter
This way you can easily calculate the number of tins you will be using.
Remember, based on the surface you intend to paint you may need to apply 2-3 coats for getting the right finish.
So, the decision you make should be based on the number of coats you will be applying.
How to Apply?
When it’s about applying the masonry paint, preparation is the key.
You will need to get a surface that is free from any kind of cracks, flaking, and dampness.
If there are any such defects seen make sure that you fix them by applying some cream. You should do this before applying masonry paint to your exterior walls or surfaces like wood, concrete, etc.
A few things you will need to remember include:
- Do not paint in strong sunlight
- Do not paint in too humid conditions
- Choose the right masonry brush (3 or 4-inch) and trowel
- For larger surface areas use a roller with a medium or high pile sleeve
- For areas at height consider using an extension pole
Remember if you prefer a smoother finish it is best to use a brush and trowel for applying the masonry paint.
However, for getting a rugged finish with a textured look, using a textured roller sleeve would be more suitable.
The Bottom Line
No matter what you choose, there’s an option that suits both your tastes and your budget.
Masonry paint provides a cheaper option that can give you a great-looking finish on your house.
Just be aware of what kind of texture you need—if you need any at all—and what types of surfaces you will need to paint.
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting option, keep in mind that for a bit extra, you can get a standard wall coating that will ensure your home keeps a jaw-dropping finish for longer, no matter how many blemishes you have or what the weather conditions are.
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Jack Luis is a semi-retired painter who loved painting his clients’ ideas on their walls.
He had worked as a painter for over a decade serving customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, and Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.