Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Our Favourites
Editor’s Choice: HQC Smooth
“This paint is an excellent option for people in search of masonry paints that can cover a wide range of surfaces”
Luxury Choice: Basildon Paints Masonry
“If you’re looking for a smooth masonry paint that’s easy to use and excellent at offering quick-drying results, then you’ll love this”
Value Choice: Leyland Smooth
“Whether you’re looking for the best exterior masonry paint that will work well on cement, brickwork, ceramic, or even a surface that’s laden with cracks, it’s worth checking out this option from Leyland”
If you’re looking for the best exterior masonry paint in the UK, then you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s face it, sometimes a lick of paint can be all it takes to transform the appearance of virtually anything – whether it’s a room, a piece of furniture, or even some worn-down woodwork. Sprucing up your home with a dash of paint isn’t just something that applies to the interior of your property. You can also get creative with the outdoors, too, like garden sheds, using some state-of-the-art masonry paints.
A nice thick masonry paint that dries well and delivers a great finish can revamp the façade of your home and give your property some much-needed curb appeal. However, there’s a lot more to choosing the right exterior masonry paint than simply finding the right colour.
Today, we’re going to give you the help you need to find a product that’s beautiful, durable, weather-resistant, and brimming with style.
Let’s get started.
How We Compared Exterior Masonry Paints
To find the right exterior masonry paints we considered multiple factors including:
- Colour
- Waterproofing
- Longevity
- Texture
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Best Exterior Masonry Paint Reviews – Top 7 Picks
1. HQC Smooth (Editor’s Choice)
This paint is an excellent option for people in search of masonry paints that can cover a wide range of surfaces, this HQC smooth masonry paint, comes in a wide range of colours to suit your style.
Unlike many of the other smooth finish paints on the market today, this HQC product is designed to be a lot more affordable – so you don’t have to spend a fortune on sprucing up your property’s exterior.
If you’re looking for the best paints for outside walls, but you don’t want to spend a fortune, this option provides an environmentally-friendly coating that’s suitable for plaster, concrete, pebble-dash, stone and brick walls alike. The HQC smooth paint is also excellent at repelling water! Unfortunately, some reviewers said that the colour in the tin wasn’t the same as the shade that they thought they were getting when they made their order online.
Pros:
- Smooth and even finish
- Excellent coverage suitable for different kinds of wall
- Weathershield included for the British climate
- Budget-friendly price
- Offers years of durable protection
Cons:
- Colours in the tin aren’t an exact match for those advertised
- May require multiple coats
2. Basildon Paints Masonry (Luxury Choice)
If you’re looking for a smooth masonry paint that’s easy to use and excellent at offering quick-drying results, then you’ll love this Basildon Paints option.
Available in a variety of colours, the Basildon masonry paints come in a 20-litre tub, making them excellent for those larger jobs when you want to cover your entire house, garage, or other exterior walls at once.
It’s worth noting that these exterior paints will work best if you can apply a primer to the surface of your walls first. You’ll need around 2-4 hours of surface preparation, and you’ll have to wait for the walls to dry out completely before you begin painting. However, once you’ve fully covered your home with this paint, you can expect an excellent level of coverage, and plenty of durable protection that lasts for years at a time. The company responsible for this paint will even do their best to get it to you the next day after your order. This doesn’t always happen according to reviews.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the colours provided for these paints are just a rough guide, so you might not get the exact shade of white or any other colour that you see on the tin.
Pros:
- Excellent easy-to-use coverage
- Available in bulk batches
- Excellent customers service commitment
- Plenty of colours to choose from
Cons:
- Shades don’t always match what you see on the tin
- Delivered in batches, so if you purchase one bucket too late, you might get a slightly different shade.
- Delivery isn’t always 100% reliable.
3. Leyland Smooth (Best Value)
Whether you’re looking for the best exterior masonry paint that will work well on cement, brickwork, ceramic, or even a surface that’s laden with cracks, it’s worth checking out this option from Leyland.
Leyland’s smooth masonry paint is designed to spread well over roughcast, pebbledash, brickwork, rendering, and more. No matter what type of home build you might have, you’re sure to get a sleek finished result.
The Leyland smooth masonry paints are designed to provide durability and excellent performance throughout all kinds of weather. That means that your exterior walls won’t just look amazing, they’ll be protected too. The formula is even mould-resistant, to reduce your risk of unwanted growths. The only major downside is that the colour in the tin might not match the internal shade exactly – but most of the reviews we read were from happy customers.
Pros:
- Thick even coverage for all kinds of surfaces
- Special formula for excellent coverage
- Durability in all kinds of weather
- Mould-resistant
- Multiple colours available
Cons:
- Can be difficult to ensure that the paint is an exact match to the colour on the screen
- Some issues with delivery from a handful of customers
4. WLPV 20L (Best Bulk Buy)
If you’ve got a lot of space to cover with your masonry paint, then you probably don’t want to buy the product that you need 2-3 litres at a time. Fortunately, this WLPV 20L weather protection masonry paint comes in bulk format so that you can stock up on all the exterior paint you need in one go.
Available in everything from white to brick red, this paint will work well on a range of different masonry finishes. However, it’s worth noting that the paint doesn’t work well in extreme temperatures – so make sure you plan your painting day carefully. Additionally, when you’re ordering masonry paint in bulk, you’ll need to ensure that you order as much as you need at the same time. This is to ensure that you don’t end up with buckets from different batches – as that can mean that you end up with slightly different shades for your exterior wall.
The biggest complaint that reviewers had with this masonry paint is that it wasn’t always delivered by a very reliable courier, which can be a hassle when you’re expecting such a large delivery. Additionally, some areas of the masonry work in your home may need two or three coats.
Pros:
- Suitable for larger jobs
- Excellent range of colour options to choose from
- Great protection from the weather
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well in extreme weathers
- Poor courier service for some customers
- May require multiple coats
5. Leyland Trade 264725 (Best for Professional Use)
Sometimes, if you want the ultimate masonry paint, you need to do what the professionals do and opt for trade-standard coverage. This high-level paint from Leyland is designed for professional use by people who spend their lives painting home exteriors.
The masonry paint offers a smooth and durable coating for most surfaces, with a tough film perfect for protecting against the common accumulation of grime and dirt.
Leyland trade masonry paints also come with anti-carbonation features, which means that they can resist atmospheric pollution and weather over time. After one application, you shouldn’t need to repaint your walls for several years. Depending on the kind of masonry you’re dealing with, you may need to paint the surface a few times for a fully even result.
Because you’re buying trade-level paint from Leyland, however, you can rest assured that you’ll end up with a very high level of coverage. What’s more, it’s usually a lot more affordable to buy masonry paint at trade level in bulk than it is to purchase consumer-grade options.
Pros:
- Excellent coverage
- Long-term durable protection
- Anti-carbonation for better long-lasting appearance
- Thick and smooth finish
Cons:
- May require multiple coats on some surfaces
- Some consumers reported problems with delivery
6. Dulux Weathershield (Best Weather Protection)
It’s hard to find any masonry paint that can offer you complete waterproofing, particularly when you’re dealing with the unpredictable weather conditions in the UK. However, the Dulux Weathershield masonry paint stands out as probably the best paint for outside walls, because it’s excellent for keeping your walls defended against the rain.
Not only will Dulux weather shield paint give you complete protection for up to 15 years, but it’s also quick drying too. This textured masonry paint will be ready to stand up to the rain within 30 minutes of application, so you don’t have to worry about the weather not staying perfect on the day that you decide to paint. Specially formulated for both flat and rough surfaces, this masonry paint comes with a flexible film that’s resistant to cracking and damage. The unique high-performance resin included within the formula is even resistant to UV rays – for better long-term performance.
If you’re looking for a waterproof Dulux mixture that looks great straight after it’s applied, then this could be the choice for you. Just keep in mind that you might need a couple of coats for some more complicated masonry styles.
Pros:
- Easy to apply with a brush or roller
- The special formula protects against rain and UV rays
- Lasts for up 15 years
- Rainproof within 30 minutes
- Range of colours to choose from
Cons:
- May need more than one coat in some areas
7. Dulux Trade Weathershield (Best for Dirt Resistance)
There are a lot of things that you’ll need to look for when you’re hunting for the most effective masonry paint that money can buy. This Dulux trade weather shield masonry paint offers all of that and more.
You want something suitable for the type of walls that you have, as well as something that doesn’t require multiple coats. It might even be important to look for paint with breathability to prevent mould growth. The smooth custom formula is particularly impressive because it stops dirt from being retained by your walls. What’s more, like many Dulux paint offerings, this masonry solution comes with up to 15 years of protection for your exterior walls. There’s even an algicide and fungicide built into the formula to protect you against unwanted growths, and a unique ICI resin for extra protection. This state-of-the-art masonry paint is one of the best around, particularly with its weather shield protection. It was hard to find anything that people didn’t like about this product, other than the fact that it might require more than one coat to get a completely smooth finish.
Pros:
- Suitable for a wide range of masonry types
- Excellent breathability
- Contains unique acrylic resin, fungicide, and algicide for durability
- 15 years of protection
- Dirt resistance
Cons:
- Might need multiple coats
What’s the Best Paint for Outside Walls?
Choosing the right exterior wall paint isn’t always easy. Masonry paint comes in many different colours and styles. Sometimes, you might want a water-based paint that dries quickly and emits minimal chemicals. Other times, you’ll need a unique blend of paint from brands like Sandtex, which is capable of resisting water and protecting against mould and mildew.
The best masonry paint for render isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. You’ll need to ask yourself a number of questions about your application preferences, and what’s suitable for your home. Here are some quick-fire answers to your questions that might help you to choose the right masonry paint for your home.
What Colour Do I Need?
There are a lot of different masonry paint options out there, from white and white cream options to red, blue, green, and many more. You’ll need to think carefully about the image that you want to create for your home and try to choose something that fits with the aesthetic in your neighbourhood.
What Is the Best Exterior Paint for Brick?
Different kinds of masonry finish will require their special types of paint. For instance, smooth masonry paint is ideal for brick when you want to get rid of all the cracks and unwanted speckles on the outside of your house. However, you might want a more textured masonry paint if you’re dealing with a sand-blasted or pebble-dashed exterior. You can check what kind of walls your paints are suitable for by looking at the paint description.
Is Masonry Paint Waterproof?
Masonry paint can come in a range of styles, but usually, it’s designed to withstand the ever-changing weather outside. You can find special masonry paint options that are designed to protect your home against water and other environmental issues like UV rays and excessive wind. In some cases, breathability in your waterproof paints can also be key to protecting against things like mildew and mould.
What Kind of Surface Will I Be Painting?
Masonry paint can be used indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs. The application of masonry paint often involves placing a very thick paint over a primed surface to protect against a range of elements. However, depending on the surface that you’re painting, you need a specific level of thickness. For instance, sandblasted exteriors typically need thicker paint for smooth coverage. If you’re painting outdoors, like on bird tables, then you’re going to need a quick-drying colour too. The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, so a quick-drying formula is often key.
What Kind of Brand Do I Want?
There are a lot of different brands out there offering masonry paint options today. These companies range from Sandtex to Dulux. There’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to the perfect brand. Some people prefer Sandtex for textured masonry paint, while others appreciate Dulux or even HQC for their exterior masonry paint options. It all depends on personal preference.
How Long Will the Paint Last?
Whenever you’re shopping for the ideal masonry paint, it’s worth paying some attention to the longevity that the company advertises for their paint. Some companies claim that their exterior masonry paint can provide protection against water and other forms of damage for up to 15 years, whereas other paint options won’t last nearly as long.
Choosing the Right Masonry Paint
Finding the ideal paint for your outside walls isn’t always easy. Some people will be drawn to the unique finish of textured masonry paint, whereas others will want a simple, quick-drying formula. The key to success is finding something that suits your home’s individual needs. Whether you opt for Sandtex paint or a trade paint from Dulux, the best exterior masonry paint will be a matter of personal choice.
Our favourite option from today’s list is the HQC Smooth paint. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it also comes in a wide range of colours so there is something to suit everyone. The weathershield technology is perfect for protecting against the British climate whether you use it on plaster, concrete, or any other surface it recommends. If you need any more reasons to choose HQC, it’s touch dry in just 2 hours so no need to wait for a sunny day to get your home looking perfect again.
Good luck finding the product that’s perfect for your exterior surfaces!
Additional Resources
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.
Is mason art paint ok for doorstep tiles
I have used Isle of Skye Masonry Paint, wow is strong stuff !. think its made with sea weed
Will you always need primer first, even when it’s aleady been painted by last owners.