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Masonry paint is a type of paint specially designed for use on exterior surfaces, including render, brick, concrete, stone, plaster, pebbledash, and lime.

Masonry paints are water and acrylic-based paints with unique properties that protect exterior surfaces from the elements and pollution. These special properties include resistance to water, algae, mould, and dirt.

Continue reading to learn more about masonry paints and why they’re so popular to use on rendered surfaces.

What is Masonry Paint?

Masonry paint is a specially formulated paint designed for a wide range of outdoor surfaces, including render, brick, concrete, lime, plaster, stone, cement, and pebbledash.

It not only protects the exterior of a building but also adds some colour and aesthetic appeal to structures.

Why Should You Use Masonry Paint on Rendered Surfaces?

Masonry paint is widely considered the best type of paint to use on rendered surfaces, as most paint options are available in breathable and water-resistant formulas. If you apply a non-breathable paint to rendered surfaces, the moisture becomes trapped, which increases the chance of the render becoming damaged over time.

The Benefits of Masonry Paint

The benefits of masonry paint include:

  • Protection from the elements: Water-resistant masonry paint can protect exterior surfaces from heavy and torrential rain. Some masonry paints are also available with UV protection, protecting structures from the sun in hotter climates and preventing fading and discolouration.
  • Breathable: One of the main reasons masonry paints are used on exterior walls is their ability to breathe. This breathability allows moisture to escape instead of becoming trapped in the walls. If moisture becomes trapped and builds up over time, it can lead to damp issues and algae and mould growth.
  • Reduces wear and tear: Paint protects a home’s exterior from dirt and debris and adds a layer of protection from the elements. The right masonry paint will also prevent the structure from rotting or becoming damaged over time.
  • Prevents cracking: The exterior of a building can crack over time due to moisture, the elements, and mould growth. Cracks can either be hairline cracks or, more serious, deeper cracks. Using layers of masonry paint can prevent these cracks from forming in the first place.
  • Efflorescence protection: Efflorescence is the white crusty mineral that forms on the exterior surface of buildings due to rain and water. Masonry paint prevents water from being absorbed, so it can also prevent efflorescence from forming on the surface.
  • Airborne pollution protection: Structures in heavily populated areas are prone to airborne pollution from roads, public transport, and factories. Multiple layers of masonry paint can protect a structure from this pollution and even cover up any dirt and grimy spots.

The Different Types of Masonry Paint

Acrylic-Based Masonry Paint

Most masonry paints are acrylic-based, which mixes pigments with an acrylic polymer (large molecules linked together in chains) binder. Acrylic-based masonry paints are ideal for refreshing the exterior of a building, but due to their plastic content, they have a lower level of breathability than other masonry paints.

Silicone-Based Masonry Paint

Created by a Paint Chemist in Germany, silicone masonry paint contains silicone resins and water-repellent materials. It is water resistant and breathable, making it incredibly durable and giving it a lifespan of up to 20 years. As an added bonus, it is also compatible with silicone-based renders, which can be difficult to pair with certain masonry paints.

Limewash

Limewash is a traditional form of masonry paint that has existed for hundreds of years. Although it is breathable, it does not offer the same level of protection as modern masonry paints and needs to be reapplied every few years. Over time, silicone-based masonry paints have replaced limewash, although limewash is still used on historical and heritage buildings.

Oil-Based Masonry Paint

Oil-based masonry paint (pilolite) is mainly used in cold and wet climates as it dries in about one hour. It has low breathability and should only be used in extreme weather conditions.

Smooth Masonry Paints

Smooth masonry paint looks great on larger surface areas. It can also be used to give a unique finish to textured walls like pebbledash.

Textured Masonry Paint

Textured masonry paint has a rougher, grittier texture. It can be used to add a textured finish to a smooth wall or hide minor imperfections. These paint options are more weather resistant but also need more regular cleaning.

Satin Masonry Paint

A durable microporous paint that results in a beautiful satin sheen finish, it is best used to accentuate exterior features like windowsills, porch railings, ceilings, and door frames.

Self-Cleaning Masonry Paint

Self-cleaning masonry paint is specially formulated to prevent dirt or debris from sticking to exterior surfaces. Dirt that accumulates will easily be washed away during rainfall.

One-Coat Masonry Paint

Although most masonry paints require double coats, there are one-coat options available. These one-coat masonry paints still require an undercoat of primer before being applied.

How to Apply Masonry Paint

Masonry paint can be applied using two different methods: a traditional paint roller and brush or a spray paint machine.

1. Gather equipment: Gather all the equipment you’ll need, including:

  • Masonry paint
  • Paint roller
  • Paintbrush
  • Bucket
  • Masking tape
  • Sandpaper
  • Scraper
  • Filling knife
  • Dush sheets (for protecting surrounding areas)
  • Protective gear (overalls, safety goggles and gloves)

2. Prepare the surface: Using a mild detergent and a wire or stiff-bristled brush, ensure the surface is free from debris or old paint.
If you notice any cracks or holes in the wall, use masonry filler to fill them in. Then, use masking tape to mask off all the areas you don’t want to paint (doors, windows, etc.).

3. Priming: Primer is an undercoat that allows the paint to bond with any surface. Apply a thin layer of primer to any surface you’re about to paint. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying the paint.

4. Painting: For efficiency and precision, use a paintbrush and roller to paint the exterior surface, beginning at the top and working your way down.

If you choose to spray paint instead of using the traditional paintbrush and roller, you will still need to clean and prepare the wall beforehand. Using a spray paint machine requires practice. Spray machines can also be quite pricey, so renting one can be a better option.

Continually move the paint sprayer machine and hold it at a distance of around 30cm from the wall.

What to Consider when Buying Masonry Paint

Here are some important factors to consider when buying masonry paint:

  • Are you using a paintbrush/paint roller or a spray machine to apply the paint?
  • What surface are you painting over?
  • Are your walls rendered?
  • Are you painting over existing paint?
  • What finish do you want?

Sydney Cement Rendering takes pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts, providing our customers with the highest-quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!