What is Masonry Paint?

You may or may not know that masonry paint is not the same as the regular paint that you normally use for your household painting projects. In fact, sometimes there is quite a bit of confusion around the distinctions between each of the different types of paint options on the market today. Specifically, as it relates to topics like when should mansory paint be applied.

Having said that, here are a few key things you should know about masonry paint before you begin your next project.

What is the Definition of Masonry Paint?

Masonry paint can be defined in several different ways. However, one of the most important things that you should know is that this type of paint can be used on a wide variety of surfaces including stone, brickwork, plaster, lime, pebble dash, plaster, and cement render. This is primarily because masonry paint has been formulated specifically for use on exterior walls.

Also, one of the main purposes for using this type of paint is its exceptional performance. For example, as a general rule of thumb, this higher-performing paint is not a luxury but a requirement for a number of different reasons. One of the most essential is its protective characteristics since it is designed to protect the external walls of your home from:

• Outside elements like rain, snow, and hot effects from the sun
• Mould and mildew
• General wear and tear
• Pollution

So, It is also important to note that masonry paints are formulated to accomplish the above and more. For example, it is specifically designed to be a tight seal for protection. Yet, it still allows the exterior of the home to breathe enough for the unwanted moisture to escape as well.

What are the Different Types of Masonry Paint?

You need to also know that there are many different types of smooth masonry paint. However, before we can discuss these different types, we need to first discuss a brief overview of what Mansory paints are and what they are designed to accomplish.

To start, each type of paint is made of different elements including the following:

• A pigment (i.e. specific colour)
• A binding agent that is natural or chemically based
• A Vehicle

Each of these elements plays a different role in the creation of the formula. For example, once the pigment is available to produce the masonry paint, the binding agent is added.

The binding agent is used to hold the paint together and to provide protective properties to the formula. The vehicle is the element in the paint that has the role of either absorbing the paint on the surface or evaporating effectively so that it can leave the pigment and the binder behind.

It is also important to note that the binding agents can differ depending on the type of paint that you are using. This is because the binding agents can be made of minerals or acrylic.

Now that we know how the different types of masonry paints are actually formulated, we can address the different ones listed below.

Water-Based Acrylic Masonry Paint

Though there are many different types of Masonry paint on the market today, the most commonly used and available is acrylic masonry paint. It is a water-based paint that is made with an acrylic binder.

This type of paint is not only good for protecting the outside of the building, it also has a beautiful brilliant look. This paint is available in a large variety of colors and it is most suited for protection against the elements and water.

Additionally, If your home is already protected with one or more layers of Masonry paint, there is a huge chance that the paint type that has been used is acrylic. Or, if you are looking to update your home with a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home, you may want to choose masonry acrylic paint as your best option.

This is primarily because of the benefits that it provides, including allowing the brickwork on the home to breathe and extra aid from the outside elements.

Mineral Masonry Paint or Silicate-Based Paints

In the 1900s another Masonry paint was created in Germany. It is presently known by two different names, mineral or silicate-based paint. The formula in these paints is considered to be substantially different from the others, especially since the chemical reaction in this paint knits itself into the surfaces of the walls.

How Does the Mineral/Silicate-Based Paint Work:

As mentioned above, mineral and silicate-based paints work differently from the other types of Masonry paints. These paints are designed with several different purposes in mind, including getting absorbed into the surface of the exterior and forming a new layer.

Simply put, the coating that is applied becomes part of the surface versus forming layers on top of it and is more durable than other masonry paint types.

You should also know that there are a few downsides that everyone should be familiar with before making this choice. The mineral and silicate-based paints are not as easy to find and are a bit more on the pricier side. On the other hand, if you want paint that is much more durable, the difference between the prices can actually justify the higher cost.

Limewash

Many of us in the UK have seen homes that have been painted with limewash. The prevalence of limewash is often high in this country since it has been used on homes for hundreds of years in the past. In fact, even though this is true, the times are changing dramatically, especially since there is an issue that cannot be ignored.

One of the most notable issues is that limewash is not good for homeowners who want a more durable paint job that will last a lot longer (i.e. more than 3 years). These homeowners will prefer a paint job that will last for at least 15 years before it will need to be repainted.

Yet, even though limewash is not the most durable paint on the market today, it is still a very popular choice for homeowners with older model houses. This is primarily because limewash makes older model homes look more authentic.

Overall, the type of paint that you use is often dependent on your specific set of circumstances and the paint that you are allowed to paint your home with.

Oil-Based Exterior Masonry Paint

According to your set of circumstances, you may also want to consider oil-based masonry paints. Before you make your choice, however, you need to do your research prior to making a decision. This is mostly because there are both advantages and disadvantages to using oil-based paints, and you need to know both in order to select the best one for you.

Advantages of Oil-Based Paints

With this in mind, here are a few of the advantages that oil-based paints have over water-based paints.

• Oil-based paints are showerproof in about 30 minutes.
• Completely dry in an hour
• A lot better in colder climates than water-based paints.
• Contain superior quality stain-blocking properties
• Can be used in places where watermarks do not bleed through

Disadvantages of Oil-Based Paints

Just like there are some advantages, there are some drawbacks to using oil-based paints, too. Here are a few of the most common ones that everyone should become familiar with.

• More costly than water-based paint
• Difficult to clean up since specialized cleaning solutions are required for clean-ups
• Not environmentally friendly
• Not easy to slim down
• Much easier to work with

Read also: How to Thin Oil-Based Paint

How to Prepare Exterior Walls for Painting

Making the proper preparations to repaint your smooth masonry is not considered to be a very difficult process to complete. However, whenever you follow each step, you must follow them carefully, especially if want to achieve the perfect brilliant finish that you desire. So, let’s get started.

1. Remove flaking paint

The goal in this step is to make sure that you have a solid surface that the paint can bond to.

In order to make sure that the surface meets this requirement, you should use a wire brush to remove any old flakes that you can see. If you do not get this part just right, the new paint job will not be smooth. Instead, it will result in being just as unstable and flaky looking as the old paint job.

2. Fill in all cracks

The goal of this step is to make sure that there are no cracks in the surface that you are painting. For instance, if you see any holes, cracks, or gaps in the masonry, you need to fill them in before you start to paint. Also, to get the best results possible, you need a good quality filler that you can apply without encountering shrinkage once it dries completely.

3. Sanding

The goal in this step is to make sure that holes and cracks are not only filled in correctly but also sanded down smoothly before you paint. For instance, once you filled in all of the gaps that you see on the surface, you will need to sand each of these areas down so that they are smooth and even. By taking the time to sand them down properly, you can ensure that the final paint job will look great and professional.

4. Cleaning

The goal of this step is to make sure that the surface that you are painting is completely clean and free of grime, dust, and mold.

By taking special care in this area in advance, you can attain the desired results, including preventing painting over stains and sticky surfaces. When you avoid these problems, you can also eliminate early signs of peeling and other similar issues.

How to Spray Masonry Paint

If you are thinking about spray painting the outside of your home, you can benefit greatly from the step-by-step instructions that have been provided for you below. This guide is not only designed for the experienced painter but also for the novice who is just getting started.

Also, if you have an interest in taking on other painting projects like how to paint sash windows, you can use the information supplied to address these situations, too.

1. Select the right types of paint sprayers

First off, there are many different types of paint sprayers on the market today. Therefore, you need to make sure that you choose the right type of sprayer for you and your specific needs. Also, since there is more than one factor that can affect your decision, you need to know exactly what to look for. So, here are a few tips that can point you in the right direction.

• Purchase a superior-quality paint sprayer that is made specifically for spray masonry.
• Since paint sprayers can range up to a few thousand pounds, look for a high-quality option that you can afford.
• If you do not have the funds to purchase the right type of spray painter, you may want to think about renting as a viable option.

2. Select the best paint for the Job

Once you have the right type of paint sprayer in your possession, the next step is to choose the best paint for the job. The type of paint that you choose can make a difference in a number of ways. For instance, the type of paint that you will need is covered in the information below.

In most cases, textured masonry paint should be eliminated as an option since the sandy elements in the paint will only clog up the spray gun

Consider using brands like Sandex since they offer ultra-smooth paint and instructions that can assist you with doing a good quality professional paint job.

Read also: Best Paint Brands in UK

3. Masking

Though there are many steps in this process that you need to pay close attention to, masking is considered to be one of the most essential parts of spray painting. This is because the quality and details that go into this process will determine the precision of the spray painting around the windows, doors, and anything else that should not be touched by the paint.

To cover other areas in the space that you are spray painting, you may need other supplies like dust sheets for your outside furniture, plants, and bushes.

4. First Time Paint Spraying

When you are a first-time paint sprayer, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you do a good job.

• Start in the part of the house that is not normally frequented
• Purchase cheap plywood so that you can practice different motions and settings
• Avoid spraying in one place for long lengths of time
• Keep the sprayer in motion when your finger is on its trigger

Even though spraying masonry paint may sound like a tedious and scary job, you can minimize any unnecessary problems by making the proper preparations in advance. For instance, you may want to watch several Youtube videos that will teach you the correct techniques and other things that can make this job much easier and simpler to do.

How to Use a Paint Roller and Brush to Paint Masonry

Using a brush and roller to paint masonry is relatively easy to do. Yet, there are still some techniques that you can use to make these jobs a lot easier. Here’s a guide for beginners and others who may need a refresher on how to paint masonry with a brush and roller.

1. Preparation and masking

As mentioned earlier, preparation is one of the keys to doing a good professional paint job. This is also why masking is such an important part of this process. In fact, by taking paying extra attention to every detail in masking, you will not only help to speed up the process but also ensure no annoying stray paint marks are found on your windows, doors or other things that need to be protected from painting errors.

2. Start Rolling the Paint Brush from top to bottom

To prevent unnecessary headaches, it is best to start rolling your brush from the top of the wall to the bottom.

By using this technique, you can take care of paint drips a lot easier. For example, as you begin to work your way down the wall, you can smooth out the drips as you go. On the flip side, if you start rolling the paintbrush from the bottom up, these drips are not easy to blend in and may result in a bad finish.

3. Cut in first

The sequence you use to cut into your window and door frames can make a huge difference in how easy it will be to paint around them. The best way to do this is to cut in first instead of saving these tasks to the end.

By cutting in first, you can spend more time and effort on getting the edges as smooth and properly done as possible with a paintbrush. And, once these cuts are done, you can use your roller to make sure the larger parts of the wall are covered in paint. For more information on cutting in, please see our guide on this topic.

FAQs

Can a roller be used for masonry paint jobs?

Yes, a roller can be used to paint masonry. However, the roller may not be the best option in all situations. For example, if you are painting bricks, mortar, or any other uneven surface, it is best to use a paintbrush instead.

What are masonry paintbrushes?

Masonry paintbrushes can be described as big paintbrushes that have long firm bristles. These paintbrushes can also be used for several different purposes, including those that have been listed below.

• Cover larger surfaces that traditional paint brushes
• Cover larger areas so they make painting less time consuming
• Ideal for water-based masonry paint projects
• Designed to prevent reactions to paint so they are made of natural materials

Can ordinary paint be used on masonry?

Even though regular paint can be used on masonry, it is not recommended for the exterior of your home. Since masonry is considered to be prone to absorbing lots of extra paint and not made for paint waterproofing the outside of the home, there is no real benefit.

On the other hand, using normal paint on masonry can present several crucial problems. One of the most costly and damaging is this paint’s inability to protect the outside of the home from the weather (i.e. snow, rain, and the like.)

Can masonry paint be used for paint indoors?

Masonry paint can be used on the inside of your home as well as on the outside. However, with the added protective properties in this paint, there is no real benefit to doing so. And, it is designed specifically for the exterior of your home for several reasons, including the following:

• Made and formulated specifically for the exterior of your home
• No extra protective coating is needed for interior walls since it does not have to resist the elements outdoors

What is masonry paint used for?

Masonry paint is often used for a number of different reasons. Some of the most important usually include protecting the home from weather damage, keeping homes looking aesthetically pleasing, adding colour to enhance their looks, and insulating homes that are older.

Are masonry paints used on the exterior?

Yes, masonry paints are formulated specifically to be used on the exterior of a home. Also, though someone may use masonry paint in the interior, there is no real benefit to doing so.

What is the difference between normal paint and masonry paint?

The differences between normal paint and masonry paint are as follows:

• Masonry paint contains less liquid
• Masonry paints provide a lot of protection from the elements and should be used on the exterior of the home instead of the interior
• Masonry paint is composed of different materials than the normal paint
• The majority of interior paints are water-based and most masonry paints can be both water-based and water-based acrylic paints

What are the different surfaces that you can use masonry paint on?

Masonry paint can be used on various surfaces, including concrete, brick, stone, plaster, wood, metal, cement render, lime, and pebble dash.

What are the best types of masonry paint to use?

The best types of masonry paints to use can vary based on numerous factors. The most important usually depends on the brand, protection requirements, the property type involved, and colour preferences.

What are textured masonry paints?

Textured masonry paint is described in many different ways. This is because they have quite a few desirable properties, specifically when comparing them to normal paint types. Here are just a few.

• Brilliant for covering uneven surfaces and cracks
• Ideal quick applications for large areas
• A broad range of textures and different colours
• Good results were achieved by applying too many coats

Can you spray masonry paint?

Yes, masonry paint can be sprayed, and there are many great benefits to doing so. One of the biggest benefits is spraying large areas of exterior walls very quickly.

The differences between textured and smooth paint?

The primary differences between these 2 paints are the feel and look. For example, textured paints have a textured look and are made with ingredients like sand and silica. The texture paint is also good for hiding minor imperfections on the wall like cracks and chips.