What is the best exterior paint for render

You have a choice of exterior paints to consider for exterior masonry and garden walls, but the best paints are shower resistant and offer weather protection. This guide helps you care for external walls, masonry while knowing how many coats you need.

What is the best paint for render?

The answer which comes up time and time again from professionals is masonry paint.

What is masonry paint?

Masonry paint is developed for use on external walls and is suitable for use on:

Masonry paint is effective at adding more colour to your property walls, but it is also highly effective at protecting your building.

The durability of masonry paint ensures it helps minimise the impact of harsh weather conditions, pollution and the general wear and tear of your property.

What are the benefits of masonry paint?

There are many benefits of applying masonry paint to exterior walls, including:

Protection against dirt and airborne pollution

Depending on where you stay, your home might be bombarded with dust, dirt and debris in the air, including soot, sand and even the remnants of acid rain. Masonry paint provides a protective coating, making it easier to keep your premises clean.

Algae and mould resistant

One of the most substantial reasons to apply masonry paint is its protection against mould and algae. This is unsightly, and over time, it can damage the property. Mould is closely associated with dampness, so if you want to reduce the impact of damp problems, masonry paint is a great mould resistant solution offering a durable finish.

Efflorescence protection

If you are close to the sea or your property is exposed to water, it can take on a crusty image with white salts appearing on exterior walls and masonry work. This look is unsightly, but in some cases, it can cause exterior walls to dry out, eventually causing them to flake or crumble.

Minimise cracking

Cracking is caused by many factors, including mould, frost damage and water. A small hairline crack can lead to significant problems, so applying several coats of masonry paint helps to reduce the risk of hairline cracks.

Prevent blistering

If the property is exposed to high temperatures, paintwork can blister, weakening the surface. Masonry paint is the ideal paint to reduce blistering and minor imperfections.

What is the difference between masonry paint and standard paint?

There are different chemical compounds in masonry paint, and paint is more commonly used inside a home. The most significant difference between masonry paint and a gloss or matt paint you’d use indoors is the waterproof coating on offer, the odour and fungicides which limit mould growth. These are all fundamental reasons only to use masonry paint on exterior walls, not internal ones.

It is essential to state that masonry paint isn’t fully waterproof, but it should be waterproof enough to provide sufficient protection against rainy weather.

What types of masonry paints are there?

You will find masonry paint comes in many forms:

  • Smooth masonry paint
  • Textured masonry paint
  • Oil based masonry paint
  • Sandtex masonry paint
  • Water based paint

The best masonry paints is often a matter of choice, so consider what you need when you buy masonry paint. There are cheaper masonry paints on offer, but you want the best results when painting exterior masonry.

Smooth masonry paint is the best masonry paint for many professional decorators

You also have masonry paint known by different names, such as the range of smooth finish exterior paints. These belong under the masonry paint umbrella, but they are often listed separately due to the nature of finish created with this paint.

A smooth paint with weather resistance qualities are important

There are many options to choose from when looking for weather-resistant products, including leading brand names in the paint sector. Adding weather protection makes sense for external doors, or those exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Textured masonry paint offers benefits too

Textured masonry paint is ideal for filling small cracks, and many people appreciate the style of this paint. In some circumstances, textured masonry paint offers more protection than smooth masonry paints. It might be a personal choice between a smooth finish or a textured finish, but what you like, you have a wide range of masonry paint options to help.

Can you get masonry paint in different colours?

Yes, you will find masonry paint is available in a wide range of colours.

Whether you plan on selling your home soon, so you want the kerb appeal to be high, or you admire a pleasant and welcoming exterior of your home, you will be delighted at the colour options on offer.

If you cannot find masonry paint in the colour you are looking for; you should be able to mix paint together to get the same colour. You should be able to enjoy smooth coverage or a textured finish in your favoured colour scheme.

Applying masonry paint

Steps to take before applying exterior masonry paint include:

  • Clean the exterior wall, removing dust, dirt and debris – feel free to power hose the property at this time or a scrubbing brush with warm soapy water
  • Scrape the wall to remove bits of cement
  • Use commercial products such as antifungal cleaner or stabiliser for the first render to remove and minimise mould
  • Use a first coat primer if applicable, such as with flaky or chalky walls
  • Cover areas with masking tape or larger sheets if you don’t want them to be covered in paint

Once you have followed these steps, you can add masonry paint with a masonry brush, roller or paintbrush. Aim to cover the wall with long and smooth strokes and apply two or three coats, or multiple coats as applicable.

What weather conditions are best for applying masonry paint?

It stands to reason dry weather conditions are best for applying masonry paint. Ideally, you want a period of 24 hours with no rain after you apply the paint.

Do you need an undercoat with masonry paint?

You don’t typically need an undercoat with masonry paint, but as mentioned above, if walls are flaky or chalky, it makes sense to prepare an undercoat before applying masonry paint.

With the best masonry paint for your property, you can coat and protect exterior surfaces, ensuring your home looks great.

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