If you’re painting your home’s exterior, you need a good masonry paint to protect your walls from rain, frost, and general wear. Whether it’s going on brick, render or concrete, it has to hold up through all sorts of British weather.
Unfortunately, some most praised paints in the UK often end up cracking, peeling, or letting damp creep back in. Once that happens, walls start to look tired, and in some cases, the moisture gets into the structure.
You should avoid such paints and choose ones that keep water out, stay stuck to the wall, and don’t fade or flake after one winter.
We compared some best-selling and performing waterproof masonry paints on Amazon based on durability, ease of use, real customer reviews, and how well they perform in wet and cold conditions and prepared a list of 10 picks for you.
Whether you’re freshening up tired render or sealing up old brickwork, the following 10 best masonry paints are the ones we’d trust to get the job done.
👉 Related post: Top 10 Best Damp Seal Paints in the UK (2025 Buyer’s Guide)
Top 10 Best Waterproof Masonry Paints in The UK 2025
1. Sandtex masonry paint, 5L
If you want exterior paint that holds up to British weather, this one’s a proper workhorse. Sandtex Ultra Smooth isn’t just for looks — it keeps out rain, lets walls breathe, and shrugs off dirt and mould.
It goes on clean, even over rough old render, and leaves a sharp finish that lasts. Whether it’s a garden wall or the whole house, this paint does the job without fuss.
Key Features
- Covers up to 80m² per 5L, depending on the surface
- Waterproof, breathable, and mould resistant
- Microseal formula stops peeling and flaking
- Works on render, brick, concrete, and painted surfaces
- 15-year protection with proper prep
Why We Recommend Sandtex Masonry Paint
We’ve seen users use this on all sorts — full homes, boundary walls, garden sheds — and still rate it years later. It goes on easily, holds its colour, and doesn’t crack under pressure. It’s one of those paints people stick with because it just works.
Check prices on Amazon: Sandtex Masonry Paint – Pure Brilliant White, 5L
2. Leyland Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint, 2.5L
Granocryl is often chosen for older or uneven exterior walls. It’s thicker than most at this price and goes on well over pebbledash, render or blockwork without dragging or patching.
The smooth matte finish dries evenly, and Brilliant White does a solid job of covering stains in just a coat or two. It’s a practical choice for garden walls, garages or rentals.
Key Features
- Covers around 25m² per 2.5L tin
- Mould-resistant and weatherproof
- Smooth, breathable, matte finish
- Ten-year protection with proper prep
- Works on render, brick, pebbledash and concrete
Why We Recommend Leyland Granocryl Masonry Paint
We analysed reviews on Amazon and found many UK users saying it outperforms expectations. People praised the coverage, especially on rough walls where thinner paints fail. For the price, it’s one of the few that consistently delivers decent results.
Check prices on Amazon: Leyland Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint – Brilliant White, 2.5L
3. Rustins Quick Dry Masonry Paint, White, 500ml
This 500ml tin from Rustins is ideal for small outdoor jobs that bigger tubs just don’t suit. It’s quick drying, low odour, and sticks well to concrete, brick, cement, or stone without loads of prep.
Because it’s water-based, it’s easy to use indoors or outdoors, and great for awkward areas like sills, steps, and borders where precision matters more than bulk coverage. It brushes on evenly, dries matte, and cleans up with just water.
Key Features
- 500ml covers around 5 to 6 square metres
- Smooth, matte finish
- Water-based and low odour
- Quick drying with easy clean-up
- Works on concrete, brick, cement and stone
Why We Recommend Rustins Masonry Paint
This is one of the few paints made specifically for smaller masonry jobs. It’s practical, tidy, and ideal when you only need to paint a few surfaces rather than a full wall.
Check prices on Amazon: Rustins Quick Dry Masonry Paint – White, 500ml
👉 Related post: Top 10 Best Damp Seal Paints in the UK (2025 Buyer’s Guide)
4. Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint, 5L
This Dulux masonry paint is made for homes that take a beating from the weather. It forms a flexible skin over render or brick, keeping water out while still letting the surface breathe. You can brush it on even with showery clouds around, and it’s showerproof in 30 minutes.
The Sandstone shade works well on garden walls, porches, and period homes that suit a softer finish. What sets this apart is the Weathershield Promise — if it peels or flakes while you live in the property, Dulux will refund the product.
Key Features
- Covers up to 75m² per 5L tin
- Water-based, breathable, and UV resistant
- Flexible film resists cracking and peeling
- Showerproof in 30 minutes
- Backed by the Weathershield Promise
Why We Recommend Dulux Weathershield
This isn’t just any paint — it’s made to cope with rain, frost and sun long term. You can trust it on full house exteriors without cutting corners.
Check prices on Amazon: Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint – Sandstone, 5L
5. HQC Weather Shield Smooth Masonry Paint, 5L – Sage Green
This HQC masonry paint does more than cover walls. It blocks water, shrugs off mould, and even helps reduce heat loss by keeping the wall dry. Once cured, it lets moisture escape from the inside while sealing out rain from the outside — a key detail if you’re painting older brick or render.
The sage green colour adds a calm, soft tone to garden walls, porches, or whole homes, especially when matched with pale stone or gravel. This is a breathable, tough-wearing choice made with acrylic resin and backed by eco-conscious packaging and production.
Key Features
- 5L covers around 40 to 70 square metres
- Breathable, waterproof and weather resistant
- Helps reduce algae, moss and mould
- Suitable for DIY and professional use
- Low odour and fast drying
Why We Recommend HQC Masonry Paint
The formula feels built for British walls. It’s breathable, storm-proof, and ideal when you want proper weather protection in a modern finish.
Check prices on Amazon: HQC Weather Shield Masonry Paint – Sage Green, 5L
👉 Related post: 10 Best Anti Mould Paints For UK Homes
6. Polar Wallguard Masonry Paint – 1L White
Polar Wallguard comes from a 130-year-old British paint brand that knows how to make coatings that last in UK weather. This water-based masonry paint creates a tough, breathable barrier on surfaces most paints can’t handle — including brick, pebbledash, stone and even metal. It’s low odour, easy to apply, and holds up well through rain and frost.
Key Features
- Solvent-free and low odour
- Touch dry in 1–2 hours, recoat after 4–6
- Works on brick, render, stone, metal, and pebbledash
- Smooth, matte finish available in several colours
- Coverage up to 11m² per litre (55m² for 5L tin)
Why We Recommend Polar Wallguard
When a company’s been making paint for over a century, you expect them to get it right — and Polar does. This paint isn’t flashy, but it goes on easily, stays stuck, and actually does what it promises. For tricky surfaces or unpredictable weather, it’s one of the more dependable options out there.
Check prices on Amazon: Polar Wallguard Masonry Paint – 1L White
7. Landlords Weather Shield Smooth Masonry Paint – Milky Blue, 1L
Landlords Paint is made for practical exterior work — especially if you need something breathable, waterproof, and simple to apply. It’s a water-based acrylic paint with low odour and strong adhesion, ideal for older walls or DIY touch-ups.
Once cured, it keeps water out but still allows damp inside the wall to evaporate, which means fewer cold patches and less trapped moisture long-term. Landlords Weather Shield Smooth Masonry paint also helps reduce moss, lichen, and algae — a plus for walls that stay shaded or damp.
Key Features
- Water-based formula with low odour and smooth finish
- Breathable coating that allows trapped moisture to escape
- Helps prevent moss, algae, and lichen growth
- Good opacity with non-drip application
- Suitable for render, masonry, and brick surfaces
Why We Recommend Landlords Paint
It’s ideal for landlords, DIYers or anyone tackling exterior patch-ups in tricky weather. We like that it protects without sealing in damp — and unlike many, it’s designed to cut moss and algae as well as water.
Check prices on Amazon: Landlords Weather Shield Smooth Masonry Paint – Milky Blue, 1L
8. Johnstone’s Exterior Smooth Masonry Paint – Natural Sage, 5L
This Johnstone’s masonry paint is made for homes that need serious staying power. It’s flexible, UV-resistant, and promises up to 15 years of protection — which makes it a solid pick for exposed brick, pebbledash, or stonework that faces the elements. It dries in just a couple of hours, and once cured, it resists flaking, dirt build-up, and general wear.
Natural Sage is one of those tones that works well across full homes or boundary walls, softening rougher finishes without looking too plain.
Key Features
- 15-year protection for brick, render, stone and more
- Weather and dirt resistant with UV shielding
- A flexible formula allows for surface movement
- Smooth, high-opacity finish with low flake risk
- Touch dry in 1–2 hours, second coat ready after 4–6
Why We Recommend Johnstone’s Masonry Paint
The long-lasting formula speaks for itself, but what we rate most is the coverage and finish. It sticks, stays neat, and doesn’t fade quickly in the sun or rain. A proper go-to for big jobs where you don’t want to repaint every few years.
Check prices on Amazon: Johnstone’s Exterior Smooth Masonry Paint – Natural Sage, 5L
9. SIRAMICO COATINGS Masonry Paint – Pastel Blue, 5L
SIRAMICO is a newer name, but it’s clearly going for premium performance. This water-based masonry paint uses ECO Resin Technology to give a strong, chip-resistant finish that still lets walls breathe.
It’s non-toxic, UV-stable, and comes in bold, modern shades like Pastel Blue and Goose Grey. The formula includes biocides to stop algae and mould growth — a smart touch for UK exteriors.
Key Features
- ECO Resin Technology with 10-year colour guarantee
- Low-VOC, breathable and mould-resistant
- UV and weather protection for all seasons
- High-opacity, fast-drying matte finish
- Suitable for exterior masonry, concrete, and render
Why We Recommend SIRAMICO Masonry Paint
While it’s more expensive than others, this is one of the only paints at this level offering a colour guarantee and anti-algae formula in a modern eco finish. If you’re after a boutique shade with pro-level protection, SIRAMICO is worth a look.
Check prices on Amazon: SIRAMICO COATINGS Masonry Paint – Pastel Blue, 5L
10. Wethertex AP77 Flexible Masonry Paint – Brilliant White, 10L
Wethertex AP77 is built for long-term defence on homes that face it all — rain, frost, sun, movement, and age.
It’s made with Optilife silicone technology, which means the paint stays flexible even after drying. That stops cracks from forming, even on older or shifting surfaces.
With up to 20 years of protection in one tub, this is serious stuff for serious jobs — whether you’re coating a weather-beaten wall or upgrading render that’s started to show its age.
Key Features
- Optilife silicone formula for flexible coverage
- Waterproof and touch dry in 1 hour
- Up to 20 years protection with proper prep
- Spray, roll or brush on render, stone, brick, or old coatings
- Smooth, durable matte finish in Brilliant White
Why We Recommend Wethertex AP77
We rate this for high-risk walls — roughcast, old render, or exposed buildings that need a tough skin. It’s flexible, weatherproof, and made to last for decades, not years.
Check prices on Amazon: Wethertex AP77 Masonry Paint – Brilliant White, 10L
| Paint Name | Coverage | Finish Type | Weather Resistance | Dry Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandtex Masonry Paint, 5L | Up to 80m² | Ultra smooth, breathable | Waterproof, dirt and mould resistant | Touch dry in 1–2 hours |
| Leyland Granocryl, 2.5L | Around 25m² | Smooth, matte | Mould-resistant and waterproof | Few hours |
| Rustins Quick Dry, 500ml | 5–6m² | Smooth, matte | Water-based, suitable for outdoor use | Quick drying |
| Dulux Weathershield, 5L | Up to 75m² | Flexible, smooth | UV, waterproof, showerproof in 30 mins | 30 mins (showerproof) |
| HQC Weather Shield, 5L | 40–70m² | Smooth, breathable | Waterproof, mould and algae resistant | Few hours |
| Polar Wallguard, 1L | Up to 11m² | Matte | Breathable, frost and rain resistant | Touch dry in 1–2 hours |
| Landlords Weather Shield, 1L | Not stated | Smooth, low odour | Breathable, waterproof, anti-algae | Few hours |
| Johnstone’s Masonry, 5L | 60m² | Smooth, high-opacity | Weather & dirt resistant, UV shielding | 1–2 hours (touch dry) |
| SIRAMICO Masonry Paint, 5L | Not stated | Smooth, matte | Weather, UV, algae and mould resistant | 1–2 hours (touch dry) |
| Wethertex AP77, 10L | Not stated | Smooth, matte | Waterproof, flexible, frost & UV resistant | Touch dry in 1 hour |
Quick Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Masonry Paint (UK Advice)
Painting the outside of your home isn’t just about looks — it’s about protection. British weather throws everything at exterior walls: rain, frost, heat, damp, and algae. That’s why choosing the right masonry paint matters.
Here’s what to look for before you buy the best waterproof masonry paint:
- Ensure it’s waterproof and breathable: The best masonry paint keeps rain out while still allowing trapped moisture to escape. That stops bubbling, flaking, and damp patches from forming inside your wall, especially important on older brick or render.
- Choose a flexible formula: Solid walls expand and contract in response to changes in temperature. A good paint needs to flex with the surface, or it’ll start to crack. Look for options with silicone or resin technology/ They’re designed to conform to the wall.
- Check for good opacity and coverage: High-opacity paint means fewer coats and better coverage, even on rough or patchy walls like pebbledash or concrete. This saves time, labour and cost in the long run.
- Look for paints made for UK conditions: A lot of “all-weather” paints aren’t made with British damp or moss in mind. Choose a masonry paint that specifically mentions UK homes, algae resistance, or real cold-weather durability.
- Read real reviews, not just the label: Forget the big promises on the tin. What do UK customers say a year after using it? Has it lasted? Does it peel? We based our top 10 list on honest reviews, expert testing, and real-world experience, not just specs.
- Match it to your wall type: Brick, render, stone, roughcast — not all paints work on every surface. Always check the tin to make sure it’s suitable for what you’re painting. If not, it won’t bond properly and won’t last.
- Check the drying time: Some paints dry in as little as 1–2 hours, while others take a full day. Quick-drying options are handy in unpredictable weather or if you need to recoat the same day. But don’t rush — the surface must be fully dry before rain hits.
- Water-based or solvent-based? Water-based masonry paints are easier to use, dry faster, and have lower odour — ideal for DIY jobs. Solvent-based paints tend to be tougher and longer-lasting but need more ventilation and longer drying times. Both have their place.
- Go for a brand with a guarantee (if possible): Some premium paints now come with 10, 15 or even 20-year guarantees. While you’ll pay more, the peace of mind and long-term savings (fewer repaints) can be worth it, especially on whole-house projects.
🎨 Masonry Paint Quick Guide
9 Essential Tips for UK Homes
Waterproof & Breathable
Keeps rain out, lets moisture escape. Prevents bubbling & damp.
Flexible Formula
Look for silicone/resin tech that flexes with wall movement.
High Opacity
Fewer coats needed = time & money saved on rough surfaces.
UK-Specific
Made for British damp, moss & cold conditions.
Real Reviews
Check UK customer experiences after 1 year, not marketing.
Match Wall Type
Brick, render, stone — check compatibility first.
Drying Time
Quick-dry (1–2hrs) vs full-day. Perfect for UK weather.
Water vs Solvent
Water: Easy DIY. Solvent: Tougher, lasts longer.
Guarantees
10–20 year warranties = fewer repaints & savings.
Best Waterproof Masonry Paints: Your Questions Answered
When not to use masonry paint?
Avoid masonry paint on damp walls, fresh plaster, or unclean surfaces. It also won’t perform well on wood, metal, or smooth plastic unless the product says it’s multi-surface compatible. Using it in these cases leads to poor adhesion and early flaking.
What happens if you paint concrete before it cures?
Painting uncured concrete traps moisture inside. As the concrete dries and shifts, the paint will likely blister, peel, or crack. Always wait at least 28 days for new concrete to fully cure before applying any paint.
Can you paint masonry paint straight onto concrete?
Yes — but only if the concrete is clean, dry, and properly cured. Smooth or dusty concrete may need a primer to help the masonry paint grip. Skipping prep means the paint could peel within weeks.
Does masonry paint prevent damp?
Masonry paint protects against external moisture like rain and frost. But it doesn’t solve internal damp issues like rising damp or condensation. For lasting results, fix the root damp problem before painting.
Can I use normal paint on concrete?
You shouldn’t. Standard indoor paint lacks the flexibility and durability to handle concrete’s movement and moisture. It won’t stick well and usually peels or flakes outdoors within months.
Why does paint not stick to concrete?
Concrete is often dusty, porous, or slightly damp — all of which prevent paint from bonding. Using the wrong paint or skipping cleaning and priming steps is usually the cause of failure.
What happens if you paint concrete with regular paint?
It might look fine at first, but it won’t last. Regular paint can’t cope with the concrete’s moisture and expansion. You’ll end up with peeling, patchy surfaces that need repainting far sooner than with proper masonry paint.
