Exterior Masonry Paint Ideas

Time for a home exterior refresh? Exterior masonry paint is a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade your home without the need for a full-scale renovation. From a romantic, cottage-core aesthetic to a quirky garden feature wall, our wide variety of exterior masonry paint colours and ideas offer endless possibilities.

Choose between smooth or textured paint types from a range of great brands and find the best exterior masonry paint for you.

How to paint an exterior wall

Don’t forget to wear protective eyewear and old clothes in case they get stained. Wear safety goggles when cleaning masonry and take your time. When working at a height, take care when securing and ascending ladders, and wear flat shoes for maximum stability. See more of our DIY safety tips.

Step 1: Prep

Prep your surface to ensure a smooth canvas, particularly if you’re working with a previously painted wall. Use a brush or broom to remove top-level debris, dirt, dust or older, flaking paint.

Top tip: A stiff or wire bristle brush can damage the wall. Ensure you are using a long-handled, soft-bristle brush or broom.

Step 2: Clean

Clean your exterior wall from top to bottom with a hose and spray nozzle, set to a low or mid-pressure setting. Avoid using a pressure washer as this may have a damaging effect. If working with an interior wall, use a shop vacuum to remove any remaining sections of loose mortar.

Top tip: Using fungicidal wash will kill mould and algae, helping paint stick to walls better.

Step 3: Repair

Repair any defects such as cracks or uneven textures with an exterior masonry filler, allowing it to cure for one week ahead of painting.

Top tip: Our guide to how to repair walls is full of tips to help you create a smooth base.

Step 4: Seal and prime

To create a durable, moisture-resistant base, you need to seal and prime the surface. Make sure that you’re using a quality sealant and an exterior masonry primer that complement each other. For further information, check out our primer guide.

Step 5: Choose your paint

Now it’s time to choose which exterior masonry paint type and colour is best for your project, depending on the surface and desired effect. There are a range of exterior masonry paint types to choose from so it’s important to make an informed decision. Smooth masonry paints are easier to work with and great for ensuring a sleek finish, while textured masonry paints offer more protection and are ideal for filling in cracks.

Step 6: Get painting

With your walls prepped and primed, you are ready to get started with your exterior masonry painting. Begin by using a smaller paintbrush to outline the area, ensuring clean, crisp edges near the ground or adjacent walls. Then, use a paint roller for the larger surface area.

Top tip: Two thinner coats of exterior masonry paint give the best finish, providing your surface is well-prepped. Remember that weather conditions can impact the drying time and finish of your exterior paint job, so avoid painting in frost and rain.

How much masonry paint do I need?

While there are several factors to take into consideration, generally, you’ll need 5L of exterior masonry paint for a 75m2 surface area, or 10L for a 150m2 surface area. Due to the textured surface, you’ll want to apply a secondary coat to ensure a smooth, clean finish.

Whether you opt for classic neutrals or bold tones and a textured finish, a high-quality exterior masonry paint will ensure a long-lasting and durable finish. If a full exterior paint renovation feels like too daunting a task, find a project that focuses on smaller spaces to spark your creativity.

A show-stopping garden feature wall

A feature wall is a quick and easy way to revamp tired masonry and introduce some character to your outdoor space. They offer an idyllic backdrop for your morning coffee or a family BBQ.

Not sure where to begin? Exterior masonry painting in terracotta is a great way to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your home, whatever the weather. Opt for deep ochres and dusky oranges for exterior walls that wouldn’t look out of place in the Tuscan hills or a Spanish seaside town.

Add an extra dimension with our range of outdoor lighting or inject some greenery with our selection of plants. An outdoor mirror feature both provides an additional decorative element and creates the illusion of a larger area, offering a simple solution to a smaller outdoor space.

Kids’ corner

For a child-friendly play zone, use creamy pastel tones to create the ultimate wonderland and introduce bunting or interactive decorations to take this feature wall to the next level. You can make the most out of this smaller space with toys such as sandpits and play kitchens. For a fun family activity, read our guide on how to use masking tape to paint patterns and borders.

If you’re struggling to choose the right background colour for your exterior masonry paint, you can’t go wrong with a timeless cream. Neutral shades will suit any architectural style, from traditional cottages to angular modernist builds. Whether you opt for a bright white or a rich cream colour is up to your preference and the style of your home.

For further inspiration, check out our small garden ideas guide for a range of eye-catching features and stylish accessories.

Spruce up your porch

A porch is so much more than a doorway – it’s an extension of the home. Within this small space, colour choice is key. Use lighter whites, creams or natural stone colours to open up the space. From there, you can spruce up your porch with a colourful doormat, introduce hanging plants or a trellis or add some wall lighting for both practicality and a welcoming feel.

For a traditional pebbledash rendering effect, consider using textured masonry paint. With its tough, flexible formula, textured exterior paint is also a great option for period properties with damaged and uneven masonry as it helps to fill in cracks and protect walls from the elements.

Now that you know how to paint an exterior wall, it’s time to pick your colour scheme and begin your home transformation! Whatever exterior masonry paint you choose, let us know how you get on @Homebase_UK and visit our Ideas & Advice page for more home renovation tips.