There are literally thousands of choices in the UK when it comes to masonry paint. They range from retail paints in DIY shops that cost as little as £3.80 per litre, all the way up to some silicone- and silicate– based masonry paints that cost closer to £15 per litre.
But does it really matter which masonry paint you use? What are the risks of using cheap masonry paint? As a Professional Decorator, I’ve used many brands of exterior paint over the years, so I’m going to explain things from my point of view. The short answer is that you should avoid cheap masonry paint at all costs, but let’s get into it.
Why the Confusion With Masonry Paint?
Many brands, including Crown, Dulux, and Johnstone’s manufacture two ranges of masonry paint; one for retail customers, who are mostly driven by price. The other for ‘trade’, who are driven by quality.
If you’re not in the industry, then you can be forgiven for thinking a tin of Johnstone’s Masonry paint is the same whether you buy it from a trade store or DIY shop, but it isn’t. You need to look for the word “trade” on the tin. Trade Paint will always out-perform retail.
I saw a YouTube video from a couple of guys called Skill Builder. In it, they talk about carrying out a painting job, starting off with Dulux retail masonry paint, then switching to Dulux Trade. They inferred that the paint was the same and that people were being ripped off. Their conclusion simply isn’t true, and I found the video misleading.
My point is that even some ‘professionals’ get confused, so the average homeowner has no chance without doing due diligence.
Risks of Using Cheap Masonry Paint
I’m going to try and keep this relatively straightforward and speak in general terms. Silicone-based masonry paint is a step above but let’s start by talking about retail Vs Trade masonry paint.
Retail Vs Trade Masonry Paint
Trade paint has better opacity and coverage than retail paint (that’s a given), but it’s the longevity that is the main difference. Retail paint breaks down more quickly than trade paint does. Even if the label of the tin indicates differently, I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
The breathability might be similar between trade and retail paint (measured as an SD level), so I think that both are equally susceptible to flaking.
The colour fades a lot more quickly when using cheap products. Algae and other nasties seem more likely to take hold too. Cheap masonry paint doesn’t age well.
Silicone-Based Masonry Paint Vs Trade Masonry Paint
The silicone-based masonry paint that I use is called Emperor Paint. It’s far from cheap, but many regard it to be the best on the market. It’s very breathable, which means moisture doesn’t build up behind it and cause the paint to flake off.
It’s also water-repellent, which keeps your walls dryer, meaning they are less susceptible to algae growth. It’s self-cleaning too, so dirt doesn’t stick very well and is likely to be washed away the next time it rains.
Emperor Masonry Paint lasts much longer than trade options. It has a life expectancy of 25 years! Not only that, but it also goes some way to retaining heat, so your energy bills are lower. Click here if you want more information on the product.
Compare all that to cheap retail masonry paint and you see why spending a little bit more on your materials is a sound investment.
Cost Vs Longevity
As I say repeatedly to my customers, spending a little bit more on quality materials is essential when carrying out exterior painting works. The paint finish isn’t just about aesthetics; it protects your home too.
But what about longevity? The biggest cost of painting the outside of your house isn’t the paint, it’s the labour.
I’m going to speak in very general terms, rather than comparing individual products, so there may be exceptions to the following rules.
Retail Masonry Paint – The Cheapest Option
Although they may claim 10 or 15 years of protection, they don’t age well. The colour starts to fade, algae is more likely to grow on the surface, and the paint will break down more quickly.
Trade Masonry Paint – Mid Range
These paints last longer. The colour doesn’t fade as quickly, they’re easier to keep clean, and they take longer to break down.
Silicone-Based Masonry Paint – Expensive Masonry Paint
A good silicone masonry paint like Emperor will last a decade longer than most trade masonry paints. It’s self-cleaning, breathable, and water-repellent.
Final Thoughts
Cheap masonry paints help no one. If you were to hire a Professional Decorator, they would likely insist on using trade products or better. There’s a good reason for that too. It is the difference between having to repaint again two years later, or ten years later.
Cheap paint works out more expensive in the long run too. It isn’t just about the longevity of the paint; it’s also about protecting your home. Render, pebble dash, and just about any other structure will last longer if it’s being properly protected, so maintenance costs are reduced if you use quality paint.
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