Using Emperor Paint – Exterior Coatings

Who are Emperor Paint? I hear you ask. 

If you were like me, you probably haven’t heard much about them, other than seeing the occasional post on social media. I had seen quite a few decorators raving about the products on the Decorators Forum UK Facebook group, which is what prompted me to try it for myself.

Being well-established decorator (politically correct for middle-aged and experienced), I have become pretty set in my ways on what products I use. For many years, my “go-to” product for exterior masonry has been Johnstone’s Pliolite. 

I’ve always been impressed by how well it covers, the level of protection it provides to exterior surfaces, and quickly it dries, making it weatherproof and recoatable on the same day. But it’s difficult to clean up. Brushes, roller sheaths, cages and scuttles – sometimes even dust sheets – can stink out the van when stored and, on completion of the job, often go straight to landfill.

So, having seen many before-and-after pics on Instagram and Twitter, I read up with interest about Emperor Paints 

Bold statements on Emperor Paint’s website include: 

“The ultimate paint for exterior wall protection which is certified to be Water Repellent, Self-Cleaning, Breathable and Heat Retaining.”

Using Emperor Paints for the First Time

As the surfaces I was working on had previously been painted, I was advised to use their Masonry Cleaner and leave for at least two hours before applying the Masonry Paint. The customer service line also said that I may need more paint than I would normally use due to its viscosity, and to factor that in.

I ordered 15L for a two-bedroom, semi-detached bungalow, fully prepared to buy more if required. I thought I may need at least another gallon.  

It isn’t cheap! A gallon of Emperor masonry paint in white costs around the same price I would normally buy a colour mix of Pliolite. However, having told the customer about both types of paint, they wanted to try Emperor and hoped it would live up to the company’s selling statements. 

Delivery was rapid, arriving less than 24 hours. That evening, I visited the property and applied the Masonry Cleaner using a pump sprayer. 

It went on easily, foamed up slightly, and when I returned the following day to begin painting, I was pleasantly surprised it had taken care of most of the surface moss and lichen. 

A quick wire brush, a couple of spots to fill using Toupret exterior filler, and a sprayer primed, and I was ready to go. 

It’s thick stuff! The sprayer was almost at full pressure to get the 519 tip to spray properly. After a bit of playing around with the settings, the paint went on like a dream. 

Spraying then back-rolling seems the best way to get this on, as its so thick. I attempted some of the finer areas with the roller alone, but it was hard work (I was using a thick-pile Purdy rather than a masonry roller, so this might be why). Brushing it out is difficult too, so my Fox’s ProShield came in handy. 

Very impressed by the coverage with – 15L being more than enough – and it left a lovely, even finish on all surfaces. It dries quickly and, unlike other masonry paints, it is smooth rather than chalky to the touch. Which I suppose that is why it repels dirt and water. 

Emperor Paint looks and feels like a quality coating and, even at its price point, I would definitely recommend it to my clients and other tradespeople – especially those who spray coat. Whether it stands up to its claims is yet to be seen, but up here in East Lothian it will get plenty of “testing” by wind, water, and frost. 

You can order Emperor Paint products directly from them on their website by clicking here.

Review Summary

FAQs

Is Emperor Masonry Paint the best?

Emperor probably makes the best masonry paint on the market. It’s hydrophobic, self-cleaning, breathable, and has a life expectancy of 25 years. It is expensive, but you get what you pay for.

What is the longest lasting masonry paint?

Emperor Masonry Paint is expected to last around 25 years. So, you might need to paint three or four times in a lifetime. The paint is self-cleaning, doesn’t breakdown, and doesn’t fade with the sun.

Can you spray Emperor Masonry Paint?

Yes, Emperor Masonry Paint can be applied via brush, roller, or airless sprayer.

Is it worth paying extra for a good quality masonry paint

As a decorator, I always advise good-quality paints, but this is particularly true for exterior products. Painting is a lot of work, so if you’re painting the outside of a house, you need it to last. Otherwise, you will have to paint it again after a couple of years. A good masonry paint will last at least 5 years, before you need to paint it again. Emperor is expected to last up to 25 years!