Description
Great British Paints Exterior Smooth Masonry Paint is a durable, water-based exterior coating designed to refresh, brighten and protect masonry surfaces.
Its flexible formulation creates a smooth, weather-resistant finish that helps withstand changing exterior conditions without becoming brittle or flaking. Enhanced additives also help protect the painted surface against UV exposure, dirt, mould growth and severe weather.
Suitable for both renovation work and newly prepared masonry, it can be applied to a wide range of smooth and textured exterior surfaces using a brush, roller or suitable airless spray system.
What it does
Exterior Smooth Masonry Paint provides a decorative and protective coating for exterior walls and masonry.
It helps improve the appearance of weathered, faded or discoloured buildings while creating a flexible protective barrier against the elements. The formulation is designed to move slightly with the underlying surface, helping to reduce the risk of premature cracking, peeling and flaking.
When correctly prepared and applied, the coating provides long-lasting all-weather protection for up to 15 years.
Where to use
Suitable exterior surfaces include:
- Smooth masonry
- Roughcast masonry
- Concrete
- Brickwork
- Sand and cement render
- Pebble-dash
- Previously painted masonry in a sound condition
- Bare and porous masonry when correctly primed
The product is intended for exterior use and can be used on both smooth and heavily textured surfaces.
Why it’s better
Long-lasting exterior protection
The coating is formulated to provide up to 15 years of protection against normal exterior weathering when applied to a correctly prepared surface.
Flexible formulation
Unlike rigid coatings that may become brittle over time, the flexible paint film helps accommodate normal surface movement and reduces the likelihood of flaking.
Protection against mould growth
Enhanced additives help protect the coating against mould and organic growth, helping exterior walls remain cleaner and more attractive for longer.
UV and dirt resistance
The formulation helps protect the finish against fading and deterioration caused by UV exposure while making routine exterior maintenance easier.
Suitable for smooth and textured masonry
The paint can be used across a variety of masonry types, from relatively smooth rendered walls to roughcast and pebble-dash surfaces.
Minimal VOC content
As a water-based coating with a minimal VOC level, it produces substantially fewer solvent emissions than traditional solvent-based exterior paints.
How to use
1. Check the surface
The masonry must be sound, stable and suitable for painting.
Remove any loose, peeling or flaking paint. Repair cracks, holes and damaged areas with a good-quality exterior masonry filler and allow all repairs to dry fully before painting.
Do not paint over unstable, damp or badly deteriorated masonry.
2. Clean the masonry
Remove dirt, dust, loose material and surface contamination using one or more of the following:
- A low-pressure pressure washer
- A hosepipe
- A stiff brush and hot water
Avoid using excessive pressure that could damage the masonry or force water deeper into the wall.
Where mould, algae, fungus or other organic growth is present, apply a suitable exterior masonry cleaner or fungicidal wash. Apply in accordance with the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions and allow the treated surface to dry.
The Great British Paints technical guidance recommends allowing approximately 2–3 hours at 20°C after applying a suitable masonry cleaner.
3. Prime bare or porous surfaces
Bare, highly porous or absorbent masonry should receive a thinned primer coat.
Thin Exterior Smooth Masonry Paint with approximately 15–20% clean water and apply evenly by brush or roller.
The primer coat should cover approximately 5–8m² per litre, depending on the porosity of the surface.
Allow the primer coat to dry for approximately 3–5 hours at 20°C. Lower temperatures, high humidity and poor ventilation will extend the drying time.
4. Check the weather
Apply only in suitable weather conditions.
The recommended application temperature is approximately 8–24°C. Do not apply when rain, frost, heavy dew or freezing overnight temperatures are expected.
The surface should be dry before painting and should remain protected from rain and condensation throughout application and initial drying.
5. Mix thoroughly
Stir the paint thoroughly with a clean paint paddle before and during use. Ensure any settled material is fully incorporated to achieve a consistent colour and finish.
6. Apply two coats
Apply two full, even coats using:
- A masonry brush
- A medium- or long-pile roller
- A suitable airless spray machine
For most masonry, a combination of a masonry brush and long-pile roller will provide the best balance of coverage, penetration and finish.
Use the brush to work paint into edges, joints and heavily textured areas before completing larger sections with the roller.
Avoid applying the paint too thickly, as this may affect drying and the final appearance.
Coverage
Coverage will vary considerably according to the texture, condition and porosity of the masonry.
As a practical application guide, allow approximately:
- 5–6m² per litre, per coat on smooth masonry
- 2–3m² per litre, per coat on rough, textured or pebble-dash surfaces
- 5–8m² per litre for a diluted primer coat on bare masonry
Higher spreading rates may be possible on smooth, sealed and relatively non-porous surfaces, but quantities should always be calculated using the actual condition of the wall.
For heavily textured surfaces, allow additional paint to compensate for the larger surface area and deeper profile.
Drying times
Under normal drying conditions at approximately 20°C:
- Touch dry: Up to 4 hours
- Recoat: Approximately 2–3 hours
- Thinned primer coat: Approximately 3–5 hours
Drying times will be longer in cool, damp or poorly ventilated conditions.
Do not apply the next coat until the previous coat is fully dry.
Technical information
Brand: Great British Paints
Product: Exterior Smooth Masonry Paint
Type: Water-based exterior masonry coating
Finish: Smooth
Recommended coats: Two coats
Application: Brush, roller or airless spray
Suitable surfaces: Masonry, concrete, brick, render, roughcast and pebble-dash
Touch dry: Up to 4 hours
Recoat time: Approximately 2–3 hours
Application temperature: Approximately 8–24°C
VOC level: Minimal, 0–0.29%
Maximum VOC content: 3g/L
Available sizes: 5 litres and 10 litres
Equipment cleaning: Clean with water immediately after use
Good to know
Exterior walls must be clean, dry and structurally sound before painting. Applying masonry paint over dirt, loose coatings or organic growth can prevent the paint from bonding correctly to the wall.
Keep newly painted surfaces protected from rain, frost, overnight dew and condensation while the coating dries.
Coverage figures are estimates. Roughcast, pebble-dash and highly porous surfaces can use substantially more paint than smooth masonry.
Store the container upright in a dry, well-ventilated location between approximately 5°C and 25°C. Protect it from frost, excessive heat and direct sunlight.
Keep the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children.
Ensure good ventilation during application and drying. Avoid contact with the skin and eyes and avoid breathing spray mist. Suitable eye, skin and respiratory protection should be used where required, particularly during spray application or dry sanding.
Do not pour unused paint into drains or watercourses. Dispose of paint and empty containers responsibly in accordance with local waste regulations.
