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Smooth vs. Textured Masonry Paint: Which is right for your home?

in Exterior Painting Tips

March 2023
masonry paint
smooth masonry paint
textured masonry paint
Smooth vs. Textured Masonry Paint: Which is right for your home?

Choosing between smooth and textured masonry paint can be a challenging decision. This blog will help you understand the difference between the two and what to consider when making a decision.

Read on to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of paint, and factors to consider when choosing the right option for your home's exterior.

Smooth Masonry Paint

Smooth masonry paint, as the name suggests, creates a smooth finish on your exterior walls. It's perfect for those who want a modern and sleek look that reflects the sunlight, making the walls appear more vibrant. Smooth masonry paint has a low level of porosity, which means that it repels water, making it more resistant to damage caused by rain and other elements. This paint is also easier to clean and maintain than textured masonry paint, as dirt and other stains are less likely to penetrate the surface.

Textured Masonry Paint

Textured masonry paint creates a textured finish on your exterior walls, which can add depth and character to your home. This type of paint is perfect for those who want a more traditional or rustic look. Textured masonry paint has a high level of porosity, which means that it can absorb more water. This can be beneficial in areas with high levels of rainfall, as the water can be absorbed by the paint, preventing it from penetrating the surface of the wall. Additionally, textured masonry paint can help to disguise any imperfections in the wall's surface, such as cracks or chips.

Choosing Between Smooth and Textured Masonry Paint

When choosing between smooth and textured masonry paint, there are several factors you should consider. The first is the style of your home. If you have a modern, minimalist home, then smooth masonry paint may be the better option. On the other hand, if you have a more traditional or rustic home, then textured masonry paint may be the way to go.

Another factor to consider is the condition of your exterior walls. If your walls are in good condition and have a smooth surface, then smooth masonry paint may be the better option. However, if your walls have imperfections or are damaged, then textured masonry paint may be better, as it can help to disguise these issues.

Finally, you should consider the climate in your area. If you live in an area with high levels of rainfall, then textured masonry paint may be the better option, as it can absorb more water. However, if you live in an area with little rainfall, then smooth masonry paint may be the way to go.

In conclusion, both smooth and textured masonry paint have their advantages and disadvantages.

When choosing between the two, it's essential to consider the style of your home, the condition of your exterior walls, and the climate in your area. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that will help you achieve the look you want while also protecting your home's exterior.

Which brand is right for you?

Smooth Masonry Paints

The million pound question! That depends on you and your needs - we've weighed out the pros and cons of three brands of smooth and textured masonry paint.

Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint

Up first is Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint.

Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint is a high-quality paint that creates a smooth and modern finish on exterior walls while also providing long-lasting protection against weather damage.

Pros of Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint:

  • Smooth and modern finish: Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint creates a smooth and sleek finish on exterior walls, giving them a modern and elegant look.
  • Long-lasting protection: This paint provides long-lasting protection against weather damage, ensuring that your walls stay protected from rain, wind, and other elements.
  • Easy to clean and maintain: Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint is easy to clean and maintain, as dirt and stains are less likely to penetrate the surface, making it a great option for busy homeowners.

Cons:

  • Limited colour options: This paint is available in 27 ready mixed colours, which may not be suitable for everyone's tastes and preferences.
  • Requires multiple coats: Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint may require multiple coats to achieve the desired finish, which can add to the overall cost and time required for the painting project.

Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint 

Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint is a high-quality paint that creates a smooth and durable finish on exterior walls while also providing excellent weather resistance.

Pros:

  • Durable finish: Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint provides a durable finish that is resistant to weather damage, such as rain, wind, and UV rays.
  • Easy to apply: This paint is easy to apply and dries quickly, making it a great option for DIY projects or for those who want to complete the painting project quickly.
  • Very affordable!

Cons:

  • Requires primer: This paint requires a primer coat to be applied before the paint to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish, which can add to the overall cost of the project.
  • Can be prone to fading: Over time, Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint can be prone to fading, especially if the walls are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
  • May not cover imperfections: This paint may not fully cover imperfections on the wall's surface, such as cracks or chips, which may require additional preparation or a different type of paint.

Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint

Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint is a high-quality exterior paint that provides a smooth finish while also protecting against weather damage.

Pros:

Excellent weather resistance: This paint provides excellent resistance against weather damage, including rain, snow, and UV rays.
Durable finish: Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint provides a durable finish that can withstand harsh weather conditions and protect against mold and algae growth.
Easy to clean: This paint is easy to clean and maintain, making it a great option for busy households or homes located in areas with high levels of pollution.

Available in an incredible amount of colours!!

Cons:

Requires preparation: Proper preparation, such as cleaning and priming, is required before applying this paint to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Textured Masonry Paints

Sandtex Fine Textured Masonry Paint

Sandtex Fine Textured Masonry Paint is a high-quality exterior paint that provides a textured finish, adding depth and character to your home's exterior.

Pros:

  • Excellent weather resistance: This paint offers outstanding weather protection, shielding against rain, snow, and harmful UV rays.
  • Hides imperfections: Sandtex Fine Textured Masonry Paint can help to disguise any imperfections or damage on the surface of the wall, providing a smooth and uniform finish.
  • Durable finish: This paint is highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for use in areas with extreme weather.

Cons:

  • Can be challenging to apply: This paint requires a specific technique to achieve the desired textured finish, which can be challenging for inexperienced painters.
  • Requires preparation: Proper preparation, such as cleaning and priming, is required before applying this paint to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Granocryl Textured Masonry Paint

Granocryl Textured Masonry Paint is a premium quality paint that provides a textured finish, adding depth and character to your home's exterior.

Pros:

  • Excellent durability: This paint offers exceptional protection against various weather elements, such as rain, snow, and UV rays, ensuring a long-lasting finish.
  • Hides imperfections: With Granocryl Textured Masonry Paint, you can achieve a smooth and uniform finish while effectively concealing any imperfections or surface damage on the wall.
  • Easy to apply: This paint is easy to apply with a roller or brush, making it suitable for inexperienced painters.

Cons:

  • Limited colour options: The availability of Granocryl Textured Masonry Paint is restricted to a limited range of colors, potentially posing a challenge for homeowners seeking a specific shade or color match.
  • Requires preparation: Proper preparation, such as cleaning and priming, is required before applying this paint to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Dulux Weathershield Textured Masonry Paint 

Dulux Weathershield Textured Masonry Paint is a high-quality paint that provides a textured finish and exceptional protection against the elements.

Pros:

  • Durable: This paint is specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provides excellent protection against rain, wind, and UV rays.
  • Excellent coverage: Dulux Weathershield Textured Masonry Paint has excellent coverage and can cover most surfaces with just one or two coats.
  • Long-lasting finish: This paint provides a long-lasting finish that retains its color and texture, even in extreme weather conditions.

Cons:

  • Limited colour options: This paint is available in a limited range of colours, which may not be suitable for homeowners looking for a specific shade or colour.
  • Requires preparation: Proper preparation, such as cleaning and priming, is required before applying this paint to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish.
  • Higher price point: Compared to other textured masonry paints, Dulux Weathershield Textured Masonry Paint has a higher price point, making it less accessible for some homeowners on a tight budget.

To conclude...

Choosing the right masonry paint can be a daunting task, with smooth and textured options to consider.

Smooth masonry paint offers a modern and sleek look, while textured paint adds depth and character to the walls. The decision between the two depends on the style of your home, the condition of your walls, and the climate in your area.

There are several brands of smooth and textured masonry paints to choose from, with different pros and cons. Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint provides a smooth and modern finish and long-lasting protection against weather damage, while Granocryl Smooth Masonry Paint is affordable and easy to apply.

Dulux Weathershield Smooth Masonry Paint offers excellent weather resistance and a durable finish.

When making your decision, it's important to consider your needs and preferences to achieve the look you want while also protecting your home's exterior.