Are they the same thing?
In the UK, the terms are often used interchangeably. Most 'exterior wall paints' are masonry paints – water-based acrylic paints designed for render, brick, stone and concrete. But the labels can also cover different products, from basic acrylics to silicone-based and silicate paints with very different properties.
So rather than focusing on the name on the tin, look at what it's made of and what surfaces it's designed for.
What masonry paint is designed to do
Masonry paint is formulated to stick to mineral surfaces, cope with rain and UV, flex slightly as the wall moves, and resist algae and mould. Most products are microporous, meaning they allow some water vapour to escape while keeping rain out.
- Smooth masonry paint – for sound render and brick
- Textured masonry paint – contains fine aggregate to bridge hairline cracks
- Silicone masonry paint – highly water-repellent and dirt-resistant
- Silicate paint – breathable mineral paint for lime and old masonry
Where 'exterior paint' is different
Some products marketed as 'exterior paint' or 'multi-surface exterior paint' are designed for wood, metal and masonry. They can be convenient for sheds, garden walls and small jobs, but they're usually not the best choice for a whole house. Exterior wood paints, meanwhile, are completely different – they're designed to flex with timber and shouldn't be used on render.
| Surface | Recommended paint |
|---|---|
| Cement render (sound) | Smooth or silicone masonry paint |
| Render with hairline cracks | Textured or flexible masonry paint |
| Lime render, old stone, soft brick | Silicate or lime-based paint |
| Pebble-dash / roughcast | Smooth masonry paint (applied generously) |
| Timber windows, fascias, cladding | Exterior wood paint, not masonry paint |
| Metal railings and gates | Metal paint or direct-to-metal paint |
Which paint for which exterior surface
Rather leave it to a professional?
Breathability
Breathability is the most important difference between products. Older solid walls need to release moisture; if they can't, it can lead to damp and blown render. Silicate and lime paints are the most breathable. Many standard acrylics claim to be 'microporous', but they're less breathable than mineral paints.
See our guide to breathable paints for old homes.
Cost
Standard masonry paint costs around £35–£70 for 10 litres. Premium, silicone-based and silicate paints can cost £80–£150 or more. On a whole house, the difference in paint cost might be a few hundred pounds – small compared with labour – so it's usually worth paying for the right product.
Which should you choose?
For most modern houses with sound cement render, a quality smooth masonry paint is perfectly good. For exposed walls or houses where staining is a problem, consider a silicone masonry paint. For older houses with lime render or soft brick, use a breathable mineral paint.
Our guide to the best exterior paint for rendered walls goes into more detail, and you can get advice and quotes from local exterior painters.
