Masonry paint for outdoor brick and concrete block wall

mattyfez · 9 Jun 2022 at 16:10

Hi all as above I need some paint.

What are the go-to brands? From my limited knowledge some are not so long lasting /hard wearing.

The existing light grey paint is crumbling so I guess go at it with a stiff wire brush to prep? Any tips on prep also appreciated, thanks

Nikumba · 9 Jun 2022 at 16:29

Last house we used Sandtex, just painted over what was there and did not have any issues.

neilw · 9 Jun 2022 at 16:38

I use Sandtex. You'll need to make sure what your putting it on to is sound though of the lower layer will just come away and you'll have the same issue

Molep · 9 Jun 2022 at 16:41

Use a plastic brush not wire, can get bits of wire broken off and then rust in the paint.

mattyfez · 9 Jun 2022 at 18:09

Thanks, I guess I'll get that brand then.
With prep I thought a wire brush might be better as I don't want to leave any flakey old paint as the new paint would end up flaking too if it's on a dodgy surface?

Cheers

Cornubia · 9 Jun 2022 at 19:27

I've used a pressure washer before to remove loose flaky paint before.

As for paint I've always used Dulux trade weathershield with decent results.

mattyfez · 9 Jun 2022 at 21:39

Thanks.. I'm considering jet blasting it but I'm not sure it's the best approach in this situation, I want to get rid of flakey paint that's already on there though

Bunka · 9 Jun 2022 at 22:58

Give it a scrub with a wire brush and brush the dust off/hose down. If the wall is still powdery, paint some sandtex masonry stabiliser on it. Once dry, you’ll be good to paint.

mattyfez · 9 Jun 2022 at 23:11

Bunka said:
Give it a scrub with a wire brush and brush the dust off/hose down. If the wall is still powdery, paint some sandtex masonry stabiliser on it. Once dry, you’ll be good to paint.

Ah thanks, interesting, that's pretty much what I was planning to do.

Although, i've not heard of masonary stabaliser, is that a bit like primer for a more normal paint job?

bainbridge · 10 Jun 2022 at 07:16

Sandtex Microseal ultra smooth was recommended to me by a friend who is a painter and decorator. So I bought it to paint the upper part of our house (bottom half is brick). It goes on smoothly, great coverage and a solid finish. It says it'll last 12 years but my friend said 5-7 is more likely, maybe longer. It's £23 per 5ltr at Screwfix but a store called What! happened to have 20% off so I got it for £19 per pot.

Siliconslave · 10 Jun 2022 at 10:04

second time painting the house I got one of these instead of hand scrubbing the flakey bits: https://www.toolstation.com/abracs-nylon-brush-end/p59892 wack it on a drill and go wild, made it so much easier (but put a mask and goggles on!)

Sandtex is good, but not really that breathable if you have an old house.

Bunka · 10 Jun 2022 at 10:42

mattyfez said:
Ah thanks, interesting, that's pretty much what I was planning to do.

Although, i've not heard of masonary stabaliser, is that a bit like primer for a more normal paint job?

It's basically something that binds loose surfaces together and sticks a dusty surface to the masonry. Think something along the lines of watered down PVA.

mattyfez · 10 Jun 2022 at 11:09

Thanks...sounds like a plan

mattyfez · 14 Jun 2022 at 12:35

Siliconslave said:
second time painting the house I got one of these instead of hand scrubbing the flakey bits: https://www.toolstation.com/abracs-nylon-brush-end/p59892 wack it on a drill and go wild, made it so much easier (but put a mask and goggles on!)

Sandtex is good, but not really that breathable if you have an old house.

Thanks, that drill attachment looks good! its for a free standing garden wall, a little bit like this: