What Is Masonry Paint?
Paintable surfaces include masonry, wood, metal, plastic/vinyl, and composites. In the case of masonry paint, the basic principle is the same, protection and decoration of a masonry surface. A masonry surface is generally considered concrete, brick and mortar, stucco, cement block, and sandstone. Because masonry ordinarily presents a much more porous surface than, for example, wood or metal, masonry paint and primers must be formulated to effectively counter porosity. Masonry paint is, therefore, specifically designed to seal out moisture. Additionally, masonry, because of its susceptibility to moisture absorption and retention, is not an especially good insulating material. Thus, masonry paint must provide an insulating value to the substrate. Breathability of the paint is crucial to the effectiveness of the masonry coating in allowing trapped moisture to escape outside the surface while preventing more moisture from entering.