Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint Brilliant White 7.5L

In-Depth Look

Exterior masonry paint has to cope with rain, frost, UV exposure and temperature changes. Sandtex Ultra Smooth is designed for this, with a smooth finish and a maker’s claim of up to 15 years protection.

Weather Protection

The paint film is microporous, meaning it allows water vapour from within the masonry to pass through and evaporate, which helps avoid the blistering and peeling that can occur when moisture is trapped behind a non-breathable coating. At the same time, the outer surface is designed to repel rainwater. The “up to 15 years” figure is the maker’s claim and depends on the surface, preparation and exposure.

Finish and Appearance

The smooth finish suits render, brick, stone and pebbledash, though on very rough or heavily textured surfaces a textured masonry paint may be more appropriate. The formulation is described as dirt resistant.

Application Tips

Follow the tin for the number of coats and for whether the first coat should be thinned on bare or porous surfaces. A long-pile masonry roller and a brush for cutting in are the usual tools. Retailers give 3 to 4 hours touch dry and recoat time, and say the paint is rainproof in about 1 hour, so check the forecast and the tin before starting.

Summary

Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint gives a smooth, microporous exterior finish, with coverage up to 16m² per litre according to retailer listings and a maker’s claim of up to 15 years protection. Check the tin size and coverage before ordering for your wall area.

How It Compares

Sandtex Ultra Smooth is a masonry paint for exterior walls. Retailers such as Wickes and Toolstation describe up to 15 years weatherproof protection, which is the maker’s claim. Coverage is up to 16m2 per litre, so a 5L tin covers up to 80m2 and a 10L tin up to 160m2. It is touch dry and recoatable in about 3 to 4 hours, and rainproof in about 1 hour, according to retailers. You can apply it by brush, roller or airless spray. The maker states that its Microseal technology protects while letting the surface breathe, and that the paint resists dirt, peeling, cracking and flaking. Check the tin size and product name before you buy, as retailers list 5L and 10L tins.

The table compares the usual choices for painting exterior masonry.

Powdery or chalky walls need treating before painting, so follow the paint maker’s advice on stabilising solutions and primers. Other masonry and primer products on this site include the Everbuild 402 water seal and the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 primer. Each has its own label, so check what can be painted over and when before you start.

Application method affects how you plan the job. Retailers state that Ultra Smooth can be applied by brush, roller or airless spray. Choose the method that suits the size of the wall, and mask windows and doors whichever you use. A dirt resistant finish is part of the maker’s description, and the maker states that the paint resists peeling, cracking and flaking. These are the maker’s claims, so judge the result on your own wall.

Plan the work around the weather. Start early enough that the first coat is dry before the evening, and do not paint if rain is forecast within the rainproof time on the tin. Cover plants and paths, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the tin.

Common Questions

How do I prepare a wall before painting? Clean off algae and dirt, repair cracks, and treat any powdery surface with a sealer or stabilising solution. Let the wall dry. Follow the instructions on the tin.

What weather do I need? Choose dry, frost-free weather and avoid direct hot sun. The paint is rainproof in about 1 hour according to retailers, so give it that dry period at least. Check the tin for the exact limits.

Can I paint over an old masonry paint? Yes, if the old coating is sound and clean. Remove any flaking paint first. Check the tin for the preparation it advises.

How long between coats? Retailers give about 3 to 4 hours for touch dry and recoat. Check the tin, because drying depends on the weather.

How can I tell how much I need? Use the coverage per litre as a guide only. Retailers state up to 16m2 per litre, and porous render takes more paint than a sealed surface. Measure the wall area and allow extra.