How to Choose Between Matt and Gloss Masonry Paint

Introduction

When it comes to revitalising the exterior or interior masonry of your property, choosing the right paint is a crucial decision. Beyond selecting the colour, you’ll also need to decide on the type of finish that works best for your project. The two most common options are matt and gloss masonry paint, each offering distinct advantages and ideal use cases. While matt paint provides a muted, elegant finish, gloss brings a bold, reflective shine to surfaces.

Understanding the differences between these two finishes is essential to achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality for your space. Whether you're refreshing your home's exterior, restoring garden walls, or adding character to internal masonry, the choice between matt and gloss can significantly impact the final result. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and practical applications of both finishes to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Masonry Paint?

Before comparing finishes, it’s important to understand what masonry paint is and why it’s unique. Masonry paint is a durable, weather-resistant coating specifically designed for outdoor and, in some cases, indoor masonry surfaces such as brick, concrete, stone, and render. It is formulated to withstand exposure to the elements, including rain, UV rays from the sun, and temperature fluctuations.

This special paint often includes properties like water resistance, breathability (allowing moisture to escape from the masonry), and protection against mould and algae. Whether you choose a matt or gloss finish, the primary function of masonry paint remains the same—to protect and beautify your surfaces.

Understanding Matt Masonry Paint

What is Matt Masonry Paint?

Matt masonry paint is characterised by its non-reflective, flat finish. It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, giving surfaces a softer, understated appearance. This type of paint is often chosen for its ability to mask imperfections and create a consistent, smooth look even on uneven or textured walls.

Benefits of Matt Masonry Paint

1. Hides Imperfections: If your masonry has cracks, uneven textures, or repairs, matt paint is excellent for minimising their visibility, offering a more forgiving finish.
2. Subtle and Elegant: The muted finish provides a classic, timeless aesthetic, making it suitable for traditional or historic properties.
3. Breathable: Many matt masonry paints are designed to allow walls to "breathe," preventing trapped moisture and reducing the risk of long-term damage.
4. Non-Reflective: The lack of shine ensures that architectural details are not overshadowed by glare, offering a consistent, clean look.

Drawbacks of Matt Masonry Paint

1. Lower Durability: Matt finishes are often less durable compared to gloss paints and may scuff, fade, or show wear over time, particularly in high-traffic or exposed areas.
2. Harder to Clean: Because of its porous nature, stains and dirt can be harder to remove from matt surfaces compared to their glossy counterparts.

Understanding Gloss Masonry Paint

What is Gloss Masonry Paint?

Gloss masonry paint is known for its shiny, reflective finish. It creates a smooth and polished appearance, drawing attention to the surface it is applied to. The gloss finish bounces light, giving painted surfaces a vibrant and high-impact look.

Benefits of Gloss Masonry Paint

1. Enhanced Durability: Gloss paint is typically more resistant to wear, dirt, and weather, making it ideal for exposed areas prone to harsh conditions.
2. Easy to Clean: The smooth, non-porous surface of gloss paint makes it easier to wipe down and keep clean, which is particularly useful for heavily trafficked areas.
3. Bold and Vibrant: The reflective quality of gloss paint enhances the vibrancy of colours, making surfaces stand out and appear more defined.
4. Long-Lasting Shine: Its glossy surface retains its finish for longer, reducing the need for frequent repainting.

Drawbacks of Gloss Masonry Paint

1. Highlights Imperfections: Unlike matt paint, gloss finishes tend to emphasise surface flaws such as cracks or uneven textures. Proper preparation is essential to achieve a smooth outcome.
2. Highly Reflective: For some, the shine of gloss can appear too overpowering or out of step with the desired aesthetic.
3. Less Breathable: Gloss masonry paints are often less breathable, which may lead to moisture retention in certain masonry types if used incorrectly.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Matt and Gloss

The choice between matt and gloss masonry paint depends on various factors, including the aesthetic you wish to achieve, the condition of your masonry, and the intended use of the space. Below are key factors to consider:

1. Aesthetic Preferences

If you’re aiming for a subtle, traditional look, matt paint may be the better option. Its understated finish is well-suited to period properties or buildings where a classic appearance is preferred. On the other hand, if you want a modern, eye-catching finish or wish to highlight specific features, gloss paint delivers a high-impact statement.

2. Condition of the Surface

The condition of your masonry surface plays a significant role. For walls with visible cracks, uneven textures, or other imperfections, matt paint is ideal for disguising these flaws. Gloss paint, however, will accentuate any irregularities, making it more suitable for surfaces that are in excellent condition or have been thoroughly prepared.

3. Maintenance Requirements

Gloss paint is much easier to maintain due to its non-porous surface, which resists dirt and grime. If you’re painting areas prone to splashes, stains, or heavy use, such as garden walls or external steps, gloss may be the more practical choice. Matt paint, while elegant, may require more frequent cleaning and repainting in such areas.

4. Exposure to the Elements

If the masonry will be exposed to harsh weather, such as heavy rain or intense sunlight, gloss paint is typically regarded as more durable and resistant to fading over time. Matt finishes may weather faster, especially in exposed exterior locations.

5. Building Type

The type and age of the building should also influence your decision. Period properties often look better with matt masonry paint, which preserves their classic charm. Conversely, modern homes with clean architectural lines can benefit from the contemporary sheen of gloss paint.

Practical Applications for Matt vs Gloss Masonry Paint

To help narrow down the choice, consider the following practical applications for each type of finish.

Matt Masonry Paint

1. Restoration of older buildings or listed properties.
2. Painting garden walls or outdoor features with imperfections.
3. Creating a soft, natural appearance for external render.
4. Interior brickwork or stone, where a muted finish suits the décor.

Gloss Masonry Paint

1. Highlighting specific architectural features, such as window sills or lintels.
2. Painting external areas exposed to dirt, water, or grime, such as steps or pathways.
3. Modern buildings or commercial properties, where a polished look is desired.
4. Bold statement walls or surfaces where vibrant colours are intended to stand out.

Preparation Tips for Both Paint Finishes

Regardless of whether you choose matt or gloss masonry paint, proper surface preparation is key to achieving a professional finish. Here are some essential preparation steps:

1. Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, moss, or loose materials.
2. Repair cracks, holes, or other imperfections with filler or mortar as required.
3. Use a primer compatible with masonry paint to improve adhesion and coverage.
4. Smooth and sand down the surface if opting for gloss paint to avoid highlighting imperfections.
5. Mask off areas you don’t want to paint to ensure clean lines and edges.

Taking the time to prepare the surface will not only enhance the appearance but also prolong the life of the paint, regardless of the finish you select.

Conclusion

The decision between matt and gloss masonry paint is not just about personal preference—it has practical implications for the durability, appearance, and maintenance of your masonry surfaces. While matt finishes offer understated elegance and are ideal for hiding imperfections, gloss paints bring vibrancy, durability, and ease of cleaning to the table.

By carefully considering factors such as the surface condition, exposure to elements, and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve, you can confidently select the right finish for your project. Ultimately, whether you prefer the soft sophistication of matt or the bold modernity of gloss, the right choice will enhance your masonry's visual appeal and longevity.

So next time you’re standing in the paint aisle, assessing matt and gloss options, remember this guide to make an informed decision that suits both your practical needs and aesthetic vision.