The best breathable paint for exterior brick is usually a mineral silicate paint for maximum vapour permeability, while limewash is often the best choice for historic or lime-mortared brick.
If you want to choose the right breathable coating for your brickwork, keep reading to compare the best options by breathability, durability, moisture resistance, cost, lifespan, wall type and application – including considerations for commercial painting projects.
Best Breathable Paints for Exterior Brick
There is no single breathable paint that is best for every wall. The right choice depends on the brick type, moisture level, existing coating and desired finish.
|
Paint Type |
Breathability /10 |
Durability /10 |
Moisture Management /10 |
Lifespan |
Approx. Cost/m² |
Best For |
|
Silicate Mineral Paint |
10/10 |
9/10 |
10/10 |
15–25+ yrs |
$45–$75+ |
Brick, stone, lime render |
|
Limewash |
10/10 |
6/10 |
10/10 |
5–10 yrs |
$45–$70 |
Historic & old brick |
|
Mineral Masonry Paint |
9/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
10–20 yrs |
$40–$65 |
Exterior masonry |
|
Silicone Masonry Paint |
8/10 |
9/10 |
9/10 |
10–20 yrs |
$40–$70 |
Exposed masonry |
|
Microporous Acrylic |
7/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
7–15 yrs |
$35–$55 |
Modern brick |
|
Standard Acrylic Masonry Paint |
5/10 |
8/10 |
5/10 |
7–15 yrs |
$35–$55 |
Sound modern walls |
Prices are indicative Australian ranges. Actual costs depend on the product, preparation, access and labour.
Quick picks
- Best overall: Silicate mineral paint
- Best for historic brick: Limewash
- Best for maximum breathability: Silicate or limewash
- Best for modern brick: Breathable mineral or suitable masonry paint
- Best for damp-prone masonry: Vapour-permeable mineral coating after fixing the moisture source
What Is Breathable Paint for Exterior Brick?
Breathable paint is a coating that allows water vapour to pass through the painted surface, helping moisture escape from masonry instead of becoming trapped behind an impermeable film.
This is particularly important for:
- Old solid brick
- Lime-mortared walls
- Historic properties
- Stone masonry
- Lime render
- Damp-prone walls
When comparing products, look for technical information such as Sd value or water-vapour permeability. A lower Sd value generally indicates greater resistance to vapour diffusion.
Silicate Mineral Paint vs Limewash
Silicate mineral paint is one of the best choices when you want very high breathability combined with long-term durability. It is particularly suitable for compatible mineral substrates such as brick, stone and mineral render.
Limewash is extremely vapour-open and is particularly appropriate for traditional or heritage buildings. However, it normally requires more frequent maintenance and offers fewer finish options.
|
Factor |
Silicate Paint |
Limewash |
|
Breathability |
10/10 |
10/10 |
|
Durability |
9/10 |
6/10 |
|
Moisture release |
10/10 |
10/10 |
|
Colour options |
9/10 |
6/10 |
|
Maintenance |
8/10 |
5/10 |
|
Historic brick |
9/10 |
10/10 |
Best Breathable Paint for Different Exterior Walls
The best coating changes depending on the construction.
|
Wall Type |
Recommended Paint |
Rating |
|
Old solid brick |
Limewash / Silicate |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Historic brick |
Limewash |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Lime mortar |
Limewash / Silicate |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Modern brick |
Mineral masonry paint |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Previously painted brick |
Compatible breathable coating |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Stone |
Silicate mineral paint |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Lime render |
Limewash / Mineral paint |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
|
Cement render |
Silicone / breathable masonry paint |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Why Does Brick Need to Breathe?
Brick and mortar are porous materials that can absorb and release moisture. An unsuitable impermeable coating may restrict drying and contribute to problems such as:
- Peeling or blistering paint
- Efflorescence
- Damp patches
- Brick spalling
- Mortar deterioration
- Trapped moisture
For moisture-sensitive masonry, the goal is to provide weather protection while still allowing the wall to release water vapour.
Best Breathable Paint for Damp Brick
Breathable paint does not fix the cause of dampness.
Before painting damp brick, check for:
- Leaking gutters or downpipes
- Damaged pointing
- Cracks
- Faulty flashing
- Rising damp
- Water penetration
Once the moisture source has been addressed, allow the wall to dry as required and select a compatible vapour-permeable coating.
How to Prepare Exterior Brick for Breathable Paint
Proper preparation is essential for long-lasting results:
- Inspect the brick and mortar.
- Identify and repair moisture problems.
- Remove loose or peeling paint.
- Clean dirt, algae and moss.
- Repair damaged mortar and brickwork.
- Allow the surface to dry.
- Apply the recommended primer if required.
- Apply the breathable coating according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Never assume that every breathable paint requires the same primer or number of coats.
How Much Does Breathable Exterior Brick Paint Cost?
In Australia, professional exterior brick painting can vary considerably depending on preparation and access.
A useful 2026 guide is approximately $35–$55/m² for standard brick painting, $40–$65/m² for breathable mineral coatings, and around $45–$70/m² for limewash.
For a complete house, labour, repairs, scaffolding and surface preparation can make up a significant part of the final price.
Breathable Paint vs Waterproof Paint
Breathable and waterproof are not the same thing.
|
Factor |
Breathable Paint |
Impermeable Waterproof Coating |
|
Vapour movement |
9–10/10 |
1–3/10 |
|
Moisture release |
9–10/10 |
2–4/10 |
|
Rain resistance |
8/10 |
10/10 |
|
Old brick suitability |
9–10/10 |
2–4/10 |
|
Heritage masonry |
10/10 |
1–3/10 |
A good exterior masonry coating should provide appropriate rain resistance without unnecessarily preventing moisture vapour from escaping.
FAQs
What is the most breathable paint for exterior brick?
Limewash and silicate mineral paint are generally among the most breathable options.
What is the best paint for old brick?
Limewash or a compatible silicate/mineral coating is often preferable, especially where lime mortar is present.
Is masonry paint breathable?
Some masonry paints are highly breathable, while others are less vapour-permeable. Always check the manufacturer’s technical data.
Can breathable paint stop damp?
No. It can help moisture escape, but it cannot fix leaks, rising damp or structural moisture problems.
Can you paint damp brick?
The moisture source should first be identified and addressed. The brick should then meet the coating manufacturer’s requirements before painting.
Is limewash better than masonry paint?
For historic or lime-mortared brick, limewash can be an excellent choice. For modern brick, a breathable mineral masonry paint may provide better durability and colour choice.
Final Recommendation
For maximum breathability, choose a silicate mineral paint. For historic or lime-mortared brick, consider limewash. For modern exterior brick, a quality breathable masonry coating can provide the best balance of durability, appearance, moisture management and cost.
The most important factor is not simply choosing the most breathable paint—it is choosing a coating that is compatible with your brick, mortar, existing paint and moisture conditions.