Why Non-Breathable Paint Can Seriously Damage Your Brickwork

Applying fresh paint to a building’s exterior might seem like a quick and simple facelift—but when it comes to brickwork, using the wrong kind of paint can be disastrous. Specifically, non-breathable masonry paints can trap moisture in your walls, leading to long-term structural and aesthetic damage. In this blog, we’ll explain:

* What non-breathable paint actually is

* The damage it can cause to brick

* How to spot if your walls are affected

* And what to do if your property is already painted

What Is Non-Breathable Paint?

Non-breathable paint is any coating that blocks moisture from escaping through brickwork. It might look clean and fresh at first, but the moment it’s applied, invisible damage can begin.

Bricks are naturally breathable—they absorb and release moisture to stay dry and stable. When sealed with a non-breathable coating, this natural process is blocked. Moisture from rain, internal humidity, or rising damp becomes trapped inside the wall. Over time, this builds up pressure that leads to damp patches, flaking paint, crumbling bricks, and failed mortar.

Common types of non-breathable paint used on brickwork include:

Acrylic masonry paints (particularly cheaper, off-the-shelf options)
Vinyl-based paints (often labelled as “weatherproof” or “durable”)
Exterior emulsions not rated as breathable – even if marketed for use on brick or render, many emulsions form a plastic-like film that blocks moisture movement
Elastomeric or rubberised coatings – these expand and contract, but often seal in moisture on porous surfaces like brick
Oil-based or solvent-heavy paints – not designed for breathable wall systems

While these paints may offer temporary surface protection, they often cause more harm than good on brick and masonry structures.

Why Non-Breathable Paint Can Seriously Damage Your Brickwork

What Is Non-Breathable Paint?

Common types of non-breathable paint used on brickwork include:

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