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?

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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