Why Non-Breathable Paint Can Seriously Damage Your Brickwork
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What Is Non-Breathable Paint?
Non-breathable paint is any coating that prevents moisture vapour from escaping through your brickwork. It forms a seal over the surface — trapping moisture inside the wall instead of letting it breathe naturally.
These types of paints are commonly marketed as weatherproof or durable, but when used on brick, they can do more harm than good.
Common examples of non-breathable paints on brickwork include:
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Acrylic masonry paints – especially cheaper, off-the-shelf options
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Vinyl-based paints – often labelled as “weatherproof” or “durable”
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Standard exterior emulsions – even those sold for brick or render, many form a plastic-like film that blocks moisture movement
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Elastomeric or rubberised coatings – while flexible, they often seal in water on porous surfaces like brick
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Oil-based or solvent-heavy paints – rarely suitable for traditional or breathable wall systems
While these paints may appear to protect your walls in the short term, they can lead to serious moisture issues over time — especially on older or solid-wall properties where breathability is essential.
The Importance of Breathability in Brickwork
Bricks are naturally breathable. They’re made to absorb moisture from the air and release it gradually — helping keep your home dry, your structure stable, and your walls healthy for decades.
But when non-breathable masonry paint is applied, that natural process is blocked. Instead of moisture evaporating as it should, it becomes sealed behind the paint layer — building up inside the wall, especially in older homes without cavity insulation.
Over time, that trapped moisture leads to internal damp, decaying mortar, and crumbling brick faces — particularly during freeze-thaw cycles in colder months.
Breathability isn’t just a technical detail — it’s essential to how brickwork functions. And when you paint over that function with the wrong product, you risk turning a healthy wall into one that’s slowly breaking down from the inside out.
6 Types of Damage Caused by Non-Breathable Paint on Brickwork
Using non-breathable paint on brick might seem harmless, but it can trigger a range of issues — some cosmetic, others structural. Here's what can happen when brickwork can’t breathe:
1. Trapped Moisture & Internal Damp
Moisture from rain, condensation, or rising damp gets sealed inside your walls. With nowhere to go, it seeps inward — leading to internal damp patches, mould growth, and damage to plaster or insulation.
2. Flaking, Bubbling & Peeling Paint
Moisture builds up behind the paint layer, especially during freeze-thaw cycles. The pressure forces the coating to bubble, crack, peel, or blister — often leaving walls looking worse than before.
3. Spalling Bricks (Cracked or Crumbling Faces)
When trapped water freezes inside the bricks, it expands and forces the outer surface to flake or pop off. This process, called spalling, can permanently damage the brick and even make it unsafe.
4. Efflorescence (White Salt Stains)
As moisture tries to escape through the sealed surface, it carries salts to the outer layer of the wall. This leaves behind white, powdery staining — known as efflorescence — and signals a deeper moisture issue.
5. Accelerated Frost Damage
Cold weather makes the problem worse. Trapped water expands as it freezes, breaking down bricks and mortar joints much faster than it would naturally.
6. Mortar Erosion & Failed Pointing
Non-breathable coatings don’t just harm the bricks. Over time, they cause mortar to soften, crack, or deteriorate — leading to failed pointing and a weakened wall structure.
How to Tell If Your Brickwork Is Coated in Non-Breathable Paint
Wondering if your home’s exterior is sealed with the wrong kind of paint? Here are the most common warning signs to look for:
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Flaking, peeling, or bubbling paint – especially after wet weather or frost
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Persistent damp on interior walls – with no obvious plumbing cause
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White salt stains on the brickwork – also known as efflorescence
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Crumbling bricks or cracks on the surface – often caused by trapped moisture and frost damage
If you’re noticing any of these, there’s a good chance your wall has been coated in a non-breathable masonry paint — and the sooner you address it, the better your chances of avoiding costly repairs.
Not sure? Book a free test patch and we’ll check how your paint reacts — no pressure, just honest advice.
What to Use Instead: Breathable Paint Options That Let Brick Breathe
If repainting is necessary, always choose a product designed to let moisture escape. Breathable paints protect your walls without trapping water — helping brickwork stay dry, strong, and natural-looking over time.
Top breathable options include:
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Silicate mineral paints – such as KEIM and Earthborn, ideal for modern and traditional brickwork
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Limewash – a historic, highly breathable finish perfect for older buildings
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Specialist breathable masonry paints – formulated for heritage homes and solid wall construction
These coatings allow trapped moisture to evaporate naturally — preventing internal damp, cracking, and brick damage.
Not sure what to use on your home? Contact us for free advice — we're happy to help.
Can Non-Breathable Paint Be Removed Safely?
Yes — absolutely. And in many cases, removing non-breathable masonry paint is the best way to prevent further damage and restore your brickwork properly.
At Feel the Pressure, we specialise in safe, effective brick paint removal services for all types of properties — including listed buildings, period homes, and modern brick façades.
Every job starts with a brick paint removal test patch, so we can assess how the existing paint reacts and choose the safest, most effective method for your wall.
Depending on the results, we may use:
✅ DOFF steam cleaning – a gentle, heritage-safe system using superheated water
✅ Non-caustic chemical removers – for stubborn or multi-layer coatings
Once removed, your brickwork is left clean, breathable, and protected from long-term moisture damage.
Curious what lies beneath the paint on your property? Read our full guide to brick paint removal test patches →
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Wrong Paint Ruin Your Brickwork
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Wrong Paint Ruin Your Brickwork
If your brickwork has been coated in non-breathable paint — or you’re unsure what’s been used — don’t wait until the damage shows. Moisture build-up and brick decay often go unnoticed for years.
Instead, take action early with a tailored assessment or test patch. You’ll get:
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A clear picture of what’s going on beneath the paint
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Expert advice on the safest way to restore your brickwork
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Honest, pressure-free guidance from someone who does the job himself
Based in London, the Home Counties & Beyond
Specialists in brick paint removal & heritage-safe cleaning
Book your paint removal assessment or test patch today →
Or visit our Brick Paint Removal Service page for full details.
Contact us here to get started →
FAQ
Damage Caused by Paint on Brick+
Do I Need to Remove The Paint Even if I Don’t Have Damp?+
Even if you don’t see damp now, non-breathable paint can trap moisture inside your walls — especially during colder months. That hidden moisture can slowly damage your brickwork over time.
Many homeowners choose to remove it early as a preventative measure — restoring breathability, protecting the structure, and avoiding costly repairs down the line.
The sooner non-breathable paint is removed, the better the chances of preventing long-term damage and preserving your property’s condition.
What’s The Best Paint to Use on Exterior Brickwork?+
We recommend breathable coatings such as silicate mineral paints (like KEIM), limewash, or heritage-grade breathable masonry paints. These allow moisture to escape naturally and are ideal for solid brick structures and period homes.
Need advice? Contact us here →
Is it Safe to Remove Non-Breathable Paint From old Brickwork?+
Yes — if done correctly. At Feel the Pressure UK, we use specialist methods like DOFF steam cleaning and non-caustic chemical removers to lift paint without damaging the brick beneath. Every project starts with a test patch to ensure the safest method is used.
What is The Difference Between Breathable and Non-Breathable Paint?+
Breathable paint allows moisture to escape from your walls, which is essential for traditional brickwork. Bricks naturally absorb and release moisture — it’s how they stay dry and structurally sound over time.
Non-breathable paint, on the other hand, traps moisture inside. It forms a sealed barrier over the brick, preventing water vapour from escaping. Over time, this trapped moisture can lead to damp, frost damage, crumbling mortar, and decaying bricks — especially on older properties.
In short:
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Breathable paint = moisture can escape, brickwork stays healthy
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Non-breathable paint = moisture gets trapped, damage builds over time
That’s why it’s so important to use the right type of coating — or to safely remove any non-breathable paint before it causes long-term problems.
Can You Repair all Types of Damage Caused by Non-Breathable Paint?+
In most cases, yes — but it depends on the extent of the damage.
Trapped moisture behind non-breathable paint can lead to a range of issues, from soft mortar and salt deposits to crumbling bricks and deep structural damage. At Feel the Pressure UK, we regularly work with clients to:
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Repoint decayed mortar joints
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Replace spalled or crumbling bricks
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Clean off staining or efflorescence
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Safely strip paint without further harm
However, severe or long-term damage may require specialist restoration, especially if internal damp or structural instability is involved.
That’s why we always recommend starting with a brick paint removal test patch. It helps us assess the condition of the wall, spot any hidden problems early, and advise you on the safest and most cost-effective way forward.