Exterior wall paint
For long lasting paintwork on masonry walls, Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint and Primer offer a high performance alternative to traditional limewash.
Being water based and VOC free, Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint and Primer have strong environmental credentials. They also significantly outperform both limewash and conventional masonry paints; see table below.
The products bond with the underlying material to form a waterproof, weather resistant barrier that also allows the masonry to breathe. Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint lasts up to 15 years or more between repaints.
- Earthborn Silicate Primer – stabilises loose, powdery surfaces prior to painting, helps prevent algae growth, ideal for all mineral based surfaces such as stone, concrete, pebbledash, plaster and render.
- Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint - long lasting, weather resistant, mould resistant, provides a crisp matt finish that does not discolour with time. Available in a standard range of 40 colours.
Compare the performance of Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint
| Property | Traditional limewash |
Conventional masonry paint1 |
Silicate Masonry Paint |
| Maintenance frequency2 | 2 - 3 years | 5 – 15 years |
up to 15 years or more |
| Effect of weathering2 | weathers back slowly to substrate |
may crack and peel |
minimal |
| Suitable surfaces for coating | limeplaster and most permeable, mineral surfaces |
most clean, stable surfaces |
all permeable, mineral surfaces e.g. brick, stone and limeplaster3 |
| Suitability for cementatious renders | poor |
good |
good |
| Typical coats required | 3-5 coats |
1 primer + 2 coats |
1 primer + 2 coats |
| Application method | roller or brush |
roller/brush/spray |
roller/brush/spray |
| Breathability | excellent |
very poor/poor |
excellent |
| Moisture resistance | poor |
excellent |
excellent |
| Resistance to mould/algae | good (due to natural alkalinity of product) |
poor/good (depends on chemical algicides) |
good (due to natural alkalinity of product) |
| Colour availability | limited |
excellent |
excellent |
| Acrylics/acrylic softener content4 | none |
yes (up to 40%) |
very low (5%) |
| VOC content4 | 0% |
up to 8% |
0% |
| Applicator health risks5 | high (caustic) |
medium (VOC and fungicide content) |
low (silicate primer similar risk to limewash) |
| Appearance | mottled, varied |
flat, uniform |
vibrant, delicate texture |
| Suitability for restoration work and historic buildings | traditional |
consideration should be given to appearance and lack of breathability |
effective, durable alternative to limewash |
1Information for conventional masonry paints is indicative of typical products and is not specific to any brand. Performance may vary from brand to brand.
2Dependent on site/environmental conditions and preparation.
3Acrylic softeners and VOCs are widely accepted as being damaging to the environment and contributing to global warming. Acrylics reduce the breathability of the coating to the possible detriment of the building fabric.
4Some clay surfaces may require special treatment.
5Always consult manufacturers' health and safety data sheets for further information.