Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint

A highly breathable, weather-resistant mineral paint for exterior and interior masonry — one that bonds chemically to the wall and lasts. A genuine alternative to limewash and plastic masonry paints.

Silicate masonry paint works quite differently from ordinary masonry paint. Rather than forming a plastic film that sits on top of the wall — and eventually flakes, blisters and traps moisture — Earthborn’s Ecopro Silicate Masonry Paint uses potassium silicate to form a chemical bond with the mineral surface itself. Paint and wall become one breathable, weather-resistant layer.

The result is a soft matt finish that is highly breathable, water-repellent, weather-resistant, resists algae growth and doesn’t yellow with age — with a lifespan of up to 15 years. It’s the considered choice for stone, render, brick and lime, and especially for the sensitive renovation of older and historic buildings.

What makes it different

Because it bonds into the masonry rather than coating over it, silicate paint lets a wall breathe as it was built to — letting moisture escape rather than trapping it behind an impermeable skin. That’s why it’s the specifier’s choice for solid-walled, lime-rendered and heritage buildings, where breathability protects the fabric.

The key specification points:

Highly breathable — a genuine alternative to limewash and lime-based coatings
Weather and water resistant — repels driving rain while letting the wall breathe
Bonds chemically to mineral surfaces for a permanent, durable finish
Does not yellow, and helps resist algae and organic growth
Up to 15 years’ lifespan — long-lasting and low-maintenance
Coverage approximately 5–7m² per litre; touch-dry in about an hour
Available in White and 40+ colours

Silicate Masonry Paint is ideal for:

Exterior masonry — stone, brick, concrete, pebbledash and cement render
Lime render and lime-based surfaces — a breathable finish that works with lime
Historic and listed buildings — the sympathetic choice for heritage renovation
Interior mineral surfaces — it can be used inside as well as out
Sound existing silicate-painted surfaces — ideal for recoating and renovation

Not suitable for: synthetic/resin renders, acrylic plasters, latex or plastic paints, wood, metal, glass, or surfaces treated to repel water.

Silicate paint is a system, not a single product — and choosing the right primer is where expert advice matters. There are two primers, and which you need depends on the wall:

• Silicate Primer — for bare, porous, unpainted mineral surfaces (lime plaster, stone, pebbledash, concrete). It soaks in and stabilises the surface, and the silicate paint then bonds chemically to it — the fully breathable build-up.

Click here for: Silicate Primer - Data Sheet

• Bonding Primer — for surfaces previously painted with conventional ‘plastic’ masonry paint that can’t be removed. It creates a mechanical key so the silicate paint can grip.

Click here for: Silicate Bonding Primer -Data Sheet

This is genuinely useful: it means the same silicate finish and colour can be specified across a mixed building — say a lime-rendered heritage wall and a previously-painted concrete extension — by simply changing the primer beneath. One consistent finish over different substrates.

The system: one coat of the appropriate primer, then two coats of Silicate Masonry Paint (the first coat thinned 10–20% with Silicate Primer). Don’t apply below 8°C.

A few things worth knowing:

Surfaces must be sound, clean, dry and free of dust and grease. Old distempers and lime paints must be removed back to a sound surface first.
Mask glass, metal and ceramics carefully — silicate paint chemically etches these and splashes must be washed off immediately.
Keep a wet edge and complete each wall in one go — apply the second coat in the opposite direction to the first.
Some clay surfaces may need special treatment — ask us if unsure.
Not sure what’s already on your walls? The right primer depends on your existing build-up, so we’d always suggest having it assessed by a local surveyor or building professional first. Once you know your surface, we’re happy to help you choose the right products — WhatsApp us on 01297 553506
For full technical detail, download the Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint data sheet (PDF)