Repair Systems — Rising Damp
Breathable paint systems
Technical product reference for breathable masonry paint systems for the final decoration of masonry walls after rising damp treatment — mineral silicate paint, breathable masonry paints, vapour permeability classification and brand comparisons.
What are breathable paint systems for rising damp remediation?
Breathable paint systems are the final topcoat applied to masonry walls after rising damp remediation. Their role is to provide colour, surface protection and weather resistance while remaining vapour-permeable — allowing the wall to continue releasing moisture during the drying-out period without trapping it beneath an impermeable film.
Standard acrylic and vinyl masonry paints have low vapour permeability (high Sd values) and are not appropriate for use on walls in the active drying phase after DPC injection and renovation plastering. Applying a non-breathable topcoat traps residual moisture within the wall, accelerates salt crystallisation at the paint-render interface, and typically causes paint failure within 12–24 months through blistering, peeling and efflorescence.
Mineral silicate paint (Keim Granital) is the most breathable topcoat available — it chemically bonds to mineral masonry substrates rather than forming a film, giving it unlimited vapour transmission. Breathable masonry paints (Dulux Weathershield Breathable and equivalents) are a more accessible alternative where silicate paint is not appropriate or not feasible, providing improved breathability over standard acrylic paints without the substrate restrictions of silicate systems.
Do not confuse with:
- Standard acrylic masonry paint — not breathable — not suitable over rising damp walls or walls in the drying-out phase
- Breathable renders (Parex Monorex, Keim silicate render) — a render system — not a paint — see the breathable render page
- WTA renovation plasters (Remmers SP) — internal salt-resistant replastering system — different role — see the salt-resistant plaster page
- Waterproof masonry paint — specifically formulated to prevent water ingress — typically low vapour permeability — not appropriate for rising damp walls
- Crystalline waterproofing slurries — active waterproofing products — not a decorative paint system
Product Reference
3 products — 3 brands — mineral silicate paint and breathable masonry paints for rising damp remediation topcoats
System Description
Keim Granital is the flagship product in Keim's mineral silicate paint range and is the reference standard for breathable masonry paint on rising damp walls worldwide. The product uses a potassium silicate binder that undergoes a petrification reaction — a chemical bond with silica-containing masonry substrates. This chemical bond is fundamentally different from film-forming acrylic or vinyl paints: Granital does not sit as a film on the surface of the masonry but instead becomes part of the masonry substrate itself. The result is exceptional vapour permeability — among the highest of any paint system. Rising damp walls drying after DPC injection and renovation plastering need to breathe through the finished surface coating. Keim Granital allows this vapour escape while providing durable colour, UV stability and excellent resistance to algae, mould and biological growth without biocide additives — the high alkalinity of the silicate system is inherently hostile to biological growth. For rising damp remediation, Keim Granital is typically specified as the final topcoat over Keim silicate render or mineral render systems. It can also be applied as a flat wash colour over cement render where the substrate has been prepared correctly. Confirm substrate compatibility (must be mineral — masonry, cement render, mineral render — not acrylic paint) and application requirements with Keim Australia before specifying.
Technical Properties
- Potassium silicate binder — petrification reaction — chemical bond to mineral masonry substrates — cannot peel or form a film
- Exceptional vapour permeability — the highest breathability classification available for a topcoat paint system
- Inherently resistant to algae, mould and biological growth — no biocides required — alkaline chemistry hostile to biological colonisation
Limitations
- Only bonds to mineral (silica-containing) substrates — not compatible with acrylic paints, vinyl paints, polymer-modified renders or any non-mineral coating
- Existing acrylic or vinyl coatings must be completely removed before Keim Granital can be applied
- Colour range is limited to mineral earth tones — synthetic bright colours cannot be achieved in silicate paint systems
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
System Description
Dulux Weathershield Breathable Masonry Paint is Dulux's water-based exterior masonry paint with improved vapour permeability compared to standard acrylic masonry paints. Dulux Australia is the dominant paint brand in Australia with national distribution and wide contractor familiarity, making Weathershield products straightforward to specify and procure on strata and residential remediation projects. For rising damp applications where a silicate paint is not feasible (substrate not mineral, heritage character not a requirement, or budget does not allow for Keim specification), a breathable masonry paint such as Dulux Weathershield Breathable provides improved performance over standard acrylic paints. The product allows some vapour transmission through the paint film, reducing moisture trapping compared to non-breathable acrylic paints. However, the vapour permeability of a water-based breathable masonry paint is materially lower than a mineral silicate paint. For walls in the active drying phase after recent DPC injection, a silicate paint or mineral render system is technically preferable. Dulux Weathershield Breathable is a more appropriate choice for walls that have completed their primary drying phase and need a low-maintenance, widely available breathable finish that provides good protection against rain penetration. Confirm the current product designation, vapour permeability classification and application requirements with Dulux Technical before specifying on a rising damp remediation project.
Technical Properties
- Improved vapour permeability compared to standard acrylic masonry paints — allows some moisture vapour transmission through the paint film
- Dulux national distribution — available from Dulux trade outlets across all Australian states — familiar to all painting contractors
- Water-based formula — low VOC — suitable for occupied strata buildings where solvent odour is a concern
Limitations
- Vapour permeability is significantly lower than mineral silicate paint (Keim Granital) — not recommended for walls in the active drying phase after recent DPC injection
- Film-forming paint — does not chemically bond to masonry — will peel on surfaces with persistent moisture or active salt crystallisation
- Not appropriate where heritage character requires a mineral finish — acrylic paint appearance differs from mineral wash
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
Tikkurila Silora / Mineral Masonry Paint
Mineral breathable masonry paint
System Description
Tikkurila is a Finnish paint manufacturer known for high-performance exterior coatings and has a presence in Australia through Tikkurila Australia. Their mineral masonry paint range (including products such as Silora or equivalent designation) provides breathable exterior masonry paint options with mineral or silicate content for improved vapour permeability compared to standard acrylic systems. For rising damp remediation, Tikkurila's mineral masonry paint products may provide an intermediate option between standard acrylic paint and full silicate paint systems (Keim). The mineral content in the binder increases vapour permeability compared to a pure acrylic formulation while maintaining a wide colour range and application properties familiar to painting contractors. Tikkurila is a less familiar brand name to Australian building managers and strata contractors than Dulux or Keim, which can create procurement and warranty support challenges. Confirm the current Australian product range, breathability classification and local distribution with Tikkurila Australia before specifying. Note that product naming and range availability in Australia may differ from Tikkurila's European product range.
Technical Properties
- Mineral or silicate-modified binder — improved vapour permeability compared to standard acrylic masonry paint
- Suitable for exterior masonry walls — provides durable colour protection with enhanced breathability
- Water-based formula — low odour — suitable for use in occupied strata buildings
Limitations
- Brand is less familiar to Australian painting contractors than Dulux — may require contractor education on application methods
- Confirm Australian product range with Tikkurila Australia — European product names may differ from Australian market range
- Vapour permeability is likely lower than mineral silicate paint (Keim Granital) — confirm Sd value with Tikkurila technical for rising damp applications
PROCUREMENT SOURCES
Confirm suitability with the current manufacturer TDS before specifying or applying.
Brand Equivalents
Breathable paint equivalents by paint type. * Confirm vapour permeability classification (Sd value) with manufacturer for the specific application stage.
| System type | Keim | Dulux | Tikkurila |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral silicate paint — maximum breathability — heritage | Granital | — | — |
| Breathable masonry paint — water-based — wide colour range | — | Weathershield Breathable | — |
| Mineral-modified breathable masonry paint | — | — | Silora / mineral range* |
Do not apply standard acrylic masonry paint to rising damp walls — even during the final decoration phase
- Standard acrylic masonry paint has low vapour permeability — it forms a film over the masonry surface that traps residual moisture within the wall
- Rising damp walls continue to dry for 6–24 months after DPC injection and renovation plastering — applying impermeable topcoat prematurely causes moisture to accumulate beneath the paint film
- Blistering, peeling and salt efflorescence through standard acrylic paint on rising damp walls is the most common failure mode in poorly specified rising damp remediation
- Only breathable topcoats (Keim Granital, Dulux Weathershield Breathable or equivalent) should be applied to rising damp walls — confirm the vapour permeability classification of the selected product before specifying
Disclaimer
Information is general only. Product selection must be confirmed against project requirements, substrate type, drying stage and manufacturer technical data sheets. Confirm vapour permeability classification of selected paint before applying to rising damp walls. Do not apply paint over walls still in active drying without confirming suitability with manufacturer. Do not rely on this reference as a substitute for professional advice.