When you are painting walls in an older property – solid brick, lime render, stone or old plaster – the type of paint matters as much as the colour. Choose the wrong one and you can trap moisture in the wall, leading to blistering paint, damp patches and mould. Here is a plain-English guide to mineral paint versus standard masonry paint.
What is mineral paint?
"Mineral paint" usually means a paint with a mineral binder – most commonly silicate (potassium silicate) or lime – rather than a plastic acrylic resin. Silicate mineral paints bond chemically with mineral surfaces and stay highly breathable. Caparol's Sylitol Mineral is a silicate paint for interior walls – read our full guide, silicate paint explained.
What is masonry paint?
Most masonry paints are water-based acrylics designed to protect exterior walls from rain. They form a tough, flexible film. Modern formulations vary a lot: some are much more breathable than others. Caparol Muresko, for example, is a silane-modified acrylic (SilaCryl) – highly water-repellent yet breathable, alkali-resistant and with film protection against algae and fungus.
Why breathability matters
Older solid walls were designed to absorb some moisture and then release it again. If a non-breathable coating seals the surface, moisture cannot escape. It builds up behind the paint and can cause peeling, salt staining, damp and even frost damage to soft brick and stone. A breathable paint lets water vapour out while still shedding most rain.
Mineral paint vs masonry paint compared
| Mineral (silicate) paint | Masonry paint | |
|---|---|---|
| Binder | Silicate (mineral) | Acrylic / silane-modified acrylic |
| How it bonds | Chemically with mineral surfaces | Forms a film on the surface |
| Breathability | Very high | Good with breathable types such as Muresko |
| Mould and algae | Naturally resistant (high alkalinity) | Film protection additives |
| Best for | Lime, mineral plaster, brick, concrete, period interiors | Exterior render, brick, concrete, fibre cement |
| Example at Dawes | Caparol Sylitol Mineral (interior) | Caparol Muresko (exterior) |
Which should you choose?
Interior walls in old or listed buildings
A silicate mineral paint such as Sylitol Mineral is an excellent choice on lime and mineral plasters. It lets walls breathe, resists mould naturally and gives a beautiful dead matt finish. Gypsum plaster, plasterboard and existing emulsion need a suitable Caparol primer first.
Exterior render and brick
For outside walls you need a paint that sheds driving rain but stays breathable. Muresko's silane-modified acrylic is highly water-repellent and breathable, adheres to render, concrete, brick, fibre cement, aerated concrete and sound existing masonry paint, and protects against algae and fungus with two coats.
Very old lime render or soft historic stone
For sensitive heritage walls, always check with a conservation specialist or your local conservation officer before choosing a coating. We are happy to talk through options.
Key specs
| Sylitol Mineral | Muresko | |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Dead matt | Matt |
| Coverage | Approx. 7 m²/L | Approx. 5 m²/L (two coats recommended) |
| Touch dry | 4–6 hours | About 3 hours |
| Recoatable | Once fully dry | About 6 hours |
| Fire | Non-combustible (A2) | — |
Frequently asked questions
Is mineral paint the same as limewash?
No. Limewash uses lime as the binder; silicate mineral paint uses potassium silicate. Both are breathable mineral finishes, but silicate paints are generally more durable.
Can I use mineral paint outside?
There are exterior silicate paints, but the Sylitol Mineral we stock is for interiors. For exterior walls we recommend Caparol Muresko.
Can I paint over old masonry paint?
Muresko adheres to sound existing masonry paint. Silicate paint needs a mineral surface or the correct primer.
Can both be tinted?
Yes, we mix both to order in a wide range of colours.
Buy Caparol mineral and masonry paints from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Caparol mineral and masonry paints to order in our store at 158–160 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HJ, or you can order online for delivery anywhere in the UK. Delivery is free on orders over £50, and if you need it fast, our Priority service delivers the next working day when you order by 1pm. Trade accounts are available.
Not sure which product is right for your job? Call us on 020 8748 6711, email sales@dawespaints.co.uk or pop into the shop – we are open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–4pm.
See the full Caparol range.