Why breathable paint matters for period properties

Owners of period properties often face a common question: what is the best paint for an old building? The answer lies in understanding how traditional buildings were designed to work.

Historic homes, whether timber-framed cottages, stone farmhouses or Georgian terraces, were built using natural materials such as lime mortar, soft brick, stone and timber. These materials are naturally porous and manage moisture by allowing it to pass through the fabric of the building and evaporate.

For centuries, traditional paints worked in harmony with this process. Limewash, distemper and natural oil paints protected surfaces while remaining breathable. This breathability is essential for the long-term health of historic buildings.

The problem with modern paints

Many modern paints and sealants are designed to create a tough, impermeable coating. While this works well on modern construction materials, it can cause significant problems for period properties.

When plastic-based paints seal the surface of a breathable wall, moisture becomes trapped within the structure. Over time this can lead to peeling or blistering paint, damp patches and mould and damage to brick, stone and timber.

In effect, modern sealants can prevent traditional buildings from functioning as they were designed.

Why breathable paint matters

Breathable paints allow moisture vapour to escape while still protecting the surface from weather and wear. This makes them particularly suitable for heritage buildings and older homes built with lime and natural materials.

Natural paints made from plant oils, minerals, chalk and clay provide a microporous finish that supports the natural moisture balance of the building. Rather than trapping moisture, they allow the building fabric to dry out naturally.

This not only helps prevent damp but can also reduce the long-term maintenance required for period properties.

A natural approach to period property care

At Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, we believe the best paint for period properties is one that works with the building rather than sealing it. Breathable, natural paints protect historic surfaces while allowing traditional materials to perform as intended.

For those restoring or maintaining heritage buildings, choosing breathable paint is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard the structure for generations to come.

Protecting period properties is not about creating an impermeable barrier. It is about understanding the building, respecting traditional materials, and allowing the fabric of the building to breathe.

To explore further how to treat your  period property correctly, read How to paint lime plaster – a complete guide to breathable paint . All our colours are made from natural ingredients and work harmoniously with each other. Edward has recently created 24 new colours in collaboration with Chatsworth to sit alongside the existing palette of 104 colours. Our colour consultants offer advice in person or online. To see some of the homes they have assisted with read the article Focus on colour consultancy.