FAQ’s

What is an SD Value and what does it mean?

SD Value (Steam Diffusion) is the most accepted standard for paint breathability in the UK today.
Breathability describes the process whereby moisture within the wall is allowed to pass through and evaporate (vapour permeability).

The breathability of a masonry paint is especially important as it is estimated that 75% of building failure is attributed to moisture, either by penetration or condensation.

SD tests determine how easily water vapour can pass through a paint coating and disperse. To be classed as truly breathable, the SD Value must be between 0.01-0.05. The lower the SD Value, the more breathable the paint.

Which substrates are suitable for Earles Masonry Paint?

Earles Masonry Paint is suitable for application on to all exterior and interior masonry surfaces, including;

• Lime Renders
• Cement and Cement Lime Renders
• Natural Stone
• Pebbledash
• Roughcast
• Cobb
• Brickwork
• Cement and Thermalite Blocks
• Cementitious Boards and Plasterboards.

Where can I use Earles Masonry Paint?

Earles Masonry Paint is a versatile option, so it can be used on a range of projects including:

• Listed and Heritage Buildings
• Solid Wall Construction
• Cellars and Basements
• Underground Structures
• Commercial Premises
• Factories and Warehouses
• Garages and Workshops
• Retaining and Boundary walls
• Barns and Outbuildings
• Churches
• Property Conversions
• Farm Buildings and Stables

Can Earles Masonry Paint be used on buildings with multiple substrates?

Not all buildings have a uniform exterior – especially older and extended properties with a mix of substrates to deal with.

Earles Masonry Paint’s versatility means that it is able to cope with application to all masonry materials and existing painted surfaces to give one uniform finish to the exterior of your property.

Lime Renders and Mortars

Earles Masonry Paint is fully compatible with application on to lime renders

Listed buildings

Earles Masonry Paint is approved for application on to listed and heritage buildings

Solid wall construction

Earles Masonry Paint is highly breathable making it ideal for application to buildings with a solid wall construction.

Damp areas

Earles Masonry Paint provides protection in damp conditions, whilst not peeling or flaking.

Use Earles Masonry Paint to combat damp in problem areas such as:

• Basements
• Boundary or retaining walls
• Elevations of a property exposed to harsh weather

Coverage

A 10KG tub of paint will cover 50m2 in total over a smooth surface.

Temperature

Earles Masonry Paint should be used when the temperature is not forecast to fall below 5 degrees within two days of application.

Weather/damp/hot

It is fine to apply Earles Masonry Paint in damp weather, so no special application method is required.

In hot weather you should ensure the paint has enough moisture so the curing process can take place. To combat hot conditions, you can dampen the surface prior to the application of the paint or/and mist with water an hour or so after application. You can follow the same rules for the application of the second coat.

Earles Surface Primer

We strongly recommend priming any surface with Earles Surface Primer, especially on surfaces which are loose or dusty- such as old lime or cement renders.

The primer works as an interbonder for Earles Masonry Paint when applied to brickwork, or an existing painted surface.

Earles Masonry Paint Surface Primer is formulated to the same high quality as the Masonry paint, and so will not impact the breathability of the paint.

Follow the provided instructions when diluting your primer and allow it to dry for a minimum of 6 hours before the application of the paint.

Mixing the paint

Earles Masonry Paint is delivered to you as a powder, which you then mix with water to create your paint.

Add the Earles Masonry Paint powder to the water at a ratio of 1:1, e.g. 1 cup of water to 1 cup of powder. Thoroughly mix to make sure all the powder is incorporated. A mixing paddle is ideal for this.

If you need a thicker formula, add some extra powder during the mixing process. Mix again until all the powder is incorporated. Leave the mix to stand for a minute or two, give it another quick stir and then apply onto your walls.

Hairline cracks

Earles Masonry Paint is great at filling hairline cracks in renders. If the crack is wider than 2-3mm then use the powder with a little water to create a putty which can then be used to fill.

Lime Renders and Cobb

Earles Masonry Paint cures by hydration and oxidisation, making it perfect for lime renders and cobb, which are very porous. We recommend that you dampen the surface before the application of the paint. This will prevent the render from absorbing the moisture from the paint – affecting the curing process.

If you think the paint is drying too quickly then you can also mist it with water an hour or so after application. This should combat any problems with hydration of the paint.

Curing Process explained

Earles Masonry Paint cures by hydration and oxidisation, whereas a standard polymer based paint dries by evaporation.

Although the paint may seem dry to the touch this initial curing process is still ongoing and actually takes a number of days to complete and as such the paint behaves more like a render when drying.

No extra care has to be taken but some of the phases of the curing process are noted below:

Curing time

The initial curing process will take around 4-5 days. However, hydration of the paint continues for years and so this gives the paint longevity, becoming harder as it ages.

The surface seems dusty

This is completely normal. Earles mineral paint is soft and porous when first applied, as the paint cures it becomes harder and harder. After 4-5 days the paint should have completed its initial curing and there should be no more dusting on the surface.

The paint appears transparent

When the paint is first applied it can look a little transparent. This effect can be more noticeable if it rains soon after application. As the paint cures, the paint will become more opaque. Apply the second coat as normal.

If after 4-5 days this effect is still noticeable, then the paint hasn’t been applied thickly enough. To fix this, apply another coat of paint. This is especially important if you are painting brickwork to prevent any colour bleeding through when the paint is wet.

Colour variation

Earles is a mineral based paint, meaning it behaves differently to a plastic based polymer paint.

When Earles Masonry Paint is first applied it looks much darker. This effect wears off and lightens up as the paint cures and hydrates.

Curing can happen at different rates depending on the moisture in the wall, meaning at first the colour may appear patchy. The paint will have the same colour as the dry powder once it has cured. For example, the Super White will look green/grey when first applied again this will turn pure white as the paint cures and oxidises.

Final Finish

Once the curing process is complete, Earles Masonry Paint will give a super matte dust free finish.