Are you planning to paint the exterior brick on your home?

When homeowners invest in painting, they often focus on color, finish, and cost—and neglect one of the most important considerations: the composition and long-term behavior of the paint itself. As a professional painting contractor in Raleigh, Paint & Co. frequently recommends mineral-based paints, especially Romabio, because they offer advantages that traditional acrylic or latex paints simply can’t match. Below, I explore the key benefits, technical features, and real-world value that mineral paints bring—especially for North Carolina’s climate and your home.

What Makes Mineral Paints Different?

Mineral paints are formulated from natural mineral ingredients (often potassium silicate or variants thereof) rather than petroleum-derived resins. Romabio blends centuries-old Italian paint and lime techniques with modern chemistry to create a product that interacts more naturally with masonry, brick, stucco, and other building materials.

Because of their micro-crystalline structure, mineral-based paints allow moisture vapor to pass freely through the painted surface (i.e. they are “breathable”) rather than trapping moisture inside. This permeable nature helps reduce peeling, blistering, and other moisture-related failures common in conventional paints.
In short: mineral paints don’t sit on top of surfaces like a plastic film—they chemically bond, calcify, and become part of the surface over time, producing a more durable and stable finish.

Key Benefits of Using Romabio Mineral Paints

1. Breathability and Moisture Control
Because concrete, brick, and masonry must manage moisture (whether from internal humidity or rainfall), a breathable coating is vital. Romabio paints allow moisture to escape instead of becoming trapped, which reduces the risk of blistering, flaking, or peeling. In humid regions, like here in North Carolina, that makes a significant difference in long-term performance.
2. Exceptional Durability and Longevity
Mineral paints, particularly those in the Romabio line, are inherently UV-stable and resist fading. Because they don’t rely on acrylics or synthetic binders, their color tends to endure better over time. Romabio’s masonry paint line is even backed by a 20-year warranty when applied per specifications.
Additionally, mineral finishes resist chipping, peeling, or flaking because their bond is chemical (not mechanical adhesion).
3. Mold, Mildew & Algae Resistance
One of the standout advantages of mineral-based paints is their natural resistance to mold, mildew, and algae. Thanks to their alkaline pH and inorganic composition, they inhibit the growth of fungal organisms better than many acrylic paints do. This is especially useful in damp, shaded, or coastal areas of a property.
Romabio even offers a companion product, Mineral Shield, which is an invisible topcoat that repels water droplets while allowing vapor to escape, further helping prevent staining, algae, and moss.
4. Healthier, Eco-Friendlier Option
Because Romabio’s mineral paints are usually zero-VOC, odorless, and free of harmful solvents or plastic resins, they are safer for indoor spaces, for families sensitive to chemical fumes, and for the environment. You won’t get strong paint smells or off-gassing that can linger in your home or cause discomfort.
This clean formulation makes Romabio a solid choice in kitchens, bathrooms, or homes where indoor air quality is a priority.
5. Unique, Luminous Aesthetic
Thanks to the mineral content and light-refracting nature of the finish, Romabio paints often present subtle depth, richness, and a softly glowing quality that’s hard to replicate with standard latex paints. The finish is elegant and understated—a flat or matte appearance that still feels alive and vibrant.
Especially for architectural features, brick, stone, trim, and accent walls, the finish has a refined presence that many homeowners and designers appreciate.

Practical Considerations When Using Mineral-Based Paints

Because these paints behave differently than typical acrylics, there are some special considerations and best practices you should keep in mind:
1. Surface Preparation is Essential
Surfaces must be properly cleaned, free of previous coatings that block permeability, and structurally sound. For non-absorbent surfaces or previously painted areas, a mineral-compatible primer is recommended (Romabio offers MicroGrip Primer).

2. Proper Application Technique
Romabio paints can be sprayed, rolled, or brushed, but the technique and dilution must be correct. Some formulas need to be thinned slightly. Generally, you use two coats (on masonry) and dampen the masonry before applying — the moisture helps with adhesion and bonding.

3. Slower Tolerance for Sloppy Application
Because the bond is chemical, application must be consistent. Poorly executed brush strokes, excessive thickness, or slack application can show imperfections more easily compared to flexible acrylics. This underscores the value of hiring experienced professional painters.

4. Cost Considerations Upfront
Mineral-based paints tend to come at a higher per-gallon cost vs. standard latex or acrylic products. However, that cost is often offset by longer life, lower maintenance, fewer repaints, and better performance over decades.

5. Optional Protective Topcoats
In high-exposure areas, roofs, or lower walls prone to dirt, applying Mineral Shield (or compatible water-repellent mineral topcoat) can help extend the life and appearance of the finish without sacrificing breathability.

Why Paint & Co. Recommends Romabio in the Raleigh-Durham Cary Region

Here in the Raleigh area, we contend with a humid subtropical climate—hot summers, frequent thunderstorms, humidity, and seasonal temperature swings. These conditions make paint failure more likely when using standard coatings. That’s why Paint & Co. often recommends Romabio mineral paints for the following reasons:

• Better moisture control: the breathable nature helps surfaces handle humidity and reduce peeling or blistering.
• Reduced mold risk: higher natural resistance to mold or fungal growth is a major plus, especially for shaded exteriors or damp areas.
• Color stability under UV exposure: thanks to mineral-based pigments and bonding, the paint holds color longer—even on southern- or western-facing walls.

If you’re looking to freshen up the outside of your home, Paint & Co. offers professional exterior painting services designed to enhance curb appeal, protect your surfaces, and give your home a clean, updated look that lasts. We’re local to the Raleigh-Durham area and happy to come by your home for a personalized quote. Call us today at (919) 904-8707 to learn more.