Historic Lighthouse Reveals Why Paint Fails Masonry | St. Simons Island Case Study

🏛️ Join us for an exclusive look at the St. Simons Lighthouse restoration project! Learn why painting masonry leads to costly problems and discover the proven solution that’s been protecting European castles for centuries. Our mission is to find old and historical landmarks and find ways to help preserve them, by using proper Mineral Stains that will allow the masonry to breathe and protect the color over time, using Mineral Pigments that have UV Protection. I have written an article in the Masonry magazine, outlining the history and benefits of Minerals Stains: History of Mineral Based Paints And Stains. We have included a short video of St. Simons Light House, showing the aging and moisture entrapment, by using standard paints, that will require much more maintenance down the road.

Let’s look at what’s happening to this historic landmark:

The Exterior paint is peeling and flaking on the exterior and also interior, which shows signs of excess moisture entrapment. Brick deterioration beneath paint layers will lead to future masonry projects, and additional money spent, leading to increased maintenance costs. Bricks and mortar can easily withstand 50 plus years, however they must be in an environment that allows water or moisture to freely escape, rather enclosed behind a plastic paint latched on. This isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about protecting a piece of history!

Here’s why latex, acrylic and elastomeric paint is the wrong choice for masonry:

• Creates a moisture barrier that traps water, which results in damage to the masonry and additional paint coatings to band aid the original paint coat.
• Prevents natural brick breathing – Masonry Stains have up to 4 times more breathability vs latex, acrylic or elastomeric paint coatings.
• Leads to salt crystallization (Organic paints will not hold up to the harsh winds and saltwater over time)
• Causes freeze-thaw damage by entrapping moisture/water that can freeze below 32 degrees.
• Requires frequent repainting (every 3-5 years)
• Increases long-term maintenance costs

Let’s compare our mineral stains technology that’s:

• Potassium Silicate coatings have been proven since the 1800s
• Used on European castles and monuments
• Perfect for historic preservation
• Naturally UV resistant
• Completely breathable (Based on ASTM E 96 water vapor test)
• Bonds chemically with masonry (rather than put a plastic film over the masonry)
• Penetrate into the masonry
• Allow water vapor to escape, reducing and eliminating moisture damage
• Will not peel or flake (Unless moisture is in excess 10%)
• Last 20+ years

Whether you’re maintaining a historic lighthouse or your own home, the choice between paint and mineral stains can make all the difference. Visit the rest of our website to learn more about preserving your masonry structures the right way.

Key Topics Covered:

🔹 Why paint fails on masonry
🔹 The science of mineral staining known as brick staining
🔹 Long-term cost comparison
🔹 Historic preservation techniques
🔹 Property value protection
🔹Structural integrity concerns

On this type of project, to restore the current lighthouse, we would need to following assessed:

• Measure the current moisture reading of the brick and mortar to ensure our Sol-Silicate coating is applicable, as we require less than 10% of moisture content
• Ensure the brick and mortar are in good shape, any areas that need a mortar grind or have excess moisture, should be cut out and replaced with the similar shape and size of brick, in the event original brick cannot be sourced.
• Remove all chipped and peeling paint off the building, to ensure no loose paint is left.
• Since the building has existing paint, which most is degraded, we would apply a Acrylic based primer, that would latch on better to existing latex or acrylic coating.
• Any excess moisture beyond 10%, would require to remove moisture by our patented technology, which is used to dry, desalinate, consolidate and waterproof old, wet brick, concrete and aerated concrete walls and remove algae, fungi and other microorganisms from the mortar and brick cavity. This is by removing without any drilling of the brick or mortar, or a membrane, as outlined in South Atlantic post.
• Our Sol-Silicate Masonry Stain pH comes in at 11, slightly lower than our traditional Masonry Stain of 11-12, also our Sol-Silicate carries more Silica, which is the key ingredient to latching onto existing Latex and Acrylic Paint coatings, as outlined what each coating represents by Boise Home Painting Any Masonry Coating, Brick, Mortar, Stucco, EIFS, Stone and even Hardie Board can be stained using a Masonry Stain, as long as its properties are based on our formula, using waterglass and inorganic mineral pigments. Our Mineral Stains are also able to withstand the Salt Water, which is key when selecting any Paint or Stain coating.
• Any areas 1 or 2 feet ground up, may require a siloxane, which is a breathable sealer, that will reduce some breathability, but protect the wall from excess water damage, in colder climates, salt and water that may be thrown against a building for a prolonged time over winter.

Please remember, prior to Painting of any Masonry Exterior projects you may have, at Mineral Stains, we have many solutions for your next project, that will achieve a natural look, provide breathability to your walls, and offer UV protection. Please reach out to us for more information info@mineralstains.com.

Matt Plechan