Paint for brick below DPC

[phykell]

Hi,

My house was built around 1750 and there's a patio running up to the wall which I want to fill with gravel. The wall was previously painted black below the damp course at some point and before I fill the channel with gravel, I'd like to refresh the paint if it serves any purpose. Do I use a rubber/bitumen DPM paint (BlackJack) or just a black exterior breathablepaint and leave it to breathe as best as possible through the gravel?

[edit] Just realised I asked this question previously a couple of years ago but didn't get any replies so sorry for repeating the question

Thanks

 

[Wayners]

I thought bitumen was a bad idea as it seals wall trapping moisture.
Breathable paint is what you need.

Might already have bitumen on?

 

[endecotp]

It was built in 1750, and has a damp proof course?

Is that modern render visible in the photo? Is that breathable?

 

[phykell]

It was built in 1750, and has a damp proof course?

Is that modern render visible in the photo? Is that breathable?

Yes, the DPC is slate. There's an even older (pre-1750) part of the house which is built in sandstone, internally insulated, no DPC and still no damp!

Yes, it's modern render (supposedly breathable) - the house is internally insulated and no damp problems.

 

[phykell]

I thought bitumen was a bad idea as it seals wall trapping moisture.
Breathable paint is what you need.

Might already have bitumen on?

I did try scraping off some of the paint as had been suggested in another thread and I can't detect any bitumen feel/smell to it.

Breathable paint it is then.