Cork Paints such as Diasen Decork Mediterraneo: Are They really the Ultimate Solution for Damp Walls and Humidity Control

Cork Paints such as Diasen Decork Mediterraneo (which we have been testing since its release) are a premium decorative coating that combines the natural warmth of cork and water-based resins and natural vegetable waxes. Mose have EU CE certification and can, but not always contribute to obtaining LEED credits. The products can be used on walls and floors, both indoors and outdoors and depending on the brand have a wide range of colours.

Diasen Decork Mediterraneo is fully certified for use in Europe, claims to be highly breathable, allowing moisture to pass through its surface. Diasen say this helps with breathability, regulating humidity and preventing condensation and mould formation, thereby improving indoor air quality. In our testing, we have seen this but breathability with any product using resin is very subjective. The product’s formulation, which includes cork powders has excellent thermal insulation properties for its application thickness. It is designed to maintain comfort in various climatic conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Diasen Decork Mediterraneo (and many other good quality cork paints) effectively addresses issues related to damp walls through the unique insulation characteristics that help prevent mould and condensation formation on walls. We have seen this Mediterraneo and its impressive! The products are also designed to repel water, which prevents rain and moisture from penetrating the substrate. These feature helps to prolong the lifespan of the wall materials and maintain a dry environment. This does not mean they are good for wet walls. Many of the cork renders have very high elasticity (+150%), helping to prevent the formation of small cracks and fissures depending on the thickness applied. This makes it suitable for application on surfaces that may experience very minor movement or cracking.

Key Benefits

Water-repellent properties
Basic thermal insulation
Potential to prevent condensation and mould
Aesthetic appeal combined with functionality

These features make cork paints an attractive choice for those seeking to enhance their living spaces while addressing minor moisture-related issues.

Important Considerations

Not VOC-free: Despite their benefits, cork paints are not entirely free of volatile organic compounds.
Application challenges: Some issues have been observed when applying cork paints under certain conditions.
Alternatives available: For those unable to use more durable dehumidifying cork render, lime and silicate, cork paints offer easy and relatively inexpensive alternatives (when appled correctly 10kg goes a very long way).

Final Verdict

While cork paints offer innovative solutions for thermal management and moisture control, they are not a universal remedy. Their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific situation and application conditions. As with any building material, it’s crucial to carefully consider the unique requirements of each project before deciding on cork paint as a solution.