Why Do KEIM Mineral-Based Potassium Sol-Silicate Paints Last Longer?

What is Potassium Silicate Paint?

Potassium silicate paint is a coating created from the suitable combination of liquid glass (potassium silicate) with inorganic color pigments and mineral-based fillers, which both penetrates and undergoes chemical interaction with the mineral surface to which it is applied. While organic paints simply create a film-like layer on the surface, silicate paints become part of the surface itself. High-quality silicate paint systems provide unparalleled performance, durability, protection and color fastness. Buildings painted with silicate paints in the 19th century still retain their original appearance today. Schwyz Municipal Building - A structure painted with KEIM Potassium Silicate Paint in 1891 still maintains its original appearance with its initial coating

The History of a Groundbreaking Idea KEIM Potassium Silicate Paints

141 years ago, Adolph Wilhelm Keim developed the first "silicate paint" with applicable properties for which he obtained a patent. The result achieved: unparalleled color tones in terms of quality, permanence, protective properties and light reflection. KEIM, the inventor of silicate paints, continues to support and maintain its leading position in the sector today through continuous research and development work.

Milestones 1878 – First Generation (KEIM Purkristalat)

The first applicable form of silicate paints was formulated as a two-component system in accordance with DIN 18363, 2.4.1 standard and contains no organic components. Pure silicate paints undergo chemical reaction with the mineral surfaces to which they are applied. For this reason, they are suitable for use only on absorbent and mineral surfaces.

1962 – Second Generation (KEIM Granital)

In 1962, the second generation of silicate paints began with "dispersion silicate paints." The advantage provided by these new paints lies in the single-component formulation that facilitates application and increases application safety. Second generation dispersion silicate paints are also standardized within their own product category and contain 5% organic components (dispersions and additives) according to DIN 18363 standard.

2002 - Third Generation (KEIM Soldalit)

In 2002, a new era in the silicate paint sector began with "sol silicate paints," the third generation of silicate paint. Sol-silicate paints also meet the requirements of DIN 18363. Third generation sol silicate paints, thanks to their new binder, have enabled their use in many areas previously unimaginable. Sol silicate, created from the suitable combination of silicate sol and liquid glass, converts to silica upon contact with mineral surfaces and reveals strong adhesion force that creates powerful bonds. Through this combined use of chemical and physical bonding, the product can be used on all organic or mineral-based surfaces. It combines the versatility of emulsion binder paints with the mineral quality characteristics of classic silicate paints. Another advantage provided by sol silicate technology is the shortening of the silication process. The product is classified in the standard performance manual prepared for architects in Europe as a separate item under "silica sol - silicate paint." Since its market introduction, sol silicate paint has established itself as an independent product class in the market and, unlike dispersion silicate paints, can be easily used in versatile applications.

How KEIM Potassium Silicate Paints Protect Surfaces and Why They Have Exceptionally Long Lifespans? • Natural Raw Material-Based

The perfect combination between liquid potassium silicate used as a binder, naturally-sourced mineral-based fillers and only inorganic-based paint pigments provides maximum durability and unparalleled permanence under adverse weather conditions. An ecological, economic and sustainable product, all product groups hold DGNB certification. Silicate paints contain natural raw materials.

• Ingenious Adhesion Formula: Silication

In silicate systems, as the binder penetrates the surface, a durable and permanent bond called silication forms between the paint and the substrate layer (plaster, natural stone, concrete, etc.). The silicate paint becomes an integral part of the surface and undergoes natural aging with the surface to which it is applied, neither peeling nor blistering. In cross-section of the surface, the green KEIM silicate paint is seen penetrating into the surface.

• Durability - Exceptionally Long-Lasting

KEIM Silicate paints possess unparalleled durability. Numerous buildings found throughout the world have proven this for over 100 years. Potassium silicate used as a binder is highly resistant to wear. The perfect combination of potassium silicate binder with mineral fillers results in an extremely strong chemical bond with the surface. Silicate paints do not peel or flake. The binder is not damaged by UV light. It is highly resistant to acidic gases (acid rain) and industrial pollution.

• Moisture Balance

High water vapor permeability is the most important criterion for average moisture balance. The exceptionally high water vapor permeability of KEIM Silicate paints is a result of the special structure of its binder, liquid glass. Moisture in building materials can therefore be released to the outside rapidly and without obstruction. No damaging moisture accumulation occurs between the paint and substrate layer. Combined with low water absorption, this combination provides optimal protection against water and frost damage.

• Slow Soiling – Easy Cleaning

The soiling tendency of painted surfaces depends on static loading characteristics: Organic synthetic resin / silicone resin binder paints become electrostatically charged due to friction in wind. In this way, they attract dirt particles from the air. At higher temperatures, these binders also exhibit thermoplastic behavior. That is, they become 'sticky' and provide ideal conditions for dirt particles to adhere. KEIM Silicate paints have anti-static properties due to their liquid glass binder and do not exhibit thermoplastic behavior. This means they can remain clean for extended periods.

• Aesthetics

KEIM Silicate paints stand out with their unique luminous power. However, brightness here does not mean shiny polish. The brightness of paints is generally achieved through light affecting the pigment and then reflecting back. The less obstruction the light impacting and reflecting back from the pigment encounters, the brighter the color tone becomes. The mineral binders used in silicate paints are transparent. Light reaches the pigment without obstruction. For this reason, the natural matte surface effect acquires an impressive and natural optical appearance. However, in emulsion or silicone resin-based paints, organic binders form a film around the pigment and affect light refraction. Consequently, the original brightness of the pigment is compromised.

Silicate paints have high luminous power.

• Color Fastness - Color Retention

The color fastness of facade paints is affected by the nature of the pigments and binders. UV light changes the colors of organic pigments. KEIM Silicate paints contain special, high-quality, light-resistant inorganic pigments. Organic binders exposed to UV light and weather conditions deteriorate over time. Microscopic cracks form that affect light refraction and the coating's color tone appears more gray. Potassium liquid glass exhibits the highest UV resistance among all binders and is completely resistant to weather conditions. The building on the left was painted with KEIM Potassium silicate paint in 1992. The building on the right was painted with an organic pigment-based paint in 1995. The photograph was taken on 14 June 2004.

• Health and Safety

In many public areas, schools, metro stations, tunnels, cinemas, hospitals, etc., only silicate paints are preferred and used. Because KEIM Potassium silicate paints: • Contain no volatile organic compounds (VOC) • Contain no toxic materials • Produce no fumes or odors • Prevent mold • Are non-flammable. Do not release harmful gases in case of fire

• Ecology

KEIM follows an ecological procedure at all stages from raw material sourcing through production, application and disposal. No environmentally harmful grinding processes are required. It is environmentally compatible. All product groups hold DGNB certification.

• Economics and Value Preservation

The permanence of KEIM Potassium Silicate Paints and their resistance to adverse weather conditions provide economic advantages. Structures painted with this product, applied as two coats without primer, have lower maintenance costs than others. The use of this long-lasting, color-retaining paint extends maintenance-renovation intervals and reduces costs. The easier recoatability of KEIM silicate paints is another economic advantage. Because you do not need to strip KEIM paints. Simply cleaning and repainting is sufficient.

In Brief Summary

Non-peeling, non-blistering, long-lasting bright color tones and clean facades can only be achieved if the material has the following properties: • UV and acid resistant pigments • UV and weather-resistant binders • Anti-static surface • Non-thermoplastic binders • Minimal condensation, ideal drying • Transparent binder • Technology that requires no primer and can penetrate the surface KEIM Potassium Silicate Paints meet these criteria in the most ideal manner.   Müge Günel Senior Architect - Restorer Letoon Mimarlık