Winter creates the harshest testing environment for exterior facade coatings. The combined effects of low temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles, high humidity, and UV rays threaten the integrity and functionality of paint films. Under these conditions, selecting the right material is critical for protecting the building surface, maintaining aesthetics, and ensuring long-term cost efficiency.

Common Problems with Traditional Dispersion Paints in Winter Conditions

Cracking and Blistering of the Paint Coating

Traditional paints have a limited capacity to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction cycles. Binders that fracture and become plasticized over time due to UV rays become even more brittle in the cold, making them prone to cracking and delamination (blistering).

Surface Color Fading and Erosion

Organic pigments and binders undergo photochemical degradation when exposed to UV radiation. This leads to premature color fading and accelerated surface erosion.

Breathability Issues and Moisture Problems

The low vapor permeability layer created by traditional paints restricts moisture trapped inside the wall from escaping. In winter, high humidity can cause vapor to condense or freeze and expand within the structural elements. This results in the weakening of the underlying binder layer, performance loss of insulation materials, and the risk of mold growth.

Loss of Adhesion Strength

Freeze-thaw cycles place heavy stress on the adhesion bond between the paint and the substrate. Synthetic films that have lost their elasticity may partially or completely lose their ability to adhere under this stress.

Potassium Silicate Paints: The Definitive Solution with Soldalit

KEIM SOLDALIT utilizes a binder system consisting of potassium silicate and silica sol. This system chemically reacts (silicification) with the mineral substrates it is applied to (silicate plaster, concrete, natural stone), fusing at a microscopic level. The resulting bond is completely mineral and porous.

• Resistant to Thermal Movements: Thanks to the chemical bond, it is unaffected by thermal movements and does not show cracking or blistering.
• High UV Resistance and Color Retention: Since the material is entirely mineral, it exhibits high resistance to UV rays. Inorganic pigments ensure that colors retain their original vibrancy for decades.
• Easy Application: Sol-silicate technology is supplied as a ready-to-use mixture and can be applied directly. It also provides stable adhesion over old organic paint layers.

Breathable Structures

The micro-porous structure formed by KEIM Soldalit allows water vapor to escape freely. This feature is vital for maintaining the moisture balance of the building. Since moisture is not trapped inside the wall, freeze damage and moisture-related insulation failures are prevented. The structure “breathes” and regains a healthy moisture cycle.

In terms of longevity parameters, it offers a distinct performance difference compared to traditional paints. It provides protection for decades without requiring maintenance, repair, or renewal. This makes it not only an economical option in the long run but also represents a sustainable and resource-efficient approach.

Professional and Lasting Protection

In winter months and harsh climate conditions, exterior facade performance is directly related to the chemical and physical properties of the selected coating material. When used in conjunction with professional application, KEIM Soldalit provides a long-lasting and trouble-free exterior facade solution.

One of the biggest concerns in interior design is that meticulously selected colors lose their vibrancy and character by fading over time. KEIM Optil stands out as a revolutionary interior paint with "unmatched lightfastness" that eliminates this concern at its root.

Natural Formula Extending the Life of Colors

The fundamental secret behind KEIM Optil's non-fading colors is the mineral-based sol-silicate technology. Unlike traditional paints, color pigments do not just form a film layer on the surface; they integrate with the wall surface through a chemical bond (silicification).

This process ensures the colors become extremely resistant to UV rays, moisture, and physical factors. Instead of being encapsulated by a binder, color pigments reflect light directly within the crystal structure, offering unique depth.

Superior Protection with MacroFill Technology

The new generation "MacroFill Technology" not only perfectly balances the velvety matte texture and light reflections but also strengthens the color layer with a protective structure. This technology preserves the depth and homogeneity of the color tone while creating a barrier against external factors, maximizing color durability.

Even under challenging interior lighting conditions (under south-facing windows, spotlights, etc.), colors maintain their vibrancy and saturation just like the first day.

Extensive and Permanent Color Palette

KEIM Optil offers its non-fading feature with 16 fascinating monochrome color options and the richness of the KEIM Avantgarde color palette. From gold and silver tones to a tribute to the polychromatic scheme of the 1920s, each carries the same superior lightfastness standard.

This means designers and architects can create lasting visual integrity in long-term projects without compromising on color choices.

Full Compliance with Sustainability and Air Quality

Non-fading colors are not only an aesthetic advantage but also an economic and ecological one. It saves resources by postponing the need for renovation and refurbishment for many years. KEIM Optil's additive-free, ecological formula and high vapor diffusion resistance protect indoor air quality while providing durability against factors like moisture and alkali that can cause color degradation.

An Investment Against Time

KEIM Optil is more than a paint; it is a lasting aesthetic investment for your interiors.

With its non-fading colors and ultra-matte sophisticated finish, it creates an atmosphere in your spaces that feels as fresh and deep as the first day for years. While offering perfect coverage and ease of application for professional applicators, it promises the end-user a rare combination of visual perfection and building physics.

Winter offers the perfect opportunity to adorn our interiors and living spaces with warm, peaceful, and inviting colors. During these months when cold weather reigns outside, the inside and outside of our homes can be transformed into living spaces with tones that embrace us and soothe our souls. At this point, silicate paints—standing out with both their longevity and breathable structure—especially with the warm tones in the KEIM Exclusiv color palette suitable for the winter season, will warm your heart and add character to your spaces this winter.

Ivory | KEIM Exclusiv 9078: Timeless Elegance

KEIM Exclusiv 9078 Ivory is a soft and neutral color against the gloomy gray tones of winter. This shade makes spaces appear bright and spacious even in months with diminishing daylight. In interiors, especially in living rooms and corridors, it creates an expanding and calming effect. When used on facades, it exhibits a classic and noble stance while making your building sparkle even in the pale light of the winter sun. It harmonizes perfectly with materials like wood and natural stone, allowing you to blend warm and cool tones.

Latte | KEIM Exclusiv 9132: A Warm Embrace

KEIM Exclusiv 9132 Latte evokes warm coffee tones and is an intimate, inviting color that wraps around you like a blanket. This earthy tone will warm you up on winter evenings and is ideal for gathering areas such as dining rooms and kitchens. Encouraging social interaction, this color instills a sense of comfort and trust in interiors. In facade applications, it lends a warm and contemporary appearance, especially in harmony with the surrounding natural landscape.

Greige | KEIM Exclusiv 9574: Modern and Sophisticated Stance

KEIM Exclusiv 9574 Greige is the most elegant interpretation of the gray tones naturally present in winter. Not a cold gray, but a nuanced tone, it adds depth and sophistication. In interiors, it breathes life into modern and minimalist styles. It provides serenity and focus in personal spaces like study rooms and bedrooms. On facades, it offers an extremely stylish and contemporary expression. When combined with other winter colors, especially Ivory or Terracotta, it creates a dynamic and balanced visual composition.

Sage Green | KEIM Exclusiv 9410: The Tone of Serenity

Bringing nature's serenity into your home, KEIM Exclusiv 9410 Sage Green is one of the most peaceful colors of winter. This pale, grayish-green tone provides a sense of freshness and tranquility. It is perfect for relaxation areas like bathrooms and bedrooms; it reduces stress and creates a sense of balance. It harmonizes magnificently with natural textures, wicker, and wood in interiors. When used on the facade, it blends with the surrounding winter landscape, ensuring an organic and calm aesthetic.

Soft Terracotta | KEIM Exclusiv 9146: Vitality and Energy

For those wanting to add a vivid touch to winter, KEIM Exclusiv 9146 Soft Terracotta is indispensable. Inspired by the warm, reddish tones of the earth, this shade imparts energy and a lively character to spaces. When used as an accent wall in the living room, it creates a focal point. It offers a warm welcome in areas like entrance halls. On facades, it stands out with a bold and friendly expression, providing a warm and inviting look even in cold weather. It can create an impressive modern atmosphere when combined with natural stone and metals.

Healthy and Aesthetic Spaces

This winter, renew your spaces not only with a color but also with the human-friendly, breathable surfaces and long-lasting structure of KEIM Silicate Paints. Let these 5 shades from the KEIM Exclusiv chart inspire you to create a unique warmth and depth in your interiors specific to winter.

People spend the vast majority of their time indoors. Therefore, ensuring our living and working spaces are healthy, peaceful, and aesthetic is more important than ever. But how do we choose the right interior paint to achieve this balance? Going beyond traditional paints and representing a true investment for both your building and its inhabitants, KEIM Innotop Silicate Paint offers a definitive and convincing answer.

Breathable Walls: The Benefits of High Vapor Permeability

One of the most critical criteria for quality interior paint is vapor permeability. Unlike dispersion (plastic) paints, KEIM Innotop features a micro-porous structure that remains highly open to diffusion. This effectively allows your walls and the paint layer to "breathe."

Moisture is absorbed without hindrance and released back into the air depending on environmental conditions. This regulating property significantly reduces the risk of mold growth and helps create a healthy, balanced indoor climate. It provides optimal building physics, especially for humid areas and new constructions.

A Clean Choice for Your Health: No Harmful Substances

Our homes should be sanctuaries, not sources of anxiety. KEIM Innotop ensures this confidence with a formula free of solvents and plasticizers. With no concerns about long-term harmful emission releases (VOCs), you can create healthy spaces that are safe to inhabit immediately after the paint dries. This feature makes it ideal for children's rooms, bedrooms, and any environment occupied by sensitive individuals.

Maximum Safety: Non-Combustible and No Toxic Fumes

Safety is an inseparable part of comfort. Thanks to its pure mineral silicate binder, KEIM Innotop is non-combustible. In the event of a fire, the paint layer does not ignite and helps delay the spread of flames. More importantly, unlike plastic paints, it does not release toxic fumes or gases under high heat; this provides vital escape time and significantly increases life safety.

Natural and Timeless Aesthetics: Mineral Matte Appearance

Visual satisfaction is just as important as performance. KEIM Innotop offers a distinctively pleasant and natural mineral matte appearance. Its warm white tone and velvety matte surface add depth and a soothing calmness to spaces. Instead of a plastic sheen, it gives walls a genuine, tangible character.

Versatile and Durable Use

KEIM Innotop is suitable for use on all traditional mineral interior surfaces such as plaster, concrete, and drywall. It offers a wide range of applications, from living and working areas to humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens. Thanks to its durable structure, it maintains its beauty for years to come.

Absolute Mineral

KEIM Innotop is not just paint; it is a system that elevates the quality of your living spaces. For those seeking a healthy, safe, aesthetic, and environmentally conscious choice, it is the right decision for your renovation or new construction projects.

Concrete is one of the indispensable building materials of modern architecture. With its durability and aesthetic potential, it is frequently preferred in both interior and exterior spaces. However, over time, concrete surfaces can deteriorate due to weather conditions, moisture, pollution, and chemical effects. This is exactly where a smart solution steps in to preserve the unique character of concrete and protect it for many years: KEIM Concretal-W.

What is KEIM Concretal-W?

KEIM Concretal-W is a high-performance sol-silicate paint system developed specifically for concrete. Unlike traditional paints, it does not form a thick film layer on the surface; instead, it penetrates the pores of the concrete and forms chemical (covalent) bonds. This "crystalline binding" process makes peeling or blistering almost impossible and provides lifetime protection.

Why Choose KEIM Concretal-W?

• Natural and Mineral Matte Appearance: It completely preserves or emphasizes the raw, natural texture and aesthetics of concrete. It offers a noble mineral matte finish, not a plastic sheen.
• Breathable Protection: Thanks to its high vapor permeability, it allows the concrete to "breathe" while exhibiting excellent water repellency (hydrophobic) properties. Moisture cannot penetrate the structure, thus preventing efflorescence, mold, and algae growth.
• Exceptional Durability: Containing only lightfast inorganic pigments, the colors do not fade against UV rays. It is highly resistant to weather conditions, acid rain, and abrasion.
• Self-Cleaning & Low Maintenance: Thanks to its antistatic nature, dust and dirt accumulation is minimal. Rainwater easily washes away dirt from the surface, reducing maintenance costs.
• Eco-Friendly and Safe: It has zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content. Produced with non-combustible (Class A) and non-toxic ingredients. It holds Cradle to Cradle Certified® credentials.
• High Alkali Resistance: It can be safely applied to fresh or old concrete surfaces with a pH value between 6-13.

Technical Specifications and Complementary Solutions

Designed for sustainable architecture, this system stands out with its ease of application and system integrity. The paint, which has a mineral matte gloss level (2.0 at 85°), can be applied by brush, roller, or airless spray. In a two-coat application on cast concrete, the average consumption is approximately 0.35 kg/m².

Powerful Components of the System:

KEIM offers holistic solutions for different surface needs:

• KEIM Concretal-W-Grob: A primer coat for rough, repaired, or difficult concrete surfaces. It closes hairline cracks and evens out the surface.
• KEIM Concretal-Fixativ: Used as a thinner and primer for system products; it balances surface absorption.

Conclusion: The Guardian of Concrete

For architects, contractors, and property owners, it offers maximum durability and minimum maintenance without disrupting the aesthetic integrity of concrete structures. For those seeking a sustainable, eco-friendly, and high-performance solution, KEIM Concretal-W is the pinnacle of concrete protection technology.

Absolute Concrete Aesthetics

Available in White and all shades in the KEIM Exclusiv color palette. Custom color matching is also available for your special projects.

Power generation facilities, especially thermal power plants, are industrial environments where the harshest conditions prevail for building materials. Extreme temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments, the risk of corrosion caused by atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and physical abrasion seriously threaten the lifespan of concrete structures. At this point, the protection of concrete surfaces becomes not just an aesthetic necessity, but a structural obligation.

At the Hamitabat Thermal Power Plant, which is exposed to the harsh and continuous winds of Thrace, KEIM Concretal-W High-Performance Sol-Silicate Concrete Paint was chosen as the most effective solution against these tough conditions.

What Makes KEIM Concretal-W So Special?

Unlike conventional paints, KEIM Concretal-W does not form a film layer on the concrete surface. Thanks to its Sol-Silicate technology, it penetrates deep into the pores of the concrete and establishes covalent crystalline bonds with the substrate. This means that the paint will never peel or blister, and will integrate completely with the concrete.

Critical Advantages Achieved in the Hamitabat Project

Here are the main benefits provided by this technology in the project:

• Resistance to Thermal Shocks: While standard paints crack as they cannot tolerate expansion and contraction in the face of the extreme temperature differences experienced in the power plant, KEIM Concretal-W moves together with the concrete thanks to its mineral structure. Thus, no cracking or spalling occurs on the surface.
• Superior Protection Against Chemical and Physical Abrasion: Abrasive particles carried by the severe winds of Thrace can erode unprotected concrete surfaces over time. The solid mineral surface created by Concretal-W shows high resistance against this mechanical abrasion.
• Carbonation Barrier: By creating an effective barrier against carbonation, one of the greatest enemies of concrete, it prevents the reinforcement inside from corroding.
• Breathable and Self-Cleaning Structure: KEIM Concretal-W allows the concrete to breathe thanks to its high vapor permeability. Moisture trapped inside does not build up pressure in the paint layer and does not cause blistering. In addition, thanks to its antistatic structure, the surface repels dirt.
• Sensitivity to Environment and Human Health: With zero VOC emissions, Class A non-combustibility certification, and international certifications such as Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver, Concretal-W is a safe material that does not harm the environment.

Conclusion: Long-Lasting and Aesthetic Protection

The Hamitabat Thermal Power Plant example is the most concrete indicator of how the right material choice can extend the lifespan of a structure. While preserving the natural texture and matte aesthetics of the concrete, KEIM Concretal-W gives it the strength to stand securely even under the harshest industrial conditions.

Investing in the Future

If you want to carry concrete surfaces into the future in your projects, reduce maintenance costs, and achieve sustainable protection, discover this unique technology offered by KEIM Concretal-W.

In today's modern architecture, exposed concrete is not just a load-bearing and structural element; it also stands out as one of the most important surface components reflecting the architectural expression, character, and spirit of the building.

As LETOON Architecture, we approach both old and new exposed concrete surfaces with this holistic perspective. We plan our exposed concrete repair, surface rehabilitation, and protection works with a controlled and long-term performance goal, without damaging the unique original texture and mineral structure of the concrete.

Concrete Cosmetics: Highlighting the Character, Not Hiding It

Our main approach in this application area, often defined in literature as "concrete cosmetics", is not to hide or transform the concrete behind synthetic paint layers, but to protect, strengthen its current character, and manage its aging in a healthy way.

The standards targeted in our interventions in this context are:

• Ensuring full harmony with the natural, mineral matte character of the concrete.
• A balanced integration with the existing concrete color that does not stand out.
• Using systems that do not cause texture loss, such as wooden formwork marks, and do not seal off the surface.
• Long-lasting solutions with high UV resistance, non-combustible, and silicification-based.

Mineral Approach: KEIM Potassium Sol-Silicate Systems

One of the main approaches we prefer in exposed concrete applications is mineral-based silicate technology. In this field, KEIM Potassium Sol-Silicate Paints, which we represent, are globally recognized systems developed for mineral surfaces since 1878.

Silicate technology; thanks to its structure consisting of water glass as a binder, inorganic mineral pigments, and fillers, chemically interacts with the applied concrete surface through silicification. Thus, it becomes an inseparable part of the concrete without forming a film coating on the surface.

• Concrete surfaces maintain their natural, mineral matte appearance and do not cause synthetic glare.
• Thanks to its very low Sd (H₂O) value, concrete dries quickly and breathes freely.
• Blistering, peeling, and film layer-induced degradations do not occur.
• Absolute colorfastness (UV resistance) is provided thanks to pure mineral pigments.

Invisible Protection Shield: EVONIK – PROTECTOSIL

With the awareness that long-term performance on concrete surfaces cannot be achieved only by visual improvement, we elevate our surface protection solutions to the molecular level. Accordingly, we actively use EVONIK – PROTECTOSIL silane-based building protection technologies, which have over 60 years of R&D experience, in our projects.

Protectosil systems provide deep penetration into concrete and mineral surfaces, protecting the surface invisibly. Thanks to this technology, effective protection is provided against the following effects that threaten the building's lifespan:

• Reinforced concrete rebar corrosion (rusting danger),
• Structural damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles,
• Salt and sulfate attacks typically seen in industrial or coastal areas,
• Moss, algae, mold, and unwanted graffiti (spray paint) formations.

These solutions permanently prevent water and harmful chloride ions from penetrating the structure while fully maintaining the vapor permeability of the concrete.

The LETOON Approach: Right System, Right Surface, Right Time

On exposed concrete surfaces, we integrate KEIM potassium silicate systems and EVONIK Protectosil silane technologies separately or together depending on the specific needs of the surface. Detailed surface analysis conducted before each project allows us to determine the precise intervention level and the most accurate protection strategy.

As LETOON, our aim is not to ignore the problems of concrete but to read them, not just to intervene in the structure but to improve its performance, and not to produce temporary makeup, but to provide a long-lasting, safe, and sustainable surface performance.

The use of wood in interior design adds warmth, naturalness, and timeless elegance to spaces. However, the coating material you use to protect and beautify the wood should not overshadow this natural beauty, but rather enhance it.

This is exactly where KEIM's innovative silicate paint technology, KEIM Lignosil-Inco, comes into play. This unique product, which allows the wood to breathe, is an excellent choice for your interiors in terms of both aesthetics and health.

From Translucent to Opaque: Unlimited Design Possibilities

KEIM Lignosil-Inco is not just a paint; it is also a design tool. Whether you want to achieve a translucent appearance that highlights the natural grain structure and texture of the wood, or create a completely opaque, modern color layer... Lignosil-Inco offers you this flexibility.

In addition to White, the product does not limit your imagination with the wide color palette available in the KEIM Exclusive and KEIM Avantgarde color charts. All color tones can be mixed with each other, and with monochrome tones between 9001-9010, it adapts to any decoration style. The resulting mineral matte surface offers a noble and modern appearance that does not tire the eyes.

Respect for the Nature of Wood: Optimum Room Climate

One of the most valuable features of wood is its hygroscopic nature; that is, its ability to absorb moisture from the environment and release it when necessary. This feature is the foundation of creating a natural and healthy indoor climate. Unfortunately, many traditional wood coatings destroy this feature by forming a film layer on the surface.

KEIM Lignosil-Inco, however, is produced with a completely different philosophy. Thanks to its non-film-forming and highly permeable (open to diffusion) structure, it allows the wood to breathe. Thus, it preserves the natural hygroscopic balance of the wood and helps maintain a natural, pleasant, and healthy air quality in your space at all times.

A Safe Choice for Your Health and the Environment

The impact of the materials we use in our living spaces on our health is now more important than ever. KEIM Lignosil-Inco is a product developed with this awareness, containing no harmful substances.

• Chemical-Free: Contains no solvents or plastics. As a result, no disturbing odors occur during or after application.
• Certified Safety: Approved by TÜV testing and proven not to emit harmful emissions.
• Ecological Cycle: The product has the Cradle to Cradle certification, which is the highest level of environmental awareness. This is the greatest proof that the product is ecological throughout its entire life cycle.

Long-Lasting Protection and Economical Use

In addition to aesthetics and health, KEIM Lignosil-Inco stands out with its superior performance.

• Color and Light Fastness: Thanks to its mineral structure, its color stability is extremely high. It does not fade over time and is exceptionally resistant to UV rays and light.
• Excellent Adhesion: It adheres perfectly to wooden surfaces, providing long-lasting protection.
• Economical Maintenance: The ability to be repaired locally in areas damaged over time, without the need for a full re-coating, significantly reduces maintenance costs.

The Natural Comfort Wood Offers You

KEIM Lignosil-Inco is much more than a paint for interior wooden surfaces. It is a highly durable, environmentally friendly solution that reveals the natural beauty of wood and offers a healthy living space.

If you want to keep naturalness and aesthetics alive together in your living spaces, you can choose KEIM Lignosil-Inco and feel the natural comfort that wood offers you.

The unique silver-grey appearance that wooden facades acquire over time through nature's influence is an aesthetic maturity reminiscent of mountain cabins in the Alps. However, achieving this natural patina often requires decades of uncontrolled waiting.

But what if there was a way to start this process from day one? This is exactly where KEIM's groundbreaking product, Lignosil-Verano, comes into play.

The Dilemma of Wood: Protection or Aesthetics?

An untreated wooden facade is in a constant state of change due to external factors such as the sun's UV rays, rain, and wind. However, depending on numerous factors like the facade's orientation, wood species, and geographical location, this change can create an inhomogeneous and irregular appearance.

Traditional protective coatings, on the other hand, form a film layer that prevents the wood from breathing naturally and eventually cracks and peels, requiring constant maintenance.

A Revolutionary Solution: KEIM Lignosil-Verano

KEIM Lignosil-Verano brings a smart solution to this dilemma. As is known, KEIM is the pioneer of mineral paint technology as the manufacturer of the world's first patented silicate paint. Developed with this deep-rooted knowledge, Lignosil-Verano is a special silicate-based wood finish (patina).

The biggest difference of the product is that instead of creating a classic "protective layer," it becomes part of the wood's natural greying process:

• Instant Aesthetics: It gives your wooden facade a beautiful and natural silvery-grey patina look right from the first application. This way, you don't have to wait for decades of natural processes.
• Non-Film Forming, Breathable: The silicate-based binder penetrates deep into the wood and does not form a film on the surface. This allows the wood to continue breathing, internal moisture to be easily expelled, and problems like cracking, blistering, and peeling become a thing of the past.
• Natural Greying Over Time: The product consciously puts a protective function in the background. A facade treated with Lignosil-Verano matures further over the years through nature's influence and turns into a true grey patina. Most importantly, it does not require additional maintenance or repainting during this process.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Structure

Along with its performance, Lignosil-Verano also stands out with its respect for the environment and human health.

• Zero Chemicals: Completely free of biocides and solvents. Thanks to its zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) content, it is extremely safe for applicators and the environment.
• Cradle to Cradle Certification: The product holds the prestigious Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver and Material Health Gold certificates, proving it is manufactured from eco-friendly, healthy, and recyclable materials.
• Color Stability: Due to its mineral structure, the oxide pigments it contains are completely resistant to UV rays, preventing any color fading or alteration.

Rich Color Options and Aesthetic Flexibility

Lignosil-Verano is offered in a wide range of colors, including classic and metallic options. Nature-inspired tones like "Driftwood" (4914), "Weathered Oak" (4832), or "Graphite Gray" (4890) perfectly adapt to your project's architectural style and environmental context.

Respect for the Natural Story of Wood

KEIM Lignosil-Verano is a revolutionary product that respects the natural story of wood, highlights its beauty, and initiates a decades-long natural process overnight.

Crowned with the 2025 Architectural Record Product of the Year award, this innovative solution is a sustainable and smart choice that addresses aesthetic concerns while eliminating maintenance costs.

Historic buildings are not merely structures made of stone and brick; they are cultural heritages that carry the spirit of the past into the present. The most fundamental element defining the character of these structures is the authentic texture of the natural materials they were built with. However, the abrasive effects of time, air pollution, and harsh climate conditions can leave hard-to-repair damages on these valuable surfaces.

A true restoration discipline aims to protect and extend the lifespan of a structure rather than interfering with its original identity. Developed with this philosophy, KEIM Restauro Lasur sets the standards for modern restoration with its superior sol-silicate technology that protects the historic texture without obscuring it.

Structural Breathability: The Vital Role of Water Vapor Permeability

The vast majority of structural problems encountered in historic buildings are moisture-related. Traditional, film-forming synthetic coatings cover the surface almost like a plastic layer, preventing internal moisture from escaping. This situation leads to the internal decay of the stone, efflorescence (salt crystallization), and surface blistering.

KEIM Restauro Lasur, thanks to the exceptional water vapor permeability it offers, allows the structure to breathe. While moisture is freely evacuated through the pores of the material, the structure is protected from biological and physical damages.

The most fundamental difference that distinguishes KEIM Restauro Lasur from ordinary paints is its mineral binder structure. This special formula does not merely stick to the applied surface; it establishes a chemical bond with the mineral structure of the stone or brick, carrying out the "silicification" process.

• Surface Strengthening: It penetrates the structure of the applied material to consolidate (strengthen) worn surfaces.
• Holistic Integration: The paint layer and the surface become a single body, thereby eliminating the risk of peeling or flaking.
• Preservation of Natural Texture: It does not clog the characteristic pores of the stone and does not hide its original texture.

Aesthetic Flexibility: Colors Ranging from Opaque to Transparent

The biggest challenge in restoration projects is ensuring the visual harmony of new repairs with the old texture. Thanks to its low-pigment structure, KEIM Restauro Lasur does not obscure the natural variations of the stone.

The product can be diluted to the desired ratio by mixing it with KEIM Restauro-Fixativ. In this way, every aesthetic need can be met, from a completely transparent look to a more intense coloration. The touch-ups blend flawlessly with the entirety of the structure.

Resistance Against Time: UV Durability and Water Repellency

The sun's scorching UV rays quickly degrade the pigment structure of organic paints, causing fading. KEIM's mineral pigments, on the other hand, are completely UV resistant; even after decades, they maintain their initial color depth.

At the same time, its enhanced water-repellent feature prevents rainwater and atmospheric pollutants from penetrating deep into the stone. This minimizes cracks and dirt accumulation caused by freeze-thaw cycles, significantly extending maintenance intervals.

Why Not Organic Coatings?

Synthetic resin or silicone coatings lose their flexibility over time and crack. When they need to be renewed, they must be scraped from the surface, a process that can cause great damage to historic materials. KEIM Restauro Lasur, however, is a lifelong investment. When it's time for renewal, there is no need to strip the surface; applying a new coat to the cleaned surface is entirely sufficient.

The Long-Lasting Protector of Cultural Heritage

KEIM Restauro Lasur is not just a paint, but a technical protection system developed to carry historic structures into the future. If you are looking for a solution that respects the authenticity of your natural stone and brick buildings, discover the power of silicate technology.

For architects and designers seeking perfection in interior design, one of the greatest disappointments is when the perfect color tone, chosen after weeks of work, loses its vibrancy over time. Walls that fade under the relentless effect of sunlight, moisture, and time overshadow the entire character of a space.

However, this is not an inevitable end. Bringing advanced building physics together with artistic aesthetics, the revolutionary interior paint KEIM Optil completely eliminates this concern with its "unprecedented lightfastness" and carries colors beyond time.

Nature's Formula: Colors that Penetrate the Surface with Sol-Silicate Technology

Traditional paints merely create an artificial film layer on the wall surface. This layer weakens, cracks, and fades over time. The real secret behind KEIM Optil's non-fading colors lies in its potassium sol-silicate technology.

From the moment of application, color pigments integrate with the wall surface at a molecular level through a chemical reaction called "silicification". The color ceases to be just a layer resting on the wall; it becomes an inseparable part of the surface. Because the pigments are not trapped by binders, they reflect light directly through a crystalline structure. The result: vibrant walls that never yellow, never fade, and possess unique depth.

MacroFill Technology: No Matter How Challenging the Light

In modern interiors, direct sunlight hitting from south-facing windows or powerful spot lighting creating dramatic effects act as a stress test for wall surfaces. KEIM Optil challenges these difficulties with its next-generation MacroFill Technology.

• Flawless Matte Finish: It perfectly balances light reflections, giving spaces a sophisticated, velvety ultra-matte texture.
• Boundless Color Freedom: With 16 enchanting monochrome colors in the KEIM Avantgarde color chart, gold and silver tones, or 1920s polychromatic schemes... Designers can create enduring projects without compromising their color choices.
• Ecological and Breathable Structure: Thanks to its additive-free mineral formula and high vapor diffusion resistance, it preserves indoor air quality. It acts as a shield against structural threats like moisture and alkalinity.

An Ecological Investment Against Time

KEIM Optil is not a simple surface coating; it is a permanent investment in the aesthetics and building physics of your interiors. By postponing the need for renovation and refurbishment for many years, it provides significant resource savings.

The flawless coverage it offers to professional applicators and the long-lasting visual perfection it promises to the user make it an indispensable element of modern architecture.

May Your Colors Never Fade

To create long-term permanence and healthy interiors without compromising aesthetics in your projects, discover KEIM Optil technology, the choice of the design world.

High-rise buildings are not only magnificent structures that shape the city skyline but also engineering marvels that withstand the harshest conditions of nature. Severe winds, heavy rains, and relentless UV rays constantly test the exterior facades of these structures.

The Feldbergstrasse high-rise project in Langen, Germany, is the perfect proof of how aesthetics and durability can come together in such a demanding test. Chosen for this massive renovation project, KEIM SOLDALIT is changing the fate of tall buildings with its sol-silicate technology.

Why KEIM SOLDALIT for High-Rise Buildings?

Painting the facade of a skyscraper or a high-rise residential building is much more costly and cumbersome than a standard building. Considering scaffolding and labor costs, the chosen paint must last for decades. Here are the features that make SOLDALIT indispensable for such giant projects:

• Maximum Resistance to Severe Weather Conditions: The intensity of wind and rain is much higher on the upper floors of tall buildings. Thanks to its mineral structure, KEIM SOLDALIT chemically integrates with the surface (silicification) and never blisters or peels.
• Flawless Adhesion on Old Surfaces: Renovation projects often encounter old plastic (dispersion) paint layers. Thanks to its special sol-silicate binder, SOLDALIT adheres perfectly to both mineral and synthetic surfaces without the need to scrape off the old paint.
• Colors That Never Fade: The sun's UV rays rapidly destroy organic pigments in high-rise buildings. Thanks to KEIM's inorganic pigments and mineral binder, the facade's color maintains its initial matte finish and vibrancy even after years pass.

Technology That Preserves the Natural Texture of Architecture

Looking closely at the photos of the Langen project, it is evident that the facade is not merely colored, but the architectural identity of the building is also brought to the forefront. While traditional acrylic paints create an artificial, glossy film layer on the facade, KEIM SOLDALIT offers a mineral matte finish that perfectly diffuses light.

This breathable (vapor-permeable) structure allows internal moisture to be expelled, thereby protecting the building's load-bearing systems against corrosion.

An Investment Beyond Time

Facade renovation in high-rise buildings is not just a cosmetic touch; it is a strategic investment that extends the lifespan of the building. The Langen Feldbergstrasse project is a concrete picture of the confidence the right material provides for decades.

If you are looking for unmatched durability, low maintenance costs, and non-fading colors in your large-scale architectural projects or renovation works, discover the universal sol-silicate formula of KEIM SOLDALIT.

One of the greatest obstacles encountered in the restoration of historic buildings and facade renovation projects is structural hairline cracks in the substrate and old organic coatings that cannot be easily removed. In such cases, traditional plastering or priming methods do not always provide a permanent solution.

KEIM Contact-Plus, a fiber-reinforced renovation primer, establishes a highly durable adhesion bridge between mineral substrates and existing organic paints, preparing a substrate that complies with building physics principles. Backed by sustainability credentials including Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver and the C2C Certified Material Health Certificate Gold, it is a key cornerstone of healthy architecture.

Why KEIM Contact-Plus for Renovation Projects?

Suitable for use on all load-bearing organic coatings—except for plasto-elastic paints and oil paints prone to saponification—this product stands out with its specialized properties:

• Strong Crack Bridging: Thanks to the specialized glass fiber components and balanced particle-size fillers in its formulation, it bridges shrinkage and hairline cracks up to 0.5 mm.
• Excellent Texture Equalization: It balances structural and absorption irregularities caused by variously treated substrates, providing a uniform finish.
• Natural Silicate Structure: It offers a breathable system without forming a film layer on mineral surfaces. It is fully resistant to UV rays.

Technical Properties and Classification

Formulated for high density and mineral integrity, KEIM Contact-Plus delivers exceptional physical performance on both interior and exterior surfaces:

• Density: Approx. 1.6 g/cm³ - 1.8 g/cm³
• pH Value: Approx. 11 (Alkaline properties)
• Maximum Particle Size: 0.5 mm
• Water Vapor Diffusion: sd ≤ 0.02 m (Extremely high breathability)
• Water Permeability Class: W2
• Color Shade: Natural white, matte

Application Guidelines and Topcoat Compatibility

To ensure a highly stable primer coat, substrate preparation and application steps must be followed with care:

Substrate Preparation

The substrate must be dry, structurally sound, clean, and free from dust. Loose particles should be removed mechanically or using a high-pressure water jet. Sintered (glassy) layers on newly rendered or repaired surfaces must be treated and neutralized with KEIM Fluat-10 prior to application.

Application Conditions and Consumption

Ambient and substrate temperatures must be at least ≥ 5 °C. Application should not be carried out under direct sunlight, strong winds, or rainy weather conditions. On smooth substrates, the reference consumption rate is approximately 0.4 - 0.5 kg/m².

Application Method and Thinning

On non-absorbent substrates, the product should always be applied undiluted (neat) using a brush with cross-stroke techniques. On absorbent substrates, depending on surface conditions, it can be diluted up to 10% with KEIM Fixativ, KEIM Soldalit-Fixativ, KEIM Spezial-Fixativ, or KEIM Concretal-Fixativ.

Topcoat Alternatives

Following the application of KEIM Contact-Plus, protective and decorative topcoats must be applied. The product operates in harmony with high-performance exterior systems such as KEIM Granital, KEIM Soldalit, or KEIM Concretal-W.

A Solid Foundation for Renovation

Longevity in exterior renovation is directly related to how well the primer coat bonds to the substrate. KEIM Contact-Plus safely links challenging surfaces with mineral silicate systems.

If you want to apply silicate paints without scraping off old organic coatings and resolve hairline crack issues permanently in your projects, you can confidently choose the KEIM Contact-Plus sol-silicate primer system.

In modern architecture, mineral surfaces like fair-faced concrete, stone, brick, and plaster create a powerful design language with their honest and simple textures. However, adding movement, depth, and a modern luster to these natural surfaces without losing their original character has never been an easy design objective. While the thick, artificial film layers formed by classic organic paints suffocate the mineral texture, traditional methods may fall short of achieving the desired aesthetic level.

As a sol-silicate-based semi-transparent mineral (lasur) system, KEIM Design-Lasur Metallic removes these design boundaries, offering architects and designers vast creative freedom. Combining completely inorganic metallic pigments with the timeless power of silicate, this system chemically integrates with the substrate instead of creating an artificial layer on the surface. Furthermore, carrying the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver and C2C Certified Material Health Certificate Gold certifications, which validate its sustainability principles, it continues to be a sustainable component of healthy architecture.

Facades Coming to Life with Light: The Impact of Metallic Pigments

KEIM Design-Lasur Metallic creates dynamic effects that change according to the angle, intensity of light, and the time of day. Unlikе classic opaque paints, it does not completely conceal the original texture of the substrate; instead, it highlights it to add depth. This aesthetic effect can be precisely adjusted to the desired level of transparency by mixing it with the system's complementary components, KEIM Design-Base and KEIM Design-Fixativ.

• Lightfastness and UV Resistance: While metallic pigments in synthetic paints fade or dull over time under sunlight, the completely inorganic, high-quality metallic pigments used by KEIM preserve their color and brilliance for decades, just like day one.
• Full Breathability: Thanks to advanced sol-silicate binder technology, it does not obstruct the surface's water vapor diffusion capacity (sd < 0.01 m). While the walls continue to breathe, moisture accumulation is prevented.
• Matte and Natural Appearance: The brilliant metallic effect is combined with an elegant matte finish that carries the nobility of minerals, rather than a plastic or glossy appearance.

Four Essential Metallic Powers and an Expanding Color Palette

The KEIM Design-Lasur Metallic series is built upon four primary metallic color tones. However, for creative designs, these tones can be blended with each other or with other monochrome shades to expand into nearly 40 different metallic variations:

• Gold (D1001): Ideal for creating a warm, welcoming, and prestigious atmosphere. It has a wide range of use from historical restoration to modern design.
• Silver (D1002): Offers a technological and contemporary touch, emphasizing the industrial coolness and modernity of fair-faced concrete surfaces.
• Copper (D1003): A noble tone that combines the warmth of earthy shades with metallic depth, highlighting naturalness.
• Lava Red (D1004): An unusual option for architects looking to create dynamic, bold, and dramatic shadow play.

A Masterpiece Inspiring World Architecture: Seoul "The Imprint"

Designed by the world-renowned architecture firm MVRDV in Incheon, Seoul, South Korea, "The Imprint" project is one of the most impressive global examples demonstrating the boundaries of KEIM's metallic pigment technology. Composed of two massive windowless cubes, the facade of this structure features the relief-like shadows of surrounding buildings.

At the nightclub entrance, which is the project's most dramatic point, the facade bends upward like a mysterious curtain lifted by an unseen force. To highlight this curved entrance area and draw focus, MVRDV chose KEIM's custom gold (Gold #1001) metallic pigments. Glistening with sunlight during the day and shining like liquid gold under custom overhead lighting at night, this surface demonstrates the artistic power of mineral systems to the entire world.

Application Tips and Design Variations

The final appearance achieved when working with KEIM Design-Lasur Metallic depends on the applicator's technique and the chosen mixing ratio. Different shadow plays can be achieved using classic brush movements, sponge wiping, roller, or spray applications.

By adding KEIM Design-Base, the consistency of the material is maintained while its transparency is increased, which prevents dripping on vertical surfaces. With KEIM Design-Fixativ, extremely thin and light-permeable, veil-like layers can be created. This flexibility allows every project to transform into a unique work of art.

The Natural Dance of Light in Your Architecture

For projects that require surfaces to be not just colored, but also vibrant and deep, KEIM Design-Lasur Metallic offers a noble metallic luster without compromising on the mineral structure.

You can confidently choose KEIM Design-Lasur Metallic sol-silicate mineral potassium silicate paint systems to add depth and elegant character to your projects without disturbing fair-faced concrete or plaster surfaces.