Application of KEIM Silicate Paints on Fair-Faced Concrete

The usage of KEIM silicate-based mineral paints allows for the protection of old and fresh fair-faced concrete and provides recovery methods for the fair-faced concrete appearance.

KEIM silicate mineral paints have been commonly used in Northern Europe since 1878. Silicate paints penetrate the surface where applied and create a chemical interaction, resulting from a very good combination of inorganic colour pigments, sodium silicate, and mineral-based fillers. It becomes part of the surface rather than a coat that merely covers it.

The surface has a mineral matt appearance, just like natural concrete. Wooden mould trails are preserved, and at the same time, the coating forms a very strong bond with the surface due to the silicification process. Thus, the surface is protected against weathering. According to the architectural design, coats can be more or less transparent and have a colourful appearance related to the dilution rate of the original concrete material. While one of the important parts of the application is to balance colour differences with “Concrete grey”, most architects prefer to use colourful or concrete grey silicate mineral paints for the maintenance of concrete.

• Its binder, Sodium Silicate, is very durable against UV light.
• Silicate paints have high water vapor transmission.
• Thanks to low Sd values (<0.02 m), concrete can dry again very rapidly.
• Pigments used in silicate technologies are inorganic mineral pigments, and they are not affected by UV radiation and adverse weather conditions. Because of this property, swelling or spalling is not observed on concrete surfaces applied with silicate mineral paints.
• Due to pure mineral pigments (Fb code B1), absolute colourfastness is provided.
• Because of the existence of pure mineral pigments and the surface drying fastly, moss and mold are not observed.
• Thanks to non-thermoplastic and anti-static adherence, a very low level of soiling is ensured.
• Silicate mineral coatings have an excellent environmental profile; they are non-flammable and free of toxic odors.

The original concrete appearance is completely protected due to the mineral matt surface. With its 130 years of experience, KEIM also has plenty of products and solutions related to concrete surface protection and fair-faced concrete applications.