The History of a Pioneer Idea – KEIM Potassium Silicate Paints

At the initial stage of the invention that brought KEIM potassium silicate paints to life lie three distinct personalities prominent in their times: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, King Ludwig I of Bavaria, and the craftsman and researcher who invented these paints, A. W. Keim.

The basis of silicate paints, patented by A. W. Keim in 1878, relies on the correct mixing of liquid potassium silicate (water glass) and inorganic pigment colors.

The result: A paint unmatched in quality, durability, protection, and light reflection. Original paints from the last century still remain today. Facades in Switzerland, such as the ‘Weißer Adler’ restaurant in Stein am Rhein, or the town halls in Schwyz (1891), Oslo (1895), or Traunstein (1891), are impressive examples of this.

Even in the Middle Ages, the binding agent of KEIM silicate paints, liquid potassium silicate, was known as ‘Liquid Silica’ (Liquor Silicium). However, production and application possibilities could not be found. The famous author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe placed great hope in his experiments with water glass in 1768. In Volume 8 of his work ‘Dichtung und Wahrheit’ (Poetry and Truth), Goethe states: “What occupied me for a long time was Liquid Silica, which is formed when quartz pebbles are treated with a proportion of alkali, resulting in a transparent glass. This substance melts in the air and forms a beautiful, clear liquid.”

However, Goethe did not have the chance to put these ideas into practice. It was King Ludwig I of Bavaria who initiated Adolf Wilhelm Keim’s intensive research activities. Highly interested in art, the Bavarian King was so impressed by the brightly colored frescoes in Northern Italy that he wanted them in his own Kingdom of Bavaria as well. However, north of the Alps, the weather conditions known for their harshness were destroying artworks in a short time. In this context, Ludwig called upon the scientific world to invent a paint that looked exactly like lime but would last for a long time.

The insoluble bond between paint and substrate:

The most convincing solution in this field was the paints developed by Keim. The breakthrough point in A. W. Keim’s invention was the insoluble chemical bond between the paint and the wall.

Classic KEIM mineral paint has continuously advanced its pioneering position through constant research and development work and has set new standards in the preservation of historical monuments from the very beginning.

1878 – First Generation: KEIM Purkristalat (Pure Crystals)

About 130 years ago, KEIM developed the silicate paint that proved itself in practice. This paint consists of a powder component containing mineral paint pigments and fillers, and a liquid component, namely the binder in the form of a potassium water glass mixture.

According to DIN 18363 Section 2.4.1, ‘silicate paints’ are formulated as two components and contain absolutely no organic ingredients. Therefore, it is possible to use them on stable, absorbent, and mineral-based plaster.

1962 – Second Generation: KEIM Granital

In 1962, the second generation of silicate paints was introduced with ‘dispersion-based silicate paint’. Its biggest advantage lies in its one-component formulation. This structure brings easier handling and increased application safety. Likewise, dispersion-based silicate paint is standardized within a separate product category and contains a maximum of 5% organic components (dispersion and additives) according to DIN 18363.

2002 – Third Generation: KEIM Soldalit

In 2002, the third generation of silicate paints brought a new revolution to the exterior facade market. The ‘Sol-silicate paint’ is based on a completely new binder principle and opens up a new dimension previously unexpected in the application of silicate paints. The binder, known as sol-silicate and consisting of silica sol and water glass, integrates with the mineral-based substrate while creating extremely strong adhesion forces for the secure spreading of coatings based on organic binders onto the surface. This strength provides the possibility of application to all standard substrates. With an organic matter ratio below 5%, sol-silicate paint also complies with the requirements set by DIN 18363 for dispersion-based silicate paints.