THE BASIS OF MINERAL
SILICATE PAINTS
Natural ingredients are at the
heart of the unique qualities of mineral silicate paints. The
binder is liquid potassium silicate whose structural form and
hardness is perfectly compatable with its inorganic colorants and
the inorganic concrete and masonry structures it is applied to.
The quality of the SILACOTE product is ensured by ISO 9001 and
ISO 14001as required under the EC Directive 88/379/EEC.
PETRIFICATION PROPERTY
The principle strength of
silicate paints is their petrification within the substrate. This
results in a solid mineral and insoluble compound of paint and
substrate (concrete, natural stone, marble, etc). The
cross-section through the render shows this petrifaction, which
is also known as silification. This chemical bond locks the
Silacote into the subsurface as opposed to organic coatings that
sit on the surface.
WATER VAPOUR PERMEABILITY
The high water vapour
permeability of silicate paints is due to their crystalline
nature which ensures that humidity present in the masonry can
freely pass from the substrate. Thus water cannot build up
between the paint and the substrate - which normally leads to
paint cracking and being pushed off the surface. Instead, the
substrate remains dry and the breathability of the building is
maintained.
INCOMBUSTIBILITY
Silicate paints do not burn,
unlike emulsion and other organic based paints. In the event of a
fire breaking out, damage to the substrate is reduced and the
paint does not give off any toxic fumes. Recent ASTM testing
confirmed that the SILACOTE would not ignite under ASTM E1354 and
achieved a NFPA 101 Class A rating under ASTM E84. This equates
to a Class 1 rating under other codes such as BOCA and UBC etc.
NO FUNGUS, ALGAE OR MOLD
The pure inorganic inert
composition and high pH of silicate paints prevents any fungi,
algae or mold growth, thus assuring a hygenic and clean paint
layer. The absence of surface condensation due to the coatings
high water vapor permeability, promotes a clean, healthy
environment. Traditional organic paints provide smooth film
coatings that do not breathe, attract moisture and fungi, algae
and mold spores. Toxic mold growth is the number one health
problem in building structures today. SILACOTE can improve the
health of the building environment.
REGULATION OF TEMPERATURE
Silicate paints have a
micro-crystalline structure, which reflects light and heat. In
hot climates this reflective property reduces the thermal stress
on the structure and reduces the amount of cracking the substrate
would normally undergo.
LIGHT FASTNESS
Neither harsh climates nor
high UV radiation can alter the color of a silicate paint.
Redecoration in the same color shade is possible after many
years. Traditional organic paint coatings are subject to UV
deterioration from day one, breaking down the paint film which
changes the color and causes the coating to fail. Silicate paints
have an extremely long life providing important economies over
the long term.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE
Silicate paints are harmless
to the environment, consisting of natural mineral compounds
including quartz, inorganic mineral colorants and liquid
potassium silicate used as a binder. Silicate paints represent a
technology which has no detrimental effects on the environment in
terms of manufacturing as well as in terms of application. Under
fire conditions no toxic fumes evolve as the Silacote does not
ignite. Organic paints are not environmentally safe from
manufacture to landfill disposal. SILACOTE is listed with GreenSpec 4th Edition
and will provide one (1) LEED Credit under the US Green Council
Grading and Commissioning System. Please visit GreenSpec 4th
Edition for full information.