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.