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Keimstraße 16
D-86420 Diedorf
Germany
Fon: +49 (0) 821 4802 - 109
Fax: +49 (0) 821 4802 - 179
Advantages and Benefits
Durability
The unequalled durability of KEIM silicate coatings is due to the way in which water glass sets by forming a chemical bond with the substrate. A robust bond which is extremely strong and acid-resistant is formed not only between the extenders and pigments but also between the paint and the coating substrate. The long service life of KEIM silicate paints applies to all the generations of silicate paints. Selected raw materials underlie the unique quality of KEIM's silicate paints: the ideal combination of liquid potassium silicate as binder, naturally occurring mineral extenders and inorganic colouring pigments ensure maximum weathering resistance and unsurpassed durability. For building contractors, this provides a particularly economical coating solution.
Moisture balance
Silicate paints' extremely high permeability to water vapour is the result of the specific structure of the hardened water glass gel. The elevated water vapour permeability of silicate paints ensures that moisture present in the structure can quickly and straightforwardly be released to the outside. This is highly advantageous because moisture does not accumulate between the coating and substrate and cause damage.
From the standpoint of building physics, the permeability of an exterior wall coating is the most important criterion in ensuring a balanced moisture balance. In combination with low water absorption, which has long been standard with good single-component silicate paints, this provides ideal protection from water and frost damage and from algal and fungal growth.
According to the most recent research results, the condensation behaviour of exterior wall coatings is also a factor which crucially determines soiling and greying. In this case too, thanks to the characteristics of their binder, silicate coatings exhibit the best results with little formation of condensed moisture and, above all, the rapid drying which is typical of silicates. The risk of algal growth on silicate paints is thus greatly reduced, without any addition of highly toxic, leachable biocides.
Cleanness
The tendency of coated surfaces to become soiled is influenced, apart from by condensation behaviour, by the static charging characteristics and thermoplastic properties of the binder. Organic synthetic resin/silicone resin binders become electrostatically charged in the wind due to friction and so actually attract dirt particles onto themselves from the air. At higher temperatures, these binders additionally exhibit thermoplastic behaviour, i.e. they become "tacky", creating ideal conditions for dirt particles to become stuck and collect in greater numbers on the surface. A strong beading action (i.e. the much discussed "lotus effect"), originally regarded as the guarantee of clean exterior walls, has proved in practice not to be quite so "magical". Paints with a water glass binder are antistatic and non-thermoplastic. Over the long term, they therefore remain cleaner than organically bound paints.
Colour stability and aesthetics
The colour stability of exterior wall paints is influenced by the nature of the pigments and the binders. UV light modifies the colourfulness of organic pigments. Apart from exclusively using high-quality, lightfast, mineral pigments, the UV resistance and "weather fastness" of the binder also play an important part in colour stability. UV light and exposure to weathering sooner or later give rise to binder degradation in organic binders. Microcracks form, which modify refraction and make the colour shade of the coating appear greyer and cloudier. Moreover, colouring pigments are partially "uncovered" and increasingly exposed to UV radiation from the sunlight. This additionally accelerates the colour change of the organic pigments.
Mineral binders such as potassium water glass or sol/silicate exhibit the greatest UV resistance of all binders and are moreover absolutely weather-resistant.
This is impressively demonstrated by original KEIM murals dating back to the 19th century, for example on Schwyz City Hall or in Stein am Rhein.
A coating's colour brightness is also influenced by the binder. Dispersions such as synthetic resins or silicone resins form a film around the colouring pigment and so modify the original colour effect. In contrast, transparent water glass allows light to pass through unhindered and impinge on the pigment. This gives rise to the fascinating, vibrant luminance of KEIM silicate coatings. The natural matt surface moreover creates a particularly elegant and pleasing visual impression.
Safety
Even when exposed to the flame from a welding torch, KEIM's silicate paints don't ignite, completely unlike emulsion or silicone resin paints. If there is a fire, this means maximum safety and no toxic gases - as confirmed by fire tests in Germany and Great Britain. It is not without reason that silicate paints are still the only paints used in many public areas such as for example in underground stations and tunnels, airports, schools or cinemas - nothing is as important as safety and health.
Economics and maintenance of value
The great durability and weathering resistance of KEIMFARBEN products generate unbeatable economic advantages. Maintenance of structures renovated with KEIM products is distinctly lower than usual. Longer renovation intervals thanks to long-lasting, clean and colour-stable coatings or surfaces save hard cash. This applies to both renders and insulated exterior walls.
Environment
The mineral composition of KEIM silicate paints has huge environmental advantages. Using water glass as the binder makes it possible to do completely without solvents, plasticisers and preservatives. Over their entire life cycle from raw material extraction to production, processing and ultimate disposal, KEIM's silicate paints have an excellent environmental profile. When it comes to refinishing, KEIM coatings require no stripping with its associated environmental impact, all they need is to be washed with water and overcoated, so minimising environmental effects.
In a nutshell, KEIM paints are entirely safe products for environmental building and healthy living.
