Keim Mineral Paints originated in Bavaria over 125 years ago and are now used extensively throughout the world.

The Keim system was developed by A. W. Keim to reproduce the appearance of lime fresco finishes but to be capable of withstanding the harsh alpine weather conditions which prevailed.



In technical terms, it is a liquid silicate paint combining a potassium silicate binder with inorganic fillers and natural earth oxide colour pigments to produce a paint which penetrates into the substrate forming a chemical crystalline bond with it to become an integral part of the surface. This ensures an extremely long life, colourfast, protective finish which eliminates the need for regular redecoration.

And today's Keim paints are still based on the original concept. Over the years the range has been extended with additional products to enhance the system.


CHARACTERISTICS

The basis of KEIM's mineral paints Natural ingredients are the fundamentals of the unique quality of KEIM's mineral paints: The binder, liquid potassium silicate whose structural form and hardness is akin to naturally occuring crystals, mineral fillers and inorganic colour pigments.

Petrification The principal of silicate paints is their petrification with the substrate. The result is a solid mineral and insoluble compound of paint and substrate (render, concrete, natural stone etc. ). The cross section through the render shows this petrification which is also termed silification. To make it visible KEIM-Fixativ (liquid potassium silicate) was pigmented.

Water Vapour Permeability The high water vapour permeability of silicate paints due to their crystalline nature ensures that humidity which is present in the masonry can freely pass out from the building structure. Thus water between the paint layer and the substrate which could lead to bursting and cracking is prevented. The substrate remains sound. The breathability of the building structure is maintained

No fungus and algae The pure inorganic composition of KEIM silicate paints prevents any fungi and algae growth thus assuring a hygienic and clean paint layer. Also the absence of surface condensation gives a clean, healthy environment.

Incombustibility Even exposed to the flame of an oxyacetylene torch KEIM mineral paints do not burn unlike emulsion and other organic paints. Hence in cases of fire, no damage to the substrate and no poisonous gases.

Regulation of temperature KEIM mineral paints have a microcrystalline structure. Hence light rays and thermal rays are reflected. In hot climatic regions such as Bahrain (Photograph: Arabian Gulf University) this reflection reduces the thermal stress on the building structure and thereby prevents the substrate from cracking.

Excellent light fastness Neither harsh climate nor high UV radiation can alter the colour of a KEIM paint. Redecoration in the same colour shade is possible after many decades. Murals from the 19th century preserved in their original colours shows impressive evidence of this as for instance the City Hall in Schwyz in Switzerland. The test method shown opposite underlines this characteristic. After being exposed to high UV radiation - equivalent to one year's natural weathering -there is no evidence of any alteration of the colour shade.

Resistance to acid attack The acid test: KEIM mineral paints do not show any traces of damage when exposed to acid. The test shows panels coated with KEIM mineral paint and lime paint put into a solution of acid. The lime paint is completely dissolved after a short time. The alkaline silicate based KEIM paint remains unchanged even after continuous submersion. KEIM silicate paints provide an effective protection against atmospheric acid attack through sulphur and sulphuric acid present in the atmosphere.

Compatible with all mineral building materials KEIM mineral paints are related chemically and physically with all mineral building materials. Thermal coefficients are comparable - cracking and spalling are prevented. KEIM paints maintain the natural mineral appearance of render, concrete or stone. All application techniques ranging from translucent finishes to textured coatings can easily be carried out.

Atmospheric pollution KEIM mineral paints are resistant to acids and are unaffected by pollution. They also protect the substrate. from atmospheric pollution such as sulphuric acid attack. The silicified surface is not weakened by acid rain

Environment KEIM mineral paints are harmless to the environment. They consist of natural mineral compounds. Among those are for instance quartz, different feldspars and inorganic mineral colour pigments. Liquid potassium silicate is used as a binder. KEIM mineral paints represent a technique which has no deleterious effects on the environment in terms of manufacturing as well as in terms of application. Odourless, non-allergenic features and breathability are outstanding features of KEIM mineral paints.

270 standard colour shades KEIM mineral paints are available in over 270 standard, historical and natural stone colour shades. This makes the most diverse, well matched, colour schemes possible. In addition special colour shades can be mixed according to the customer's requirements.