Paint Type
Silicate Paint
Silicate paint is a mineral paint that uses potassium silicate, often called waterglass, as a binder. On compatible mineral substrates it penetrates and forms a chemical bond rather than relying only on a surface film; modern sol-silicate systems may also accommodate previously coated surfaces when the manufacturer specifies the right primer.
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Silicate paint compatibility
Confirm whether the product is a traditional potassium-silicate or broader sol-silicate system. The surface must remain sound, clean, and compatible with the specified mineral primer.
| Surface | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer | Finish | Article |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick | Excellent on sound, absorbent mineral brick | Resolve moisture problems and remove dirt, loose material, efflorescence, sealers, and incompatible coating. | Use the system's mineral primer when absorption is uneven or the product requires it. | Breathable, matte, and highly resistant to peeling when the system bonds correctly. | — |
| Concrete | Excellent when fully cured and properly prepared | Allow new concrete to cure, remove curing compounds and contamination, and correct moisture issues. | Product-specific mineral primer or treatment may be required. | Durable matte finish that remains vapor permeable. | — |
| Stone | Good on suitable porous mineral stone | Identify the stone, remove contamination and loose material, and test the complete system in an inconspicuous area. | Use the manufacturer's mineral primer when specified. | Mineral appearance with durability dependent on stone type and exposure. | — |
| Plaster | Good on compatible mineral or properly prepared plaster | Let new plaster cure and dry, repair defects, sand when appropriate, and remove dust. | Use the approved mineral primer where absorption or substrate type requires it. | Matte, vapor-permeable wall finish. | — |
| Cinder Block | Good with a system approved for concrete masonry units | Fill defects, resolve water entry, and remove dust, deposits, loose material, and incompatible sealer. | Often useful to control high or uneven absorption. | Breathable flat finish; vertical wall products are not automatically suitable for floors. | — |
| Drywall | Possible with an interior sol-silicate system | Repair, sand smooth, and remove all dust and contamination. | Use the manufacturer's mineral primer on new drywall or as a bridge over an approved existing coating. | Matte mineral wall finish with subtle tonal variation. | — |
Sources: KEIM silicate paint overview, KEIM Interior Mineral Paint, Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint guidance, and Romabio Masonry Flat mineral paint.
Silicate paint articles
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