What is silicate paint?

When it comes to ‘environmentally friendly’ painting, the term ‘silicate paint’ crops up time and again. What exactly is silicate paint, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Table of content

1. What mineral paint is made of
2. Advantages & disadvantages: Silicate paints as wall paint
3. Application tips: Silicate paint for indoors and outdoors
4. FAQ: Frequently asked questions
5. Tip: Prevent mould with mineral paints
6. Overview: All tips for painting with silicate paint

What Silicate Paint Is Made Of

Silicate paint is a type of mineral paint. All mineral paints, whether for interior or exterior use, contain mineral binders as ingredients. Traditionally, lime was used as a mineral binder. Silicate (potassium silicate) is another inorganic binder. Both lime and silicate are water-soluble, meaning no additional solvents are needed.

Pure silicate paint is a two-component paint, usually white. It forms an indissoluble bond with the substrate, making it weather-resistant and durable. This process is known as ‘silicification’. Pure silicate paint is used, among other things, on façades and for the conservation of historic buildings. It doesn't fade and is extremely UV-resistant; however, it should only be applied by a professional, as it is highly alkaline and therefore caustic.

Most shops don't stock pure silicate paint, but rather the simpler emulsion silicate paints and sol-silicate paints. These are mixed ready for use and therefore consist of just one component. A maximum of 5% binder is added to these to make the paint easier to apply. Furthermore, the use of various pigments allows for a wider range of colours than with pure silicate paint, which is usually only available in white. Special primers for silicate paint are also available in shops.

Pros & Cons: Silicate Paint as a Wall Paint

Pure silicate paint contains no ingredients such as preservatives, solvents, or plasticisers. This makes it particularly suitable for people with allergies. However, a small proportion of these substances is added to the emulsion silicate paints available on the market. The water vapour permeability of silicate paint matches that of the substrate. This means the paint allows moisture from the wall to escape to the outside, which also helps prevent mould. You'll need to apply this paint with a brush, not a roller, reserving a smaller paintbrush for corners and nooks.

The major drawback of silicate paint is that, in its liquid state, it is a highly caustic alkali. It is therefore essential to wear protective clothing, eye protection, and a respirator when painting. You should really leave the application of pure silicate paint to a professional. Paint splashes and smears – for example, on window panes – are also a nuisance, as they are almost impossible to remove. Careful masking is therefore an absolute must!

For indoor projects, emulsion paints – which are much easier to apply – are therefore usually the first choice. These include the ‘MissPompadour wall paints’. You can find out more about the properties and advantages of emulsion paints in our blog post on emulsion paints.

Application tips: Using silicate paint indoors and outdoors

Silicate paints aren't just for exterior walls; they're also perfectly suited for interior use. Silicate paint is especially well-suited as a wall paint in slightly damp cellars, as it allows moisture to escape from the wall. Silicate paint can also be beneficial in the bathroom.

When is silicate paint suitable for interior use?

Silicate paint is a good choice for interior use when applied directly to a mineral-based render, such as lime or cement render, or to concrete. It forms an unbreakable bond with the substrate. However, silicate paint should not be applied to gypsum plaster or plasterboard, as in these cases an undesirable reaction between the paint and the substrate can occur, potentially leading to cracks. Once set, silicate paint forms a vapour-permeable and durable wall coating, which is often especially beneficial for allergy sufferers.

When is silicate paint suitable for exterior use?

Silicate paints are very well suited as exterior façade paint, as they are not only long-lasting but also particularly resistant to algae and mould. Furthermore, silicate paint used externally is also highly UV-resistant. These properties ensure a long lifespan for your façade.

Frequently asked questions about silicate paint

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions.

Tip: Prevent mould with silicate paint

As silicate paint is alkaline, fungi and algae have no chance of developing either inside or outside. The paint is also open to diffusion so that moisture cannot build up in the wall. Silicate paint reliably prevents any mould growth. The advantages of silicate paint against mould are particularly beneficial in rooms that often have high humidity, such as cellars and laundry rooms in old houses. Silicate paint can also provide good service in bathrooms without windows thanks to its special properties.

Overview: All tips for painting with silicate paint

• Only use silicate emulsion paint with good protective equipment.
• Remember that silicate paints and dispersion silicate paints are always freshly mixed and you can therefore never remix the same colour shade.
• Only use silicate paint on mineral substrates such as plaster or concrete.
• MissPompadour Paints are not silicate paints - but you can easily paint over an old silicate paint with our paints. It is only important that you use a suitable primer for mineral substrates (e.g. To Prime Walls) beforehand so that the paint can adhere well. You can then paint as usual with MissPompadour.
• MissPompadour Paints are also open to diffusion and allow your walls to breathe