Silicate mineral paint
Encyclopedia
Silicate mineral paints or silicate emulsion paints are mineral based coating
s formulated with potassium silicate
or sodium silicate
, otherwise known as waterglass as the binder
, combined with inorganic, alkaline-resistant pigments. Traditionally, they have been fully inorganic (containing no organic solvents) and are non-offgassing. Modern silicate emulsion paints have small amounts of petroleum distillates, but far less than synthetic oil or latex paints. Mineral paints petrify, by binding to any silicates within the substrate, forming a micro-crystalline structure and a breathable finish. They are more of a stain
, that becomes integral to the substrate, rather than a coating
. They are alkaline and therefore inhibit microbial growth, and reduce carbonation
of cementitious materials
.
Various non-toxic concrete stains and limestone
restoration products are waterglass based. Mineral paints are also used as a non-toxic wood preservative.
The difference between the use of sodium silicate
and potassium silicate
as a binder is mainly geographic. The western hemisphere mainly produces sodium silicate
, whereas Europe produces potassium silicate
.
Coating
Coating is a covering that is applied to the surface of an object, usually referred to as the substrate. In many cases coatings are applied to improve surface properties of the substrate, such as appearance, adhesion, wetability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and scratch resistance...
s formulated with potassium silicate
Potassium silicate
Potassium silicate is a water-soluble and glass-forming silicate salt of general formula K2SiO3 with many common uses for at least a century.-Woodwork protection against fire:...
or sodium silicate
Sodium silicate
Sodium silicate is the common name for a compound sodium metasilicate, Na2SiO3, also known as water glass or liquid glass. It is available in aqueous solution and in solid form and is used in cements, passive fire protection, refractories, textile and lumber processing, and automobiles...
, otherwise known as waterglass as the binder
Binder
The reaper-binder, or binder, was a farm implement that improved upon the reaper. The binder was invented in 1872 by Charles Withington. In addition to cutting the small-grain crop, it would also tie the stems into small bundles, or sheaves...
, combined with inorganic, alkaline-resistant pigments. Traditionally, they have been fully inorganic (containing no organic solvents) and are non-offgassing. Modern silicate emulsion paints have small amounts of petroleum distillates, but far less than synthetic oil or latex paints. Mineral paints petrify, by binding to any silicates within the substrate, forming a micro-crystalline structure and a breathable finish. They are more of a stain
Stain
A stain is a discoloration that can be clearly distinguished from the surface, material, or medium it is found upon. Stains are caused by the chemical or physical interaction of two dissimilar materials...
, that becomes integral to the substrate, rather than a coating
Coating
Coating is a covering that is applied to the surface of an object, usually referred to as the substrate. In many cases coatings are applied to improve surface properties of the substrate, such as appearance, adhesion, wetability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and scratch resistance...
. They are alkaline and therefore inhibit microbial growth, and reduce carbonation
Carbonation
Carbonation is the process of dissolving carbon dioxide in water. The process usually involves carbon dioxide under high pressure. When the pressure is reduced, the carbon dioxide is released from the solution as small bubbles, which cause the solution to "fizz." This effect is seen in carbonated...
of cementitious materials
Cement
In the most general sense of the word, a cement is a binder, a substance that sets and hardens independently, and can bind other materials together. The word "cement" traces to the Romans, who used the term opus caementicium to describe masonry resembling modern concrete that was made from crushed...
.
Various non-toxic concrete stains and limestone
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate . Many limestones are composed from skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminifera....
restoration products are waterglass based. Mineral paints are also used as a non-toxic wood preservative.
The difference between the use of sodium silicate
Sodium silicate
Sodium silicate is the common name for a compound sodium metasilicate, Na2SiO3, also known as water glass or liquid glass. It is available in aqueous solution and in solid form and is used in cements, passive fire protection, refractories, textile and lumber processing, and automobiles...
and potassium silicate
Potassium silicate
Potassium silicate is a water-soluble and glass-forming silicate salt of general formula K2SiO3 with many common uses for at least a century.-Woodwork protection against fire:...
as a binder is mainly geographic. The western hemisphere mainly produces sodium silicate
Sodium silicate
Sodium silicate is the common name for a compound sodium metasilicate, Na2SiO3, also known as water glass or liquid glass. It is available in aqueous solution and in solid form and is used in cements, passive fire protection, refractories, textile and lumber processing, and automobiles...
, whereas Europe produces potassium silicate
Potassium silicate
Potassium silicate is a water-soluble and glass-forming silicate salt of general formula K2SiO3 with many common uses for at least a century.-Woodwork protection against fire:...
.
Possible substrates
- masonryMasonryMasonry is the building of structures from individual units laid in and bound together by mortar; the term masonry can also refer to the units themselves. The common materials of masonry construction are brick, stone, marble, granite, travertine, limestone; concrete block, glass block, stucco, and...
- stoneSTONeis a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Sin-Ichi Hiromoto. Kodansha released the two bound volumes of the manga on April 23, 2002 and August 23, 2002, respectively.The manga is licensed for an English-languague released in North America be Tokyopop...
- concreteConcreteConcrete is a composite construction material, composed of cement and other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate , water and chemical admixtures.The word concrete comes from the Latin word...
- lime plasterLime plasterLime plaster is type of plaster composed of hydrated lime, sand and water. Lime plaster is similar to Lime mortar, the main difference is the based on use rather than composition. Traditional lime plaster contains also horse hair to reinforce plaster....
s - earthen plasterEarthen plasterEarthen plaster is a blend of clay, fine aggregate, and fiber. Other common additives include pigments, lime, casein, prickly pear cactus juice , manure, and linseed oil. Earthen plaster is usually applied to masonry, cob, or straw bale interiors or exteriors as a wall finish...
s
Applications
- environmentally friendly, non-toxic applications
- high durability, especially on masonry products, and lightfast
- mineral paints with high vapor permeability
- acid rainAcid rainAcid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning that it possesses elevated levels of hydrogen ions . It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals, and infrastructure. Acid rain is caused by emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen...
resistance - antifungalFungicideFungicides are chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill or inhibit fungi or fungal spores. Fungi can cause serious damage in agriculture, resulting in critical losses of yield, quality and profit. Fungicides are used both in agriculture and to fight fungal infections in animals...
properties - reduces carbonation of cement-based materials