EXTERIOR MINERAL PAINTS
KEIM
LONG-LASTING
PERMANENT ADHESION
NON-FADE COLOR
Mineral silicate paints
outlast latex and acrylic
paints.
By decades.
MINERAL PAINTS ARE TRULY EXTRAORDINARY
Extraordinary Paints
See what makes mineral silicate paints so extraordinary
Will not flake or peel
MINERAL PAINT FUSES CHEMICALLY WITH BRICK, STONE, STUCCO, CONCRETE AND MASONRY
KEIM is the perfect solution for those who want a long-lasting and beautiful finish for their home or building. Unlike traditional paints, KEIM paint forms covalent chemical bonds with masonry to ensure lasting, permanent adhesion. This unique process, called petrification or silicification is very similar to the bonds that form limestone in nature to ensure paint cannot peel or flake off. Mineral paints become “part” of the masonry for decades of durability.
SOLID MINERAL COMPOUND
Silicification is a geological process that replaces original materials with silica. The process involves silica-rich binder, the backbone of KEIM paint, penetrating and seeping into voids in masonry. The binder dissolves calcium carbonate, which precipitates silica. The silica, or quartz, results in the mineralization, “turning to stone” of wet paint.
- LEFT: Mineral silicate paint is applied to masonry like ordinary paint.
- MIDDLE: The binder seeps deep into masonry and begins the chemical process.
- RIGHT: Cured paint is now an integral part of the masonry surface with a colored microporous crystalline matrix surface.
Typical latex/acrylic paints adhere to the surface by a sticky mechanical bond, while KEIM mineral silicate finishes penetrate and form permanent, chemical bonds. You will never experience the situation pictured here.
Will Not Flake or Peel
Defies severe weather
MINERAL PAINTS REPEL WINDDRIVEN RAIN
Proven by third-party ASTM standard testing, KEIM mineral paints completely resist winddriven rain without leaking, ensuring moisture cannot penetrate. The stone-like surface is naturally hydrophobic, with no capillary action to draw moisture into walls. Keeping water away from masonry walls is key to longevity and low maintenance.
MINERAL PAINTS ARE NOT DEGRADED BY EVEN THE HARSHEST UV
Quartz binders, the “glue” that binds mineral paints and pigments, like their namesake minerals are not deteriorated by sunlight or UV. From high mountain to desert climates, mineral paints stand the test of time. KEIM mineral paints are a favorite of lighthouses across the globe for their durability, low maintenance, and true colors.
Defies Severe Weather
Colors do not fade
The surface of mineral paint resembles that of stone and is inert, making it impervious to various environmental factors such as UV, wind, rain, freezing temperatures, and acid rain. The paint finish, comprised of mineral silicate binder and mineral pigments and fillers, ensures no degradation from even the severest weather, thus resulting in an extraordinarily long life.
And KEIM offers a 20-year guarantee not to fade or lose adhesion.
KEIM Origins
“Gasthaus Weißer Adler” in Stein am Rhein, Switzerland was one of the first to be painted with KEIM mineral paint in 1891. It has endured and has never been repainted.
Wikipedia, 2020
KEIM IN THE USA SINCE 1905.
KEIM has been providing paint in the USA since 1905. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum in Jupiter Island, Florida, is one of the first known paint projects in the US. According to records, Keim mineral paint was first used to paint the brick lighthouse in 1905 to improve visibility and protect the historic brick from the harsh coastal climate. The standard KEIM red color was used, proven to be enduring as it survived for over a century without fading. It was repainted in the 1960s and again in 2019 to protect it for another 30 to 50 years. Can you imagine a red exterior paint color
Colors Do Not Fade
Healthy materials
MINERAL PAINTS CONTAIN LESS THAN 5% ADDITIVES
Consider a paint with complete transparency to natural ingredients—KEIM mineral silicate paints are comprised of what you see here. Potassium silicate (liquid quartz), mineral pitments, titanium dioxide, and feldspar— natural quartz comprising more than 95% of the total ingredients.
No plasticizers or other plastics, no biocides, no VOC’s and no harsh chemicals. Allergy sufferers will find KEIM paints a breath of fresh air with no odor or outgassing of toxins. Once the water has evaporated from the wet paint, no other chemicals are outgassed.
And our ingredients are fully vetted by multiple third party testing and certification agencies:
- UL Greenguard Gold
- Cradle to Cradle Product Institute
- The International EPD System
ALL KEIM PAINTS ARE CERTIFIED GOLD FOR MATERIAL HEALTH
With their natural, safe, and non-toxic ingredients, KEIM paints and stains are certified Gold for Material Health by the Cradle to Cradle Product Institute®.
- Potassium carbonate and water are the chief ingredients—no harmful chemicals.
- Minerals are odorless—in the container and on your walls.
- Truly VOC free—no solvents are ever added.
- Experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing that KEIM paints and stains contain only naturally occurring minerals, fillers, and pigments. No biocides, plasticizers, or harsh chemicals are used, ensuring a truly eco-friendly product.
- Pure—KEIM finishes are safe and nontoxic, tested for over 10,000 harmful chemicals and solvents.
Healthy Materials
Paint that breathes
NO PAINT IS MORE VAPOR PERMEABLE THAN MINERAL PAINTS
Imagine a paint finish that allows your masonry walls to breathe naturally. Ordinary latex/acrylic paints seal masonry surfaces with a plastic layer that can trap moisture inside walls. KEIM mineral paints are microporous, allowing moisture to pass freely without damaging the paint.
Keeping masonry walls drier is critical to longevity and lower maintenance.
KEIM mineral paints will never blister. This latex/acrylic paint was installed on concrete, and trapped moisture is bubbling the paint and damaging the concrete beneath.
Latex/Acrylic VS KEIM Mineral Silicate
Moisture inside masonry or concrete walls is inevitable, but walls should dry out quickly to avoid mold surface damage, bubling paint, and deterioration of the wall itself. Here is an illustration of the difference between typical latex and acrylic paints and mineral paints
LEFT: Latex/Acrylic paints are made from petroleum and are considered nonbreathable. Trapped moisture cannot escape and builds behind the paint layer, ultimately pushing it from the surface.
RIGHT: Mineral paint is microporous and is completely breathable—moisture vapor escapes freely, without harm leaving masonry drier and healthier.
Paint that Breathes
Paint will not burn
MINERAL PAINTS ARE CLASS-A BUILDING MATERIALS
Mineral paints, such as KEIM mineral silicate paints and stains, are considered Class-A building materials because they are inert and won’t burn, making them safe in the event of a fire. ASTM E 84-08 testing shows that mineral silicate paints have a flame spread index of zero and a smoke-developed index of <5, which is the best performance for a paint surface.
This is because the components of these paints, including mineral silicate binders, quartz fillers, and mineral pigments, do not burn and do not provide fuel for a fire. On the other hand, latex, acrylic, and elastomeric paints, despite being waterthinned, are petroleum-based and their resins can burn and provide fuel in the event of a fire.
Paint Will Not Burn
Sustainable materials
Sustainability is a pivotal consideration in discussions about the future of construction. The building sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, with 37% of global emissions coming from this industry, mainly from material production. KEIM mineral paints are specifically engineered to conserve natural resources, minimize waste, and reduce energy consumption. Let’s delve into how mineral paints contribute to sustainable practices:
- Mineral paints are exclusively made from renewable and abundant earthen materials, such as potassium carbonate,
quartz, and mineral pigments. - KEIM’s manufacturing process unequivocally demonstrates its unwavering environmental commitment by using solely renewable energy and recycling all water, resulting in a significantly reduced environmental impact.
Mineral paints are low-carbon-emitting products that actively consume CO2 during the curing process. - All suppliers undergo rigorous vetting and certification to ensure compliance with local guidelines and laws regarding material extraction, safety, and ethical treatment of workers, with a strict prohibition on the use of child or slave labor.
- KEIM’s paint formulas are impeccably optimized for a circular economy and necessitate no specialized processing for disposal.
Sustainable building materials provide a way to conduct environmentally responsible construction practices. This helps promote resource conservation and reduce carbon emissions. KEIM mineral paints offer durability, energy efficiency, low-maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Embracing sustainable building materials in construction projects can help create a greener future while providing healthy and comfortable living spaces for inhabitants.
The construction industry must urgently do better to protect the environment. This is, after all, the only planet we can live on, so promoting sustainability will serve us — and future generations-in the most crucial way.
KEIM and construction pros are already taking steps in the right direction. Builders are now exploring sustainable construction materials to traditional materials, many of which are a significant source of emissions.
Sustainable Products
EXPLORE OUR EXTERIOR MINERAL PAINTS
CONTACT PLUS
Bonding Primer
Exterior sanded primer for filling cracks up to 1/32 inch, repairing aged, and sanding concrete and masonry. It provides a pleasing overall “lightly” textured surface to improve the aesthetics of older masonry without altering vapor permeability. Use on bare or previously acrylic-painted surfaces or as a mineral bridge coat for Granital or Limewash.
CONTACT PLUS®GROB
Block Filler Primer
Interior/Exterior coarse texture block filler for filling cracks and gaps up to 1/16 inch. Use on all types of concrete and masonry, especially suited for CMU block surfaces, and is vapor permeable. Use on bare of previously acrylic-painted surfaces.
GRANITAL®
Potassium Silicate Paint
Pure potassium silicate exterior mineral paint for all bare or properly primed masonry, that is vapor permeable. Provides the most “mineral” looking surface with slight variations in color tone, making it ideal for historic preservation projects. Previously acrylic-painted surfaces require the use of Contact Plus Primer.
ROMANIT®
Slaked Lime Paint/Wash
Pure slaked lime paint from Europe for interior and exterior use. Subtle textures and multi-toned color variegation are traits of Limewash. Dries with low-surface tension making it ideal for delicate historic masonry surface preservation. The patina process is accelerated by weathering. Previously acrylic-painted surfaces require the use of Contact Plus Primer.
SOLDALIT®
Sol Silicate All-Surface Paint
Our very best exterior sol silicate paint for any mineral surface. Self-priming on bare and previously acrylic-painted surfaces. Application properties are excellent providing a smooth, perfect finish that is vapor permeable.
SOLDALIT® ME
Photocatalytic Self-Cleaning Paint
Introducing our advanced exterior paint with photocatalytic properties. In sunlight, the catalytic surface eliminates organic dirt and stains, and it does not support the growth of mold to remain pristine and clean over time. Even airborne VOCs are converted to harmless elements on contact. White and light colors only.
SOLDALIT® ARTE
Titanium Dioxide Free Paint
This sol silicate paint is free of Titanium Dioxide, allowing for true colors and a slightly less opaque finish. Applied in two layers, it is ideal for historic preservation where a less-than-perfect finish is desired and where a vapor-permeable finish is needed. The finish is reminiscent of limewash but is far more durable.
SOLDALIT® COOLIT
Sol Silicate Low Heat Gain Paint
Sol silicate paint utilizing infrared reflecting pigments that reduce heat gain in harsh UV climates. Laboratory testing proves a 46% reduction in heat gained for a black finish compared to a similar colored acrylic painted surface. Highly permeable and extremely lightfast, this finish is ideal for coastal and desert climates.
CONCRETAL® W
Sol Silicate High-Performance Paint for Concrete
Penetrates concrete and fuses via chemical bonds for permanent, lasting adhesion. Paint is vapor permeable and lightfast even in bright colors. Use on all types of concrete facades with a full color range available.
CONCRETAL® PRO
Sol Silicate Textured Paint for Tilt-Up
Available in sand and coarse textures, this economical concrete paint is engineered for use on large surfaces, specifically tilt-up construction. White and mid-earth-tone colors are available.
CONCRETAL® BLACK
Sol Silicate High-Performance Ultra- black Paint
Pure black aesthetics for concrete that is guaranteed not to fade. Utilizing a highly specialized inorganic black pigment, for the deepest, purest black color. It fuses with concrete and is vapor permeable for lasting protection and low maintenance.
DESIGN METALLIC FINISH
Interior/Exterior Shimmering Metallic Finish
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Healthy,
Climate Positive,
Equitable Made.
Sustainable Design is Non-negotiable.
Keim paints are certified Silver by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and Gold for material health. Trust Keim to deliver the most sustainable and eco-positive paint and stain options. Period.
Additional Resources
MINERAL PAINT RADIATES LIGHT
An overlooked aspect of mineral paints is their unique interaction with sunlight. The rich, radiant mineral colors and the microporous crystalline surface are dazzling in the morning light and take on a soft glow in the evening.
Here, Soldalit sol silicate exterior paint’s monochrometone colors can be seen in photographs taken in the morning at left and near sunset at right. The subject is a mural in Buffalo, NY, called “Golden Hour,” inspired by the colors in the hour before the sun sets.
Photos by© Laura Peters / CannonDesign
