Breathable Paints

Silicate paints (Mineral paints) are another option along with limewash for the final part of the protective envelope for structures coated with a lime render either smooth or rough as in the case of harling.

Limewash:‍

Traditionally limewash was the principal finish applied externally and internally to historic buildings, quite often applied directly to the masonry or brickwork and more commonly to pre-applied lime coatings (i.e. harling, plaster, render etc).

Although often thought of as a decorative coating, the limewash was first of all a protective layer to the lime coatings and masonry substrate. On new lime renders and plasters it unifies and protects the surface particularly while strength is developing within the new plaster.

Limewash has a natural, matt finish and has a depth which lots of modern paints lack. The natural colour of Limewash is a beautiful natural white. However you can add a splash of natural colour to your walls with the addition of a natural pigment. The pigment needs to be added to the mix before the paint is put on the walls.

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Beeck Silicate Masonry Paints:‍

Beeck paints are fully vapour permeable, environmentally friendly, have low VOC's and are is the only brand to offer active silicate paints, which creates an incredibly durable finish.Beeck paints are fully vapour permeable, environmentally friendly, have low VOC's and are the only brand to offer active silicate paints, which creates an incredibly durable finish.

Conventional paints form a layer on the substrate, which tends to become brittle, form cracks and then flake off when exposed to weathering. This is a sign of poor keying with the substrate. Through a process known as silicification, Beeck Silicate paints form a micro-crystalline structure, permanently bonding directly with the substrate mineral.

While all mineral paints bond with the substrate, Beeck have a range of paints that take this a step further. Through a process known as active silicification (A.S.F) they form a permanent chemical bond with the substrate, etching into and essentially becoming part of the background so they cannot be removed.

Beeck is the only brand to offer active silicate paints, and all binders, pigments and additives used are derived from natural materials. Not all mineral paints can claim this.

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Breathable and Natural:‍

Beeck Mineral Paints contain extremely low VOC’s, are free from chemicals and additions, produce no hazardous waste or by-products, and can be fully recycled. They are naturally alkaline and therefore resistant to mould growth, and naturally fire proof due to their mineral composition.

Beeck paints are also fully breathable; that is, they are fully vapour open and allow moisture to pass through the paint. This means rather than moisture being trapped in the wall it is able to escape, which is essential for older buildings (solid wall construction). Where condensation is likely to occur it can also reduce mould growth, beneficial for both historic and contemporary construction.

Used with the right primer, Beeck Mineral Paints are suitable for virtually any surface.

For lime work, historic masonry and solid wall construction, only mineral paints can offer a long term durable finish. Acrylic paints are designed to seal the surface and are therefore trap water within the fabric, while lime washes have a low resistance to weathering and abrasion.

For modern or contemporary construction, Beeck Mineral Paints still allow for vapour movement where moisture build up occurs, making for a healthier environment. They also offer an environmentally friendly, low VOC, extremely durable and healthy finish suitable for homes, public spaces, schools, hospitals and hyper allergenic environments.

Maintenance:‍

The initial purchase costs for acrylic paints may be lower when compared with mineral paints, however the whole life cost will likely be significantly higher. With ongoing maintenance and recoating, not to mention labour and scaffolding costs, any initial saving is quickly eroded.

Due to their chemical bond and high durability the maintenance for a mineral paint is relatively simple. The coatings are resistant to pressure washing (background dependant) and cleaning agents, they can be regularly cleaned and maintained with little hassle. When it comes to recoating a Beeck Mineral Paint, a clean down of the surface and one coat of the same coloured paint is all that is usually required.

Externally, Beeck Mineral Paints have been proven to exceed 10 years even in severely exposed conditions, which allows for simple maintenance cycles and budgeting. Internally a mineral paint will far exceed this timescale and will likely last as long as the background remains intact.

External Beeck Paints:‍

Beeck external paints are fully vapour permeable, suitable for application onto any external masonry with the correct preparation or primer.

Due to silicification, Beeck Mineral Paints will comfortably outlast any conventional paint coating, even in the most testing environments.

Beeck’s external range of mineral paints also contain the addition of a hydrophobe. Whilst not completely waterproof, it repels liquid to significantly reduce the levels of water from entering the building fabric. This addition further protects the building and allows it to dry much quicker during wet spells, providing an additional layer of security.

Beeck Renosil – Standard external mineral paint that can chemically bind to mineral surfaces, as well as existing masonry coatings. Renosil offers a long lasting, vapour permeable and water repellent coating. Renosil can support the full Beeck colour range.

Beeck Beeckosil – Superior external mineral paint for mineral surfaces, silicification active (A.S.F.), offering a true chemical bond to the substrate. Beeckosil offers the highest vapour permeability and durability for an external mineral paint. Beeckosil can support the full Beeck colour range.

Beeck S P Plus – Clear, vapour permeable, water repellent treatment for bare mineral surfaces such as stone and brick. S P Plus offers all of the benefits of the Beeck exterior mineral paints within a clear coating to retain and maintain the appearance of the natural mineral finish.

Internal Paints‍

The Beeck internal paint range is fully vapour permeable, hard wearing, environmentally friendly and can be used on virtually any background with the correct primer. Suitable for both historic and modern buildings, Beeck paints can help regulate humidity, achieving a healthier internal climate as well as offering unsurpassed durability.

Beeck Maxil Pro – Offers an improved scrub resistance and coverage compared to Insil and is able to support the entire range of Beeck colours, from white through to colour group 4.

Beeck Insil - The cheaper Beeck interior paint. Only available in white or colour group 1.

When using Beeck Silicate Paints, it is extremely important to carefully cover areas that are not being treated, especially glass, ceramics, and window sills, and protect them from splashes; otherwise the paint will form an irreversible chemical bond with the substrate.

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