RESTORING THE PAST, CONSERVING THE FUTURE
Acrylic Paints
High-quality, pure acrylate façade paint
Due to their popularity and the lowest price they be considered as basic ones. Usually, they are the first choice paints, changed to others, when a particular case is required. They form an elastic coating, are resistant to rainwater and available in various colours, including intense ones. They feature an average resistance to contamination, but can be washed easily, including a pressure washer. Washing of difficult-to-reach, high sections of walls is not easy, therefore in areas where high air pollution occur, it’s better to choose a different paint. Acrylic paint are susceptible to algae development, forming characteristic green residues. It particularly applies to areas which are constantly shadowed, e.g. where a house is located among trees.
The biggest limitation of acrylic products, both paints and plasters, is relatively low vapour permeability, i.e. high diffusion resistance. Consequently, they are not suitable for insulation with mineral wool (which is very easy vapour permeable). It is possible to apply it on old acrylic plasters, though. A specialist needs to check whether this paint is suitable to be applied on plasters, e.g. mineral ones, featuring high vapour permeability - aerated concrete wall with cement-lime plaster differs significantly from thick polystyrene insulation, covered with mineral plaster.
Silicate Paints
Resin paint with filling properties
Also called silicates, are more expensive than acrylic ones and available in fewer colours. On the other hand they are resistant to contamination, in particular algae development (the best feature of all paints available on the market). They form unfavourable and strongly alkaline substrate (pH 11-12). In the forest area it will be a good choice. It features good vapour permeability but lower resistance to water impact - after whipping rain there might be wet stains on the facade. Luckily, they dry very easily. While painting with silicate paints a close attention must be paid to prevailing weather conditions - for the first few days it is barely resistant to rain, strong sunlight and wind.
For cleaning exterior masonry, we recommend a selection of one of the following:
These agents can be applied on any type of pre-wetted stone, brick or concrete etc., as shown in the table, following the safety precautions given in the individual product data sheets.
Thickened (viscous) products are applied by brush and worked well into the surfaces leaving an even and thick coating of the product.
Non-viscous products can be applied by low pressure spray units but considerable additional dangers are involved and so spray application is not a preferred technique.
Façade Filler Paints
Silicone Paints
"True" silicone resin paint with film preservative for surfaces at risk of infestation with algae or fungi
They are relatively expensive yet they feature a unique resistance to water and contamination. They are hydrophobic, therefore we can see pearl water drops instead of flowing streaks. Rain in a way can wash their surface from contamination. However, it must be borne in mind that such self-cleaning is usually very uneven, especially in low buildings.
Water resistance is accompanied by good vapour permeability, so this paint can be applied to any type of insulation and plaster. We could even say they are universal.
In practice, paints containing a mixture of resins, e.g. silicone-silicate, work very well. Thanks to that their features are very alike. Also, they are a bit less expensive, which is very important.
Façade Paints & Primers
Primers
Primer with strengthening and hydrophobising properties
Painting your home, whether the interiors or exteriors, can be a lot of fun. From thinking of a theme to browsing hundreds of colour swatches, the whole process from start to finish involves a lot of steps. But there is one step in this process that people have mixed feelings about, and that is using wall primers.
Some people firmly believe in using a wall primer to get a flawless paint application every time, while some are of the opinion that a primer can easily be skipped. A wall primer provides a smooth and even surface for the paint layer to go on top. Applying a wall primer helps the paint adhere to the wall better, and improves the durability and longevity of the paint coat. When it comes to breathable paints, you will need a breathable primer. Some primers will even come with hydrophobic effect that can repel moisture to further improve the protection to your walls.