The world of exterior paints is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging to address the challenges of durability, aesthetics, and environmental impact. One such innovation that is gaining significant traction globally is Mineral Silicate Paint.

Shankar Pharmacy, Eloor-Kochi, Painted with Mineral Silicate Paint by Zydex.

A Glimpse into the Past:

Here’s a glimpse into the evolution of paint technologies in India:

1. Cement-Lime-White Wash/Dry Distemper based Paint Era:

Lime – Cement Painted House

• Traditional: For centuries, Cement-Lime based Paints, Dry Distemper was the predominant choice for exterior & interior walls in India.
• Composition: While Cement -Lime based paints were made from slaked lime, white cement, water, and sometimes natural pigments, Dry Distemper were made with Chalk, lime, water, and sometimes coloring agents.
• Pros: Highly breathable, allowed moisture to escape, and provided some protection against the elements.
• Cons: Prone to fading, chalking, and required frequent reapplication.

Also Read : Want a beautiful, crack free, strong walls for your new home?

2. Rise of Acrylic Emulsions:

An Acrylic Emulsion Painted Wall

• Mid-20th Century: The introduction of acrylic emulsions revolutionized the Indian paint industry.
• Key Advantages: Offered better color retention, improved water resistance, and easier application compared to lime wash.
• Dominance: Acrylic emulsions quickly became the most widely used exterior paint in India due to their versatility and affordability.

Also Watch: Give Your Old, Dull Laterite Walls a New Look: Step-by-Step Guide to Home Décor.

3. Emergence of Mineral Silicate Paints:

A brilliantly well painted building with exterior mineral silicate wall paint

• Recent Advancements: In recent years, Mineral Silicate Paints have emerged as a premium and technologically advanced option.
• Superior Performance: Offer enhanced durability, weather resistance, and longevity compared to traditional acrylic emulsions.
• Environmental Focus: Often more eco-friendly with lower VOC emissions.
• Premium Segment: Currently positioned as a premium offering in the Indian market.

Also Read: How to Prepare a Roof Surface Before Applying a Waterproofing Coating

The History of Mineral Silicate Paints

Mineral Silicate Paints have a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. These paints were initially developed in Europe and have been widely used in demanding environments such as coastal regions and industrial areas due to their exceptional durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions.

Key Projects Showcasing Global Impact

Mineral Silicate Paints have been successfully employed in numerous prestigious projects worldwide, including:

• The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain: This iconic architectural masterpiece showcases the enduring beauty and resilience of Mineral Silicate Paints.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain

• The Sydney Opera House, Australia: The unique facade of this architectural marvel has been protected and enhanced with the use of these advanced paints.

The Sydney Opera House, Australia

• The Burj Khalifa, Dubai: This tallest building in the world exemplifies the durability and aesthetic appeal of Mineral Silicate Paints in high-rise applications.

Also Read: 5 Crucial Waterproofing Issues to Look for Before Repainting Your Home

Yes, two important historical monuments is worth mentioning here to understand the importance of this technology under discussion here. Both Buckingham Palace and the White House have been painted with mineral-based paints, specifically silicate paints because:-

• Silicate paints are known for their exceptional durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for historic buildings like these.
• These paints are considered highly durable and weather-resistant, with lifespans exceeding a hundred years.
• Key Reasons for Use:
  • Historical Use: Silicate paints have been used for centuries to protect and preserve important buildings.
  • Durability: They are highly resistant to weathering, pollution, and moisture.
  • Aesthetics: Silicate paints can provide a long-lasting and attractive finish.

Global Key Players in Mineral Silicate Paint Manufacturing

Several leading paint manufacturers globally have embraced Mineral Silicate Paint technology, including:

• KEIM: A renowned global leader in mineral silicate paints. Buildings decorated with KEIM paints in the 19th century are still in excellent condition today. Amongst such examples are the “White Eagle” Inn in Stein am Rhein and the City Hall in Schwyz (1891), both of which are in Switzerland, and facades in Oslo (1895) and Traunstein, Germany (1891).
• Caparol: A German-based company known for its innovative paint solutions, Caparol provides a comprehensive range of Mineral Silicate Paints for diverse applications.
• Sto: A leading manufacturer of exterior facade systems, Sto offers a variety of Mineral Silicate Paints with exceptional durability and aesthetic qualities.

Disadvantages of using Acrylic Emulsions

A paint flaked wall using acrylic emulsion paint

Before going into the benefits of Mineral Silicate Paints, let us understand the disadvantages of using Acrylic Emulsions on exterior walls, which many of them may be familiar to you.

• Chalking: Acrylic emulsions tend to chalk over time, releasing fine particles that can stain surfaces and require frequent cleaning.
• Fading: Exposure to UV radiation can cause acrylic emulsions to fade, leading to a loss of color and aesthetic appeal.
• Poor Adhesion: In some cases, acrylic emulsions may not adhere well to certain surfaces, leading to peeling or flaking.
• Less Durable: Compared to some other exterior paint options like silicate paints, acrylic emulsions may have a shorter lifespan and require more frequent repainting.
• Less Breathable: Acrylic emulsions can form a less breathable coating on the wall, which can trap moisture and contribute to the growth of mold and mildew.
• Environmental Concerns: Some acrylic emulsions may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can contribute to air pollution.

Also Watch: How to Avoid Capillary Rise During Residential Construction

Key USPs of Mineral Silicate Paints:

• Penetrative:

Mineral paints from Zydex penetrate into the substrate on which they are being applied and create an inseparable chemical bond to become an integral part of the substrate. Acrylic coatings only form surface films that are merely adherent. Thus unlike acrylic coatings that peel-off under adverse conditions due to failure of the mechanical bond, mineral paints remain chemically interlocked and weather gracefully over decades!

• Breathable:

Allows moisture to escape, preventing the formation of blisters and peeling. Mineral paints from Zydex are resistant to water ingress while maintaining the breathability of the surface. Thus, these paints can “exhale”
water vapour while not allowing liquid water into the structure. This provides an ideal moisture balance that creates a more pleasant interior climate and a robust exterior facade.

• UV Resistant:

Protects against harmful UV rays, preventing fading and colour degradation. Mineral paints from Zydex use silicate binders that form an insoluble silicate structure which is impervious to the effects of atmospheric effects such as UV, humidity, acid rain, extreme heat and intense rainfall due to its ceramic nature.

• Fade Free:

Guaranteed 15 years of fade-free performance, significantly reducing the cost of ownership. Zydex Mineral paints use only the highest quality light fast earth metal oxide pigments. These pigments are completely stable against atmospheric UV, acids and weathering ensuring a fade-free facade for the lifetime of the paint. Thus, the combination of silicate binders and oxide pigments ensure that buildings retain their vibrant look for decades!

• Algae & Fungus Resistant:

Resists the growth of algae and fungi, maintaining a clean and attractive appearance. Mineral paints from Zydex are highly alkaline in nature (pH-11) due to potassium silicate which is the main binder. Thus they are naturally resistant to algae, fungus and mold as these are unable to thrive in high pH environments.

Also Read: Prevent Slips and Falls: The Power of Antiskid Flooring in Every Home and Public Space

• Dirt Pickup Resistance:

Minimizes dirt adherence, keeping the walls cleaner for longer. Mineral paints from Zydex have very low organic content and retain their hardness on the hottest of days unlike acrylic paints. Thus, these paints do not become soft or tacky and do not bind to dust. Their mineral nature dissipates static charge from wind driven friction and does not actively attract dust in contrast to acrylic paints. Any dust that is loosely settled on the surface is instantly washed away through natural rainfall or washing during building maintenance.

• Water Resistant:

Effectively repels water, protecting the building from moisture damage. Mineral paints from Zydex are modified with cross-linking silicones to ensure excellent resistance to water ingress. Zydex mineral paints pass the RILEM test and can withstand extreme wind driven rains for sustained periods of time. Combined with their natural breathability and quick drying properties, Zydex Mineral Paints ensure your structures remain dry in the most demanding weather conditions.

• Brilliant Matt/Dead Matt Finish:

Conceals minor wall imperfections, eliminating the need for extensive surface preparation. The crystalline nature of the binder results in a paint matrix that is essentially composed of millions of tiny crystals of glass. This results in unmatched transparency and brilliance that allows the natural radiance of the pigments to shine through. The sharp edged nature of these crystals also imparts a deep mineral matt effect
that lends a luminous yet natural appearance to your structure.

• Fire Resistant:

A feature that provides enhanced fire safety for your building. The inorganic nature of the paint is highly resistant to flame spread in case of fire. This feature make these paints particularly safe for public places such as schools, libraries, hospitals, commercial buildings and residential high-rises.

• Eco-Friendly with Ultra Low VOC:

Environmentally friendly with minimal volatile organic compounds. Mineral paints from Zydex rely on mineral binders such as potassium silicate that do not require any plasticisation from solvents thus eliminating the major source of Volatile Organic Content (VOCs). This makes mineral paints one of the greenest category of paints available. The absence of volatile solvents creates a more comfortable and safe environment for sensitive groups such as children, elderly and allergy sufferers. All mineral paints from Zydex are GreenPro® certified which makes it surpass stringent environmental and sustainability standards.

• Odour Free:

Ensures a pleasant and comfortable application experience. The paints are completely odour free and rooms can be occupied within 30 mins of painting.

• Washable & Abrasion Resistant:

Easy to clean and withstands everyday wear and tear.

• Best Hiding in 1st Coat:

Reduces the number of coats required, saving time and resources.

• No Peeling or Flaking:

As there is no membrane formation and system have breathability, there is nothing to peel or flake. This ensures long-lasting durability and eliminates costly repairs.

Also Watch: How to fix your toilet floor leaking without breaking tiles

Introducing Mineral Silicate Paint Technology in India: A Game-Changer by Zydex Industries- Proudly “Made in India”

Zydex Industries, a leading name in the Indian construction chemicals industry, is proud to introduce Mineral Silicate Paint technology to India. This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of exterior paint solutions in the country.

A Revolutionary Approach to Exterior Wall Preparation:

A building painted with Algal and fungal resistant paint.

Zydex Mineral Silicate Paints are applied after a post-Organo Silane with Acrylic Polymer treatment. This innovative approach effectively waterproofs the walls, eliminating the need for traditional primer and putty applications. This not only simplifies the painting process but also significantly reduces labor costs and project timelines.

Also Read: Toilet Floor Waterproofing without Breaking Tiles: A Three-Tiered Approach

Experience the Mineral Silicate Paint Difference:

We invites you to experience the future of exterior paints with the Zydex range of Mineral Silicate Paints.

Key Benefits:

• Unmatched Durability: Experience long-lasting protection against harsh weather conditions.
• Avoid External Wall Putty Application: Mineral Silicate paints do not have gloss or semi-gloss finish which highlights the wall undulations . They have a brilliant dead matt finish which eliminates the need for levelling undulations on walls.
• Superior Aesthetics: Enhance the visual appeal of your building with a rich, vibrant, and fade-resistant finish.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Minimize the need for frequent repainting and costly repairs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Choose an eco-friendly and sustainable paint solution.
• Enhanced Building Value: Increase the value and longevity of your property with a premium paint system.

Unveiling the Mineral Silicate Paint Exterior Range: Experience the Future of Exterior Walls

Zydex Industries presents a premium range of Mineral Silicate Paints meticulously crafted to deliver unparalleled performance and aesthetics. Here’s the full range:-

• Stonix: Ultra Durable Exterior Mineral Paint

  Stonix is a ultra-durable mineral paint with a binder system comprising potassium silicate for exterior application. Made using only lightfast inorganic pigments it offers a service life of 15+ years without fading or peeling when applied on mineral surfaces. Its purely mineral character offers extreme dirt pickup resistance and its inherent alkalinity inhibits algae and fungal growth. Stonix has an ultramatt appearance that enhances light reflectivity and effectively hides surface defects. Its inherent crystallinity provides unsurpassed color depth. Available in 230+ long lasting shades.

• Xtend Ultra: High Performance Exterior Paint

   

PPD Anthem, Trivandrum Apartment painted with Zydex Xtend Ultra Mineral Silicate Paint about 2 years ago

• Xtend Ultra is a high performance paint for exterior application. Made using only lightfast inorganic pigments it offers a service life of 10+ years without fading or peeling. Its combination of a special binder design and unique fillers offer excellent dirt pickup resistance. Its inherent breathability and water impermeability naturally inhibits algae and fungal growth. Xtend Ultra has a mineral matt appearance that enhances light reflectivity and effectively hides surface defects. Available in 59+ durable shades.

• Xtend: Premium Exterior Paint

  A premium paint for exterior application. Made using only lightfast pigments it offers a service life of 7+ years without fading or peeling. Its special binder design and unique filler composition offers excellent dirt pickup resistance and its inherent breathability combined with water repellent nature inhibits algae and fungal growth. Xtend has a mineral matt appearance that enhances light reflectivity and effectively hides surface defects. Available in 59+ durable shades.

Also Watch: Revolutionize Your Walls: Introducing India’s First Mineral Silicate Paint 

• Xtend Pro: Organo-Silicate Exterior Paint

  Xtend Pro is a organo-silicate paint for exterior application. Made using only lightfast pigments it offers a service life of 5+ years without fading or peeling. Its special organo-silicate binder and unique filler composition offers excellent dirt pickup resistance and its inherent breathability combined with water repellent nature inhibits algae and fungal growth. Xtend Pro has a brilliant matt appearance that enhances light reflectivity and effectively hides surface defects. Available in 59+ durable shades.

• Matt Emulsion: Exterior Paint

  Matt Emulsion is a premium exterior paint with a rich matt finish. It’s inherent deep matt effect and carefully selected pigments provide unsurpassed color depth and brilliancy even in the most difficult lighting conditions. Matt Emulsion’s ability to hide surface defects leads to an even and consistent finish even at sharp angles. The paint is extremely resistant to burnishing and mechanical abrasion making it suitable for even the most demanding high traffic interior spaces. Being highly breathable, it is extremely resistant to peel-off and blistering. Designed for excellent dirt release, it is easily washable and highly scrub resistant. Available in a wide range of colours.

• Xtend WallTex:

  Xtend WallTex is an acrylic-based textured scratch finish that can be used to impart a unique aesthetic finish to the walls. Depending upon the grade chosen, one can modulate the size and depth of the grooves. Patterns can be made in any of the standard designs such as vertical, horizontal, criss-cross etc. This product is particularly useful on walls where there are lot of irregularities and undulations. The product can be applied directly on the plaster / concrete surface. Incase waterproofing is required, Zycosil+ / Zycoprime+ solution should be applied before application. After allowing a setting time of minimum 24 hrs, painting with Xtend / Xtend Ultra / Stonix may proceed.

Mineral Silicate Interior Paint Solutions

The range also includes interior paint solutions such as:

• Premium Matt: Premium Matt Interior Paint

  Premium Matt is a premium interior paint with a rich matt finish. It’s inherent deep matt effect and carefully selected pigments provide unsurpassed color depth and brilliancy even in the most difficult lighting conditions. Premium Matt’s ability to hide surface defects leads to an even and consistent finish even at sharp angles. The paint is extremely resistant to burnishing and mechanical abrasion making it suitable for even the most demanding high traffic interior spaces. Being highly breathable, it is extremely resistant to peel-off and blistering. Designed for excellent dirt release, it is easily washable and highly scrub resistant. Available in a wide range of
  colours.

• Marvella: Luxury Interior Paint

  Marvella is a luxury interior paint with a pleasant sheen that results in a soft glow on your walls. The paint has a soft hand feel with a smooth lustrous finish. It is a highly washable paint with excellent stain release properties with even the toughest of stains. The innovative binder technology eliminates patchiness during application and provides an odourless experience for the occupier of the space. It is available in an extremely wide range of colours.

• Pro Emulsion: Pro Emulsion Interior Paint

  Pro Emulsion is a premium interior paint with a rich matt finish. It’s inherent deep matt effect and carefully selected pigments provide unsurpassed color depth and brilliancy even in the most difficult lighting conditions. Pro Emulsion’s ability to hide surface defects leads to an even and consistent finish even at sharp angles. The paint is extremely resistant to burnishing and mechanical abrasion making it suitable for even the most demanding high traffic interior spaces. Being highly breathable, it is extremely resistant to peel-off and blistering. Designed for excellent dirt release, it is easily washable and highly scrub resistant. Available in a white and pastel tones.

• Premium Wall Primer: Water Based Acrylic Wall Primer for Interior and Exterior Application

  Zydex Premium Wall Primer is an acrylic water based wall primer with excellent bonding and hiding characteristics. It has excellent sandability and provides a smooth base for over- painting. It is suitable for exterior and interior applications.

Landmark Projects

Schindler Factory, Pune

Sattva Exotica, Bengaluru

Sattva Exotica, Bengaluru

Ved Vihar CHS, Pune

St. Aloysius Church, Kanpur

St. Aloysius School, Kanpur

St. Josephs College, Pune

Shiv Sena Bhavan, Mumbai

Global Institute of Management, Noida

PPD Anthem, Thiruvananthapuram

Namrata Primeland, Pune

Karnika Galaxy, Mumbai

PPD Villas, Thiruvananthapuram

Contact us today to learn more about Mineral Silicate Paints range from Zydex and discover how they can transform your exterior walls. Sampling can also be done on request.

UniPro® Customer Care:  +919544308555

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific project requirements.