Coatings based on silicate paints have several unique properties: they have high vapor permeability and dry quickly. The moisture that accumulates inside the wall in winter does not destroy the brick and plaster. They pass carbon dioxide well and do not delay the hardening process of the plaster. The coating does not burn, in addition, it does not emit various harmful substances. Such silicate paints are well applied on surfaces with strongly alkaline components (lime plasters). These qualities ensure a long surface life.
The disadvantages of these paints include the impossibility of applying them to old organic-based coatings due to the complete lack of adhesion.
Silicate paints are suspensions of fillers and pigments in aqueous solutions of sodium and potassium silicates. silicates are s altsweak silicic acid. They are much weaker than coal, therefore, they are easily displaced when interacting with carbon dioxide, which is contained in the air. The resulting sol of silicic acid rapidly loses water and forms a porous coating, which consists of silicon oxide. During the formation of silicic acid and its dehydration, the interaction of the emerging coating with particles of pigments, fillers, and an inorganic substrate is observed. Especially actively silicic acid and silicates interact with zinc and calcium compounds. Considering that calcium hydroxide is the main component of plasters and concretes, the treatment of such surfaces with silicate paints leads to the creation of a monolithic layer of a chemically bonded coating.
Silicate paints, or rather their properties, largely depend on the properties of the liquid glass used. The most waterproof high-quality paints can be obtained using potash glass. There are other silicates, but they are too expensive for the production of paints and varnishes. In order for silicate paints to retain their merits and so that they can be applied to organic-based coatings, acrylic dispersions are then introduced into their composition, due to which paints are obtained that have high vapor permeability, excellent adhesion to old organic-based coatings and mineral surfaces..
A new type of paint and varnish coatings - silicate paints - have been widely used in our time. When aluminum or zinc is added to them, theyacquire anti-corrosion properties. This type of coating is used on plastered walls. In addition, they perfectly interact with stone, concrete, ceramic, slate and other surfaces, penetrate well into the structure of the treated surface, but at the same time they have poor hiding power, and therefore require increased paint consumption.
Caution required when working with silicate paints. They contain up to ten percent alkali. In case of contact with the skin or eyes, inflammation may occur. Therefore, when working with these paints, it is necessary to protect your eyes. It will not be superfluous to use a respirator. If paint gets into your eyes, you must immediately rinse them with cold water, and at the end of the work wash with soap and water.
