Paints and coatings are more than just a pretty face. People expect their paints to be resistant to the elements and other abuse yet still look good. The next generation of coatings has to last longer and look better. And it will. Thanks to silicone technology.

Water repellent paints and thick-coat renderings

Silicones are used as the base for water repellent paints (siloxane paints) and water repellent thick-coat renderings that are applied to protect building facades. These are emulsions of silicone resins, which give them the required properties of water repellence and breathability. These emulsions are used as binders and are combined in varying quantities with organic binders such as acrylic emulsions.

High Temperature Paints

Certain suitability pigmented silicone resins can withstand very high temperatures, up to 300°C continuous and even 500°C for short periods of time. For this reason they play an important role in the formulation of paints applied to metals subjected to high temperatures: they protect the metallic structures of factory chimney stacks, top of the range car exhaust systems, domestic stoves, domestic appliances and many more.

Decorative Industrial Paints

These paints, used to protect and decorate sheet metal used in building construction, are applied by coil-coating (a continuous pre-coating process) and furnace dried in the factory. They are based on polyester-silicone resins and contain up to 30% of silicones to significantly improve the paint's resistance to chalking.

Paint additives

Modified siloxanes are precious additives in the formulation of paints. Used in minute quantities, they impart special qualities to the paints in which they are used: anticratering, mar resistance, antiflooding and anticarking. They also improve the spreading of varnishes.

Damp proofing and renovation of buildings

Buildings damaged by the ravages of time may be treated in different manners. The treatment of rising damp is performed using siliconate products. It is an in-depth treatment that gives lasting damp proofing of walls. When façade stonework is in bad condition, it can be treated with ethyl silicate or resin based consolidating agents. These products are very fluid and have high dry matter content. They are applied using a brush or a spray gun and penetrate right through to the heart of the stone.