If you've been researching suitable breathable paints for your next project, you might have heard about silicate paint. But what actually is silicate paint, and how can it benefit your home?
This remarkable natural paint is highly effective on older homes needing a breathable paint scheme.
What is Silicate Paint?
Silicate paint is a mineral paint that uses potassium silicate as its binder. When applied to a suitable mineral surface, the silicate chemically bonds with the wall itself, creating a remarkably tough finish. The process is known as silicification, which creates a paint finish that isn't just sitting on the surface, but becomes part of the building fabric.
Silicate paint is one of the most durable and breathable paint technologies available. It has strong UV resistance and protects from chemical attack.
What Makes Silicate Paint Different?
Wondering why this paint type might be suitable for your next project? Silicate paint stands out because it combines natural mineral ingredients with performance benefits you won't find in plastic based emulsions.
It's a natural paint, but has superior properties over plastic based paints which can damage the structure of heritage buildings.
Key features:-
- Breathability – silicate paints have low Sd values, which means water vapour can freely pass through the paint layer. This reduces trapped moisture and condensation issues.
- Durability – silicate paints are UV resistant, weatherproof and long lasting. Exterior applications can last many years before needing repainting
- Eco friendly – free from solvents and low in VOCs, silicate paints are safe for use in family homes and eco projects. They are also kinder to the environment.
- Alkalinity – their naturally high pH makes surfaces resistant to mould and algae.
Silicate paint offers excellent outdoor durability while still offering excellent breathability.
Where Can Silicate Paint Be Used?
Silicate paint is suitable for application on a number of surfaces in home interiors and exteriors. It performs best on mineral based surfaces, and is ideal for use on walls where surfaces need protection and vapour permeability.
Exterior Surfaces
Silicate paint is highly effective as a robust masonry paint for a variety of substrates. It's perfect for:
- Lime render and lime plaster.
- Natural stone.
- Brickwork.
- Mineral based plasters and mortars.
It's especially valued by owners of heritage and listed properties where breathability is essential to prevent damage to the building fabric.
Interior Surfaces
Silicate paints can also be used inside, particularly on mineral substrates like lime plaster. They're a great choice for old houses where damp and condensation are a concern, as they let walls breathe while creating a durable finish.
Benefits of Using Silicate Paint
Silicate paint offers natural chemistry which provides qualities that outperform conventional petrochemical paint types.
Choosing silicate paint gives your next project practical and environmental benefits:
- Long lifespan – once applied correctly, silicate paint can last decades, even in tough exterior conditions.
- Mould and algae resistance – the naturally high alkalinity of silicate makes it difficult for fungi and algae to grow.
- Maintains building health – by allowing moisture to escape, silicate paints prevent trapped damp and associated structural damage.
- Sustainable choice – made from natural mineral ingredients with no harmful solvents,
Silicate Paint Brands We Stock
Auro Silicate Paints
Auro's silicate range is designed for both interior and exterior use on mineral substrates. Key products include:
- Auro 303 Anti Mould Silicate Paint – a highly breathable silicate paint suitable for lime render, stone and mineral plasters. Highly effective at reducing mould growth.
- Auro 344 – a high grade lime paint based on aged slaked lime. Suitable for interior and exterior use.
Earthborn Silicate Masonry Paint
Earthborn's silicate paint is another excellent option, particularly for exteriors:
- Highly breathable and durable mineral paint for masonry surfaces.
- Allows moisture to escape while keeping the weather out.
- Ideal for heritage homes and period properties prone to damp.
Both ranges combine traditional mineral technology with modern eco credentials, giving you natural breathable finishes that last.
Silicate Paint vs Other Breathable Paints
Wondering how silicate compares with other natural paints? It's not the best choice for all surfaces, so here's how it compares with other breathable paint types.
- Silicate vs Lime Paint – both are breathable and natural, both chemically bond with the surfaces they are applied to. Lime paint is often chosen for its traditional aesthetic indoors and out.
- Silicate vs Clay Paint – clay paint is best for interiors, offering a soft matt finish. Silicate is harder wearing and suited to exteriors.
- Silicate vs Conventional Emulsion – emulsion creates a plastic film that traps moisture. Silicate is vapour-permeable, preventing damp and mould.
Silicate Paint – Durable & Natural
Silicate paint is one of the most durable and breathable finishes you can choose for mineral surfaces. By chemically bonding to lime render, stone or masonry, it creates a long lasting finish that resists weathering, mould and algae, while still allowing moisture to escape from your walls.
That makes it an excellent option for heritage properties, eco renovations, and anyone looking to avoid the pitfalls of conventional plastic-based paints.
Earthborn silicate masonry paint is available in a range of attractive colours, grab your free colour chart today. Got questions about your next project and how you might be able to use silicate based paints? Contact our team for expert advice.
Free Colour Charts
