Beeck Mineral Paints

A brief Users Guide to the system and its application

What are Mineral Paints

BEECK Mineral Paints have been around for more than 100 years, they are technically superb coatings in terms of durability, your health, the environment, and building protection, they are not ‘Paints’ in the modern context and as a true mineral paint are only suited to a render that has not yet been painted. They are mineral based coatings formulated with a binder of potassium silicate (waterglass), with inorganic, alkaline-resistant pigments. They are fully inorganic (containing no organic solvents), non- offgassing, also being alkaline they inhibit microbiotic growth. Mineral paints offer superior quality to conventional masonry paint as they petrify; binding to any silicates within the substrate, forming a micro-crystalline structure which provides a truly breathable finish. In essence they are more a stain, that is chemically bonded to the substrate forming strong silica bonds in a process known as silicification, unlike conventional masonry paints which form a film on the surface of the wall.

Whilst application for the BEECK system is by standard methods, these materials are more demanding than conventional masonry paints, it is therefore important that the person/s carrying out the work are familiar with the principles along with some ground rules to ensure long lasting results. The complete system is based on a four-coat application using the following products.

1st Coat: Beeck Etching Fluid

This is an acid concentration for removing the sinterskin (the fine film/coating from the binder paste on new renders following their rubbing up; lime or cement) from new mineral based renders. The application of the Etching Fluid is very important as it does just that, it etches the surface exposing the silicates available from the aggregates used in the render, providing a more active surface for the binder (potassium silicate) to react with the Beeckosil Finish.

Processing and Application

The Etching Fluid needs to be thinned with 3 to 5 parts water, depending on the surface to be treated, applied either by brush or a spray application, once applied it should be worked into the surface using a hard brush to ensure penetration. Following application the surface will effervesce (fizz) with the acid reacting with any calcareous material in the render, the maximum exposure time should be no more than 20 minutes, it should then be rinsed off thoroughly using a hose to rinse down the surface.

Following the washing process the run off is completely inert and does not require any special considerations regarding disposal, as the Etching Fluid is inert and biodegradable. However, the Etching Fluid itself is an acidic solution of fluorosilicates in water, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should always be used, and prior to use we would advise the user to refer to the manufacturers safety data sheet.

2nd Coat: Beeck Fixative

Fixative may be used as binder, thinner and primer, produced from the pure potash waterglass, it can sometimes be appropriate for solidifying crumbly, sanding mineral building materials, however, we would advise that you seek further advice prior to this use. In its function here as the 2nd coat it is a primer, used to equalize the surface to ensure a more even and uniform application of the Beeckosil Finish.

Processing and Application:
Fixative should be thinned with 2 parts water and should be applied liberally to saturation ensuring as even coverage as possible leveling out any excess primer.

3rd and 4th Coat Beeckosil

Beeckosil is the decorative topcoat, a sophisticated formula yielding a Silicification-active, water- repellent, pure waterglass based, one-component mineral paint.
Upon opening carefully stir the contents ensuring the liquid (waterglass) on the surface is thoroughly mixed back in. The manufacturer advises thin the base coat with 10 to 20% BEECK FIXATIVE, we believe 15%, as any more renders the paint too thin making application very messy. For the topcoat thin to a maximum of 5% with Fixative.
Apply crosswise sparingly, evenly and lap-free with a soft mineral paintbrush, a lambskin roller; spray gun application is possible but please consult us for further advice on this method of application. The most important advice we offer would be to treat adjacent surfaces at the same time, so that you maintain a wet edge and avoid dry seams. Where this is unavoidable find a suitable point or feature on the facade and finish to the best line, when the work proceeds this edge should be “cut in”, it is important to avoid any lapping with the existing paint at the dry edge as this may result in a clearly visible difference in the finish. Remember these coatings act more as a stain and are readily absorbed into the substrate and such lapping of wet to dry could lead to a visibly different concentration of pigmentation.

Please bear this in mind when dealing with any subsequent repairs to surfaces painted with BEECKOSIL

If this is a new approach to you, we would advise you try it out on a sample patch to determine the process. Where these rules are broken Mineral Paints will manifest themselves in an obvious manner that cannot be painted out with subsequent coats.

NOTE:
This information is offered for basic guidance only. For further detailed technical information, please refer to the Manufacturers Data Sheets.
Alternatively, contact Cornish Lime on 01208 78779 or use the Contact Us Form.

Further information is available at the Beeck Website.

Written by Phil Brown 2009