Silicate Masonry Paint

[Devonian]

Hi there

Our cottage (circa 1660) is built of stone/rubble/cob and is due for an exterior limewash. We'd like to use a more durable product and have been reading about silicate masonry paint.

It's an expensive alternative and needs a primer but, mostly importantly, it claims to be breathable and long lasting.

We can get information from local suppliers but wondered if anyone has actually used it and can give us their thoughts and opinions on it, and what it was like to apply over limewash.

We eagerly await any replies!

 

[middi]

I have not used the product but I would suggest that before you use any covering other (extremely )breatheable limewash on your cottage you check how breathable it really is in order to satisfy the wellfare of your cottage walls, these kind of walls need very fast rate of moisture evaporation.
A lot of manufacturers claim that their product is " breatheable", the main question is "will it be fast enough for my application". In your case I don't think so.

 

[Penners]

Devonian's thread prompted me to have a bit of a google around the internet, looking for sites that advertise silicate masonry paints. Like Middi, I was very sceptical about the "breathability" claim.

However, I came across this website that seems to make pretty unequivocal claims for at least one brand of this type of paint (and it's a website that I think is well respected by users of this forum):

a "breathability" (water vapour permeability) comparable to limewash which results in healthier, drier buildings.

Interesting. I wonder whether the Agrement Board has done any empirical reports.

 

[Moo]

From that site :

a silification process resulting in a permanent, inseparable coating

So you'd better be absolutely certain that it's the right thing to use before you get out the cheque-book.


And yes, I know cheque-books have now joined the dodo, but 'bank-card' just doesn't have the same ring to it.

 

[Gervase]

Beek's paint is good - it's breathable and therefore suitable for cob and stone. It is damned expensive, though - far more so than limewash.

 

[biffvernon]

Yes, Beeck's is the stuff. Talk to Mark Womersley at http://www.womersleys.co.uk/

 

[Penners]

It is damned expensive, though - far more so than limewash.

But how often would it need re-doing, compared with limewash?

 

[Nemesis]

Doesn't look the same though.

 

[Moo]

But how often would it need re-doing, compared with limewash?

Never, apparently. It's permanent and inseparable.

 

[Penners]

That's remarkable! So, when the day comes that planet Earth finally crumbles to dust, only Beeck-painted houses will be left to circle the sun in the dark wastes of space, until the end of time.

 

[Moo]

Got it in one, Penners!

 

[biffvernon]

Along with certain oak windows

 

[Penners]

Fair point, Biff.

Of course, we may find out whether this speculation is true, next week. When the LHC starts up, it's apparently possible that Beecks-painted houses and BV-constructed windows may be the only survivors.

 

[Flyfisher]

Don't worry, it's all perfectly safe . . . apparently.
Mind you, it seems a one-way bet to me; if it's safe then we'll all still be here to prove it and if it's not then the doom-mongers won't be around to say 'told you so'. Of course, no one else will be either.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/today/tomfeilden/2008/09/the_end_of_the_world_is_not_ni.html