Breathable paints and why to use them. Paints for period buildings.
Over the years of painting and decorating period homes in Dublin and beyond; we have come across the problem of bubbling, flaky paint on period buildings. The paint bubbles and falls off very shortly after being applied. So why does this paint fall off the walls? Because the walls are lime-based plaster and it requires a breathable paint. I have used the following product many times on period restorations, and you simply will not get a better finish for your walls.
Why mineral paints and what makes them different?
As in their name, “Keim” mineral paints are mineral-based paints which mean they bond differently than normal exterior paints to the surface they are being painted on. They create a microcrystalline bond with the new plaster or substrate; allowing the coating to become an integral part of that substrate. Other exterior paints just form a film on top of the existing plasterwork.
When you paint a period building in this way, the paint bonds with the plaster and allows the plaster and building to breath, letting moisture vapour pass through the coating whilst also protecting the building from water penetration. This paintwork will last for many years to come and can be cleaned down with a power hose once every few years, making your building pristine once more.
On period buildings that have been painted in the past with a non-breathable paint, and where the paint has bubbled and come away from the building, it is necessary to remove as much paint as possible and then re-paint with breathable paint. This, in turn, will avoid any further restriction in breathability, ensuring that the paint will stay on the building for many years to come.
Keim paint can be applied in the conventional way but we recommend that you get a decorator that has experience in the application of these products. Other advantages of Keim mineral paint is that it will not fade with time as it is UV resistant, which makes them colourfast. Mineral paint is also eco-friendly in many ways – it is non-toxic, non-combustible and mould resistant, to name a few. This paint should not be diluted.
McConnell Coatings sells Keim paints in Ireland. You can reach them on 01 282 2877 or contact Tennant McConnell on tennant@mcc.ie
Do you need your front door restored?
So if you have a front door on a period house that needs restoration then call Paul today on 087 2704 879 or fill in the contact form and we’ll call you back.
