SILICALITH FotoActive

PROPERTIES: SILICALITH FotoActive is a silicate emulsion Low Voc photocatalytic paint, with the latest generation of technological water repellent modifications, mainly for finishing and protection of mineral bases in exteriors and interiors. Formulated with sustainable components that respect the environment and human health, free of formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates, alkylphenolethoxylates (APEO free) and ammonia. Its innovative formula based on special dispersions of modified alkaline silicates is reinforced with nano silanes that provide optimized moisture management and long-term durability. It does not crack, flake or swell under the effect of humidity. It does not form a film, and has excellent chemical adhesion on mineral bases since SILICALITH becomes part of the mineral substrate thanks to its silicification petrification process, which also gives it antistatic properties and activates transpiration. Excellent resistance and stability of the colors to U.V. rays, heat and yellowing, thanks to the exclusive use of high quality oxide pigments. Excellent resistance to gas pollution and acid rain. Resistant to weathering. Classification according to DIN EN 13300 and other technical data:

• Class 1 wet scrub resistance on mineral base and Class 2 on non-mineral base (ISO 11998).
• Opacity and coverage Class 1 for a yield of up to 5 m2/l (ISO 6504-3), variable according to texture, colors and absorption values of the base.
• Mineral matt finish G3 - Reflectance grade <5 GU (EN ISO 2813) and fine particle size (EN 21524).
• Water vapor permeability SD ≤0.01 m Kg/m² (Class V1), DIN EN ISO 7783-2.
• High resistance to liquid water, with low permeability according to EN 1062-3, with w=0.09 Kg/m2h0.5 (Class W3).
• Neutral odor and Low Voc.
• It has no biocides as its inorganic and alkaline chemical nature gives it a natural antimicrobial activity in the container.
• Estimated Euroclass fire resistance A2-s1d0 according to EN 13501-1. 

PHOTOACTIVE TECHNOLOGY: SILICALITH FotoActive contains nano-particles of photocatalytic titanium dioxide that, as a result of the action of sunlight, contributes to the destruction of contaminants, such as smells, greases, VOC, micro-organisms, NOx, etc. that may come into contact with the surface, transforming them into CO2 and water. This process allows for an improvement in the condition of the ambient air and also has a beneficial environmental impact, due to its decontaminating action, while at the same time exercising a self-cleaning effect on the surface.

COLORS: Available in white and rust colors from the NCS Exterior color chart. Pigmentable up to 3% with Mixol oxide colors.

MAIN USE: SILICALITH FotoActive is generally applied for facades and heritage, in interiors and exteriors, and for professional theming and high decoration, on cement or concrete plaster, natural or artificial porous stone, sand and lime mortars, brick walls, mineral paints, fiber cement boards, gypsum surfaces and/or Pladur® (primed with FK-16). Always respect the correct curing of fresh mortars. Unsuitable surfaces: Plastics, wood, plastic paints, oil paints, enamels and lacquers.

WAY OF APPLICATION: Protect well all surfaces that should not be treated or splashed. Applicable between 5ºC and 35ºC of ambient and base temperature. Apply Silicalith on clean, dry, cured, properly consolidated bases, free of antiadherent substances, salts and microorganisms. Applicable with brush, roller or airless, always wet on wet in the same coat. In general apply 2 coats of paint.

Silicate paints penetrate the mineral base by silicification, becoming a mineral part of the substrate. This characteristic means that the colors cannot be flat and homogeneous, and their mineral appearance will depend on their penetration into the base, on the form and quantity of paint applied, on the environmental conditions, and on the experience of the application team.

SILICALITH FotoActive as a silicate dispersion paint, is a water based product, whose viscosity can vary depending on colors, and the temperature of the environment. It can be adjusted by lowering the viscosity of the paint, adding up to a maximum of 5-10% of Multilite, mixing with the paint in an appropriate way until the ideal viscosity is obtained. It is especially recommended if the viscosity is high because of the formulated color, or because of the temperature of the environment of the base itself or because of the texture or absorption values of the base.  It is recommended to avoid painting in direct sun exposure and at times with high temperatures, especially in summer in hot countries.  For more details consult technical data sheet and/or application guides, and safety data sheet. 

PRIMERS: 

1. In bases with different textures it is always advisable to anchor with Silicalith Texture (3-6 m²/l.), to regularize and homogenize the appearance of the surface texture.
2. In general we recommend as a primer for mineral bases, Multilite colorless undiluted, (3-6 m²/l.). Depending on the absorption of the base and the conditions of the environment will be necessary at least 1 coat for low absorbent surfaces and up to 2 coats on absorbent surfaces and high temperatures of the environment and / or base. Allow 12-24 hours between coats.
3. As an alternative to the previous case, it is also very common and advisable to use as a base coat a first coat of primer with SILICALITH paint in the chosen color, dissolved 1:1 with Multilite colorless (8-10 m²/l. of solution). Never add water. 
4. In facades with high exposure to pathological or environmental humidity, it is advisable to replace the Multilite primer with any of the breathable water repellents FK-7 or FK-3 Plus (40-50 m²/l. of solution), applied by saturation from bottom to top, and dissolved in water 1:14, allowing to dry 24-48 hours before painting.
5. For interior plaster bases, prime with FK-16 in 1:3 solution in water (8-10 m²/l. of solution).

AVERAGE YIELD: SILICALITH FotoActive has an approximate yield of 3-5 m²/l. in 2 coats. Depending on the way of application, texture and absorption of the base and environmental conditions, the consumption can vary sensibly.