How to paint the FACADE the right way
House facades in Portugal face a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, from the intense summer sun to the dampness and occasional frosts of winter. This makes choosing the right paint crucial for a long-lasting, protective surface against rain, humidity, wind, heat, and cold. A good facade paint also helps maintain the structure and stability of a house. That's the technical part. The aesthetic part is just as important. The facade should match the style of the house, the neighborhood, and especially its residents. Here’s my take on choosing the right material and harmoniously designing with the topic:
What Paint Should I Paint My Facade?
Let's start with the materials. There are three main types of facade paints: dispersion paints, silicone resin paints, and mineral silicate paints. Silicone resin paints advertise a "lotus effect," which promises to keep facades clean by washing dirt away with rain. While the idea of protecting a facade with a plastic layer against water might seem logical, the consequences must be considered. These paints also claim to prevent mold and algae growth. However, biocides and silicones are added to achieve this effect, which wash out over time with rain. The lotus effect diminishes after a few years, making the surfaces look dirty. Moreover, the washed-out biocides and silicones end up in the groundwater.
In contrast, we have mineral paint. Common misconceptions about mineral paints are:
They can only be applied to mineral substrates.
The facade will get wet because water can penetrate.
The color palette is limited to light pastel tones.
Let's address these points:
It used to be true that mineral paints could only be applied to mineral substrates. However, Keim has developed a sol-silicate paint whose binder consists of silica sol and potassium silicate, which holds up fantastically even on old dispersion paints and new or old plaster surfaces. Additionally, for difficult non-mineral surfaces, Relius silicate binder can be used as a primer coat to prepare for subsequent silicate paint applications - Leinos Universil Facade Paint.
Yes, the facade initially gets superficially wet. A long-lasting facade paint is about building physics, not chemistry. The key is a surface that can absorb moisture and release it quickly. This allows water to dry out fast, avoiding damage where water collects between the paint and substrate, leading to classic flaking and water pockets.
In the past, mineral facade colors were limited in range. Thanks to partnerships with Keim and Kreidezeit, we offer a wide selection of beautiful tones suitable for facades. Our colors are crafted by hand in the shop, including our own unique color creations. They exude depth and liveliness, appearing more transparent, and allowing for vibrant shades. Keim guarantees 20 years of color stability, a testament unmatched by plastic paint manufacturers.
When it comes to facades, rain is not the main problem, but rather dew. Dew that lingers on plastic paint can quickly lead to algae and fungi. When it gets warm, plastic paints become sticky and attract dirt particles, which then adhere to the surface. Mineral paints, on the other hand, are antistatic and not thermoplastic, naturally alkaline, and resistant to fungi, keeping facades clean and beautiful for a long time.
TO THE COLORS :)
When choosing a color for your home's exterior, starting with a natural-inspired neutral is a good idea. Our range includes beautiful nature-colors like washed linen white, light umbra tones and a soft light grey-olive — ideal base colors. Consider how your home fits into its surroundings, whether it blends with the neighborhood or stands alone. Instead of a bright white, a subtle taupe or gray-beige can enhance its look.
Once you've settled on a base color, you can add accents to windows, shutters, or doors. Or one single wall in a different tone.
For those needing advice on facade painting, including technical details, substrate preparation, or design, we’re here to help. Whether online, on-site, or in our studio, all information on color consultation for interiors and exteriors is available here.
Warm summer greetings,
Laura Minder
