Keim Mineral Paints Ltd

20 Farringdon Road is an 1980s office building situated in one of London’s busiest commercial districts, adjacent to Farringdon Crossrail Station and opposite 19 Charterhouse Street EC1. It’s a six-storey building that’s comprises of office and retail space.This corner plot has a striking façade, and a light touch reinvention was needed to both the tenant and common areas. The building’s exterior which was in need of refurbishment given it’s inner London location. The client had a challenging budget available with which to complete a rolling programme at a constrained siteKEIM Mineral Paints were approached by the architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, as they wanted to unify and freshen the appearance of the tired, dated and weathered 1980’s granite.As with many of our projects, a complimentary site trial was arranged in order for the client and architect to see a selection of paint colours. Sample boards of KEIM Royalan were supplied in shades of black with reference 9008 chosen.KEIM Royalan is a classic mineral paint specifically designed to coat ceramic and hard substrates. It is ideal to provide a breathable long-term protection against pollution, moisture, and weathering in the high traffic environment.Once painted, KEIM Wax Coating, an anti-graffiti system, was applied to offer further protection against graffiti and weathering.The building will now look fresh and contemporary for years to come. KEIM Royalan has now been replaced with KEIM Soldalit-ME KEIM Wax Coating has been replaced with KEIM APP-S.

Say goodbye to Bechtel House and hello to 245 Hammersmith Road. Here the external painted concrete soffit of the undercroft was in poor condition. It needed a solution which would require low future maintenance due to its inaccessible position. Two coats of KEIM Soldalit were applied to the soffit for a long-lasting coverage, and KEIM Concretal Lasur applied to each column to create a uniform finish. 

You’ve likely seen the work of Charlie Davis amongst the pages of your favourite home renovation magazines. A Sussex-based Freelance Stylist specialising in interiors, Charlie has more recently turned her attention to the renovation of a double-fronted Victorian property. This outstanding example of 19th Century architecture will become a Location House, which with Charlie’s creative vision will be available for hire for photo shoots, tv, film and events.The spare room of the house was to become the perfect photography backdrop, reminiscent of perfectly imperfect Venetian plaster. The walls and cornicing would be decorated to replicate a historic limewash finish, a trend we continue to see grow in popularity.Charlie spoke with Amie Paxton, Technical Sales Advisor for KEIM Mineral Paints, on how to create the perfect finish. With just a handful of inspiration photographs, Amie produced a selection of sample boards combining award-winning KEIM Innostar with KEIM Restauro Lasur, a colourwash similar in appearance to limewash and just as breathable but composed of mineral pigments and potassium silicate for a permanent chemical bond.Charlie opted for KEIM Innostar 9314 with KEIM Restauro Lasur 9529 for the walls and KEIM Innostar 9255 with KEIM Restauro Lasur 9249 for the decorative cornice, commenting on receipt of the mock ups; “the samples look absolutely gorgeous, they are just what we wanted.”Armed with KEIM’s Oval Brush and with minimum application guidance, Charlie created an authentic looking and elegant limewash finish throughout the spare room of her Location House, available to hire via 07.crescent_locationhouse on Instagram.The process of creating a limewash finish onto any interior mineral substrate, whether previously painted or bare, is much easier than you may think and can be as simple as just two coats of paint. If you’re inspired to create your own serene space or would like further information, contact Amie Paxton via sales@keimpaints.co.ukCharlie commented “we have finally finished the room with your products and it looks incredible! I have already had people ask about it and I have referred them to you. It is exactly what I was hoping for and looks so incredibly stylish! Thank you.”The exterior of the property was also decorated using KEIM Paints. KEIM Fixativ was applied onto the lime render, followed by KEIM Soldalit Grob to equalise textural differences from the lime patch repairs. KEIM Soldalit-ME 9197 and AG71 was chosen for this Victorian property, including the porch and mouldings.  

Albion Riverside is a high-end residential and commercial development located on the southwest bank of the River Thames. It is between two listed and historic bridges – Albert Bridge and Battersea Bridge and not too far from Westminster. It has been built to create a dynamic quarter in Battersea, London, on the upper floors there are apartments and on lower levels are shops, art galleries and an indoor pool. KEIM Concretal Lasur was applied in 2003 to the V Beams and the swimming pool soffits to improve the concrete appearance whilst still maintaining a natural concrete effect.

Asta House, part of the 80 Charlotte Street development, comprises 22 apartments which have been designed with rich detail and luxurious materials throughout. The wide-windowed brick and slate building was decorated with KEIM Royalan to give a stylish, sleek finish.  

The owners of this domestic property in Penn, High Wycombe were looking to decorate their basement garage. They wanted the internal painted in-situ concrete to look like unpainted concrete.Dave Smith, Senior Sales Executive, and Nicola Young, Senior Colourist of KEIM Mineral Paints visited the property in August 2019 to trial samples for the client. It was noted during the visit that the walls were damp and required to be dried out prior to the applying of KEIM Mineral Paints. Pumps and dehumidifiers were installed to help this process.Once the moisture levels in the walls were below 18% by volume, the application of KEIM Design Lasur commenced.A translucent stain was applied to the walls, followed by KEIM Design Lasur sea sponged onto the surface to mimic a concrete appearance.

Tell us about the projectAs part of the Brilliant Bamboo programme, artists Rob Fenton and Reiko Kaneko created two striking new murals in Stoke-on-Trent, celebrating the city’s ceramic heritage and the creative potential of bamboo.Gemma Thomas, director of Brilliant Bamboo, worked closely with both artists throughout the project – from setting the brief together to shaping ideas and collaborating through feedback.She said: “We set out to do more than just create something visually impressive. We wanted to celebrate the city’s story, connect it with the future potential of bamboo and stay true to our values around sustainability and community.”The project had several aims:•To create beautiful, thoughtful public artworks•To offer a fresh perspective on the city’s artistic and industrial heritage•To link local ceramic history to Brilliant Bamboo’s ongoing exploration of bamboo as a creative, sustainable material•To champion more environmentally responsible approaches to public artReiko’s mural, alongside the canal in Stoke, features a bold, oversized bamboo design. Rob’s mural, close to the historic former Spode factory, was inspired by Chinoiserie patterns from the pottery firm’s archive. The two murals share visual motifs and a coordinated colour palette, creating a sense of cohesion across locations.Why did you choose KEIM Mineral Paints?Gemma and Rob were determined to choose materials that aligned with the values of Brilliant Bamboo.Rob, who is well-known for his large-scale murals, said: “I learned that paint makes up 53 per cent of microplastics globally – that blew my mind. It made me realise how important it is to be more conscious of what we’re putting into our buildings and the environment.”The team selected KEIM mineral paints for their technical performance, environmental credentials and suitability for historic brickwork.Rob added: “I hadn’t used KEIM before, but the more I learned the more I realised how perfect it was for this project. We were delivering murals on historic brickwork, and traditional acrylics can flake. KEIM mineral paints penetrate the surface and allow the bricks to breathe – it’s an organic product in an organic location.”What do you think of our paints?Both artists were new to mineral paints and had to adapt their usual techniques, something they embraced as part of the creative process. They also decided to share colours across the two murals to avoid waste and ensure they didn’t over-order paint.Rob said: “The drying time was incredible – I had to completely rethink how I worked, and fortunately the Keim team are really knowledgeable about their products. Bryan talked me through the dos and don’ts, such as not mixing the paints with water on the wall.”Reiko, who usually works in ceramics and mineral inks, was similarly taken with the results. Although this was her first public mural, she quickly became confident and excited when working with KEIM paints and introduced the idea of incorporating gold into the two designs. What excites you about our colours?From golden highlights glinting in the sun, to the earthy, natural tones that echoed ceramic glazes and the local environment, the colour choices helped to tie the project to its place and its purpose.Rob said: “You get a real glimmer from the gold as you drive past – it’s a beautiful colour. No other company that I am aware of does a metallic as vibrant as this. When I opened the drum it looked like real gold, like melted bullion. Gemma added: “Putting the metallics with the earthy tones was when the project came together. It will be interesting to see how it continues to weather, but we feel it will keep its richness because of the quality of the paint.”A lasting impactKEIM paints will continue to play a key role if Brilliant Bamboo extends the Brilliant Botanicals project to create more murals. Gemma said: “This project brought together several of the things we care about most – beauty, sustainability and place. It shows how public art can be joyful, thoughtful and values-led.“As a company we can’t compromise on our values and the ethos of the project, and if it expands, we’ll be advising future artists to use KEIM.”Rob added: “It’s slightly more expensive, but it’s absolutely worth it. I’ll definitely be using KEIM again, and I’ll be talking to more clients about it. The actual product is phenomenal and the company was great to work with.“This big project was a learning curve for me but I am very proud of what we created together. It would have looked very different if we had used a traditional masonry paint.”

The popularity for limewash or Venetian plaster aesthetics is increasing, but as watered-down acrylic paint mixed with bicarbonate of soda isn’t vapour permeable and can contain solvents, we’ve developed KEIM Colourwash – an interior mineral paint to replicate historic finishes which is non-caustic in composition and non-chalky in finish.In addition to the high quality associated with KEIM Mineral Paints, KEIM Colourwash is #likelimewashbutbetter, uses UV stable pigment and supplied ready for use, making it ideal to apply onto both bare and previously painted walls and ceilings.Following the launch of KEIM Colourwash in April 2023, we’ve been searching for collaboration projects to showcase the easiest way to achieve a limewash aesthetic without the hassle of limewash.Nathalie Mackinnon (AKA Nat the Painter), already experienced with the application of KEIM Mineral Paints for projects including St Andrew’s by the Wardrobe, put forward KEIM Colourwash for Waterloo wine bar, Café Del Marsh.Soft and cosy Colourwash KNIT was chosen to compliment the Parisian-influenced interior of the contemporary café and live music venue, paired with Farrow & Ball Wimborne White for the wooden panelling. Sol-silicate Colourwash BASE is suitable for direct application onto previously painted surfaces and creates the perfect opaque white base to create depth to Colourwash shades.“I can’t believe the coverage of Colourwash, it goes on like a dream. I can’t speak highly enough of the product and finish. It actually looks fantastic.”Nathalie rocketed through the paint application (you can follow the Café del Marsh decoration journey on Instagram: @natthepainter or @keimcolourwash), applying a single coat of Colourwash BASE followed by one coat of Colourwash KNIT with 12 hours between coats. Nathalie commented “I love the finish. Colourwash goes on like a dream”.

The Castle Hotel Windsor, dating back to the 1600s, is situated amongst some of the most historic examples of architecture in the UK. The hotel is located opposite Windsor Guildhall, near to royal attractions such as St George’s Chapel and Windsor Castle.The Castle Hotel first began its life in 1528 as The Mermaid Inn, brewing beer and cider. In the 1700s, Richard Martin was awarded the first of the hotel’s Royal Warrants, to provide horses and carriages for the royal household, making it one of the most popular and grandest places to stay in the Royal Borough.By the 19th century, the Duke of Wellington dined at the hotel following his victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, which elevated its reputation as the connoisseur’s choice of accommodation in the area.Today, The Castle Hotel Windsor retains this reputation and has recently been restored and to preserve the elegance and atmosphere of its rich history.It was recommended to remove all existing render and re-render using NHL (Natural Hydraulic Lime) to allow full breathability.The KEIM Soldalit-ME system, in colour 9435, was specified for the redecoration of The Castle Hotel Windsor to provide a long-lasting and durable paint finish. It has the added environmental benefit of helping degrade nitrogen oxide pollutants from the atmosphere. The photocatalytic reaction also helps to breakdown organic material and contaminants, keeping surfaces cleaner for longer.

Formerly known as the Neighbourhood Learning Centre (NLC), Compass Community Hub in Merthyr Tydfil has undergone a complete redevelopment sponsored through the Shared Prosperity Fund. The project has been transformed into a unique accommodation centre providing young residents with both housing and on-site training.In 2022, the demolition phase began and as part of the Council’s Capital Programme investment project, the centre was relocated from the three into two blocks, with the third converted into five self-contained apartments.Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council have previously used KEIM Mineral Paints on another regeneration project and specified using KEIM again on this redevelopment, due to its breathability and longevity credentials.Bryan Roe of KEIM Mineral Paints visited the project and specified KEIM Royalan. The main reason for this was that on the high elevations, they are open to windswept rain.KEIM Royalan, in colours 9505, 9543, 9514 and 9162, was applied onto the new render to allow full breathability and longevity. The masonry paint will last for years to come.KEIM Royalan is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, prominently in coastal and exposed locations.The new community centre opened in March 2023, with Merthyr Valleys Homes taking over the housing element of the scheme. 

During the restoration process the external façade was decorated to create high quality light Portland stone and bath stone paint effects, onto the render substrate, using KEIM Restauro Lasur. The subtle stone appearance created by the system will offer unparalleled longevity and protection. The colours are UV stable and therefore will not fade and the coating is moisture vapour permeable so doesn’t trap moisture in the substrate.

The outer walls were constructed using blockwork and then rendered using KEIM Universal Render, which is an extremely flexible render system, negating the needs for expansion joints which would look unsightly on the impressive building. The render was then painted using KEIM Soldalit which combines durability with breathability, ensuring the system will last for many years. The swimming pools ceilings were also plastered using KEIM Universal Render but the fine version for a smooth finish, and decorated with KEIM Soldalit to give a high performance finish in such a humid environment.

This 12 year old, sea-facing property suffered from pink algae growth affecting the textured through-colour render and copings stones. There was a leak to the external staircase and the balcony downspout, which caused staining and what appeared to be salt efflorescence; this area required attention prior to decoration. KEIM Royalan was specified on the sea-facing elevation to protection the property from harsh weather conditions and give a long lasting, colour-fast and decorative matt finish. KEIM Lotexan was applied onto the coping stones to help shed water and reduce algae growth.

Located just off New York Street in Manchester city centre, Manhattan is a seven-storey development comprising 42 one and two-bedroom apartments. In a New York loft style, each property features floor to ceiling windows and private terraces set into a multi-level garden wall. On the seventh floor, there are duplex penthouses offering views over King Street and across the city. The ground floor also offers 2,000 sq ft of retail space.During several site visits, the original red brick was examined, and the requirements for a blue/black finish was discussed. Using KEIM’s Brick Colour Range, Nicola Young, KEIM’s Senior Colourist, conducted trial applications of KEIM Restauro Lasur, using different opacity ratios, to ensure colour consistency.Once the colour required had been achieved a specification was produced for a four coat KEIM Restauro Lasur system, comprising of two coats of diluted bespoke black base colour in a fairly opaque finish, followed by two further coats of a combination of two differing colours, more heavily diluted.The original red brick front façade of this five storey building was retained and enhanced to reference a more industrial feel. To fulfil the design brief, the client wanted to change in colour of the bricks to blue/black, without the bricks appearing painted.KEIM Restauro Lasur, a low pigmentation silicate colour wash, which acts as a stain that penetrates the surface of the brick, was used to change the colour of the façade, retaining the look and feel of the original bricks. KEIM Restauro Lasur is a breathable, colourfast system, which retains the original brick appearance and increases light reflectivity, whilst retaining a natural looking finish. The beauty of the KEIM Restauro Lasur system is that it can be used to achieve almost any effect without the surface appearing painted.

Devonshire Row, 150 Bishopsgate is a residential and commercial redevelopment in Central London. The existing façade was retained amongst the area to be redeveloped. The project consisted of 97,718 square metres of floor space and includes a site area of 5,000 square metres, with 284 residential units, car parking, leisure and entertainment facilities as well as business ventures. KEIM’s remit was to coat the existing Bath stone façade to match and blend seamlessly with the new Portland Stone façade.To deal with the potential for the new stone to age differently, KEIM Fixativ was applied to preserve and prevent the surface from getting soiled.KEIM Soldalit in colour 9295 was applied to all the surfaces, followed by a two-coat application of KEIM Restauro Lasur in colours ST019 and ST002 to mimic the new Portland Stone façade.

The owner of this converted church in Leven, Fife consulted an architect who specialises in the restoration of churches, Des Cairns, about the ongoing maintenance and decoration of her property. Des Cairns recommended Tony Carter, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints to visit site to assess the existing wall paint, and suggest a plan for future painting.Des discussed with the owner that with old stone buildings, churches, palaces etc, KEIM is the paint of choice for restoration as it allows the building to breathe.During Tony’s visit, he explained how KEIM Paints are still made using a 140 year old recipe that consists of natural mineral pigments. It allows the walls to breathe, preventing flaking paint in the future. The colour is guaranteed not to fade or change over time, even up to 100 years.KEIM have their own Exclusiv colour range along with other standard colours and offer a colour match facility.KEIM Optil was chosen as it can be applied to previously painted surfaces such as painted plaster, plasterboard and sandstone window mullions without the need for primer.The owner said, “The painter was impressed with how well the paint covered”.“I am delighted with the result and finish of KEIM Paint. It is reassuring to have the architect’s recommendation and the knowledge that the paint will work with the building in the long term and last. It was a very big job to paint the inside of the church, in part it is 33 feet high and the whole job took several weeks. It is something I hope not to have to do again in my lifetime, so I wanted the best. I can strongly recommend KEIM Paint.”

Breathing new life into a 16th century farmhouse in Redmarley, Gloucester, Durbridge House has undergone extensive renovation works. Bryan Roe of KEIM Mineral Paints, visited the property and found evidence of algae, and flaking paint. In order to provide a solid foundation on which to paint, a skim coat of KEIM Universal Render for the base of the exterior stonework was recommended, to consolidate the fried stone and create a bell shape for improved water shedding.The damp chimney stack on the north elevation was stripped back, using the DOFF system (a high temperature, low pressure method, which is least invasive for the brick facia), to release trapped water and left to dry for two weeks prior to re-decoration. Bryan recommended removing all loose material by wire brush, as well as stripping the chimney stack and base of the stonewall to the north elevation, as much as possible.To remove the red algae, 50:50 of bleach and water was advocated, in addition to KEIM Algicid for mould and algae growth. The KEIM Royalan system was recommended, due to its durability and breathability. It was applied to the newly skimmer render and will provide a long-lasting coating, as its highly resistant to fungal and algae growth, while also being resistant to airborne pollutants and acid rain. 

The structureThis residential property emerged from the ashes of a World War II bomb site formerly occupied by a coach house, and was constructed circa 1945 by a local postman to serve as a family home.The distinctive characteristicsSurrounded by grand white stucco houses, this property was a joyful oddity amongst the archetypal street. With an off-centre pitch, horizonal windows and a central door, the owner was keen to work with and improve the existing fabric. The renovation The property had been re-built under a new centred pitched roof extending across two storeys to the rear. Stepping down at ground floor to a deep brick-finned façade opening onto a protected and peaceful walled garden.At the front, the old and new bricks were sewn together under a coat of bagged lime wash and mineral paint and insulated internally. The rendered base speaks to its stuccoed neighbours and grounds the building; the subtle depth of the relief creates a play of light across the front facade in the evening sun, celebrating its distinctive character.Why KEIM?The owner had been aware of the unique properties of mineral paints for allowing bricks to be painted but crucially to breathe, understanding so often houses are painted with non-breathable paints and the suffocated bricks lead to condensation. A mineral paint was required that can be painted over brickwork as well as the rendered base.The owner reached out and arranged a site visit with James Best, Senior Sales Executive at KEIM Mineral Paints. Following his expert guidance, it was recommended to utilize KEIM Soldalit for the project. Samples of five distinct shades of white were provided for testing across various façade orientations and times of day. The owner ultimately selected KEIM Soldalit in colour 9870, commenting “It is the perfect white. It is warm without being yellow and looks great in direct sunlight, shadow and of course our many overcast days.”

Falkener House is a 17 storey, residential apartment block located near Coventry city centre. It was originally constructed in 1968 to provide council accommodation.New regulations stipulate that buildings of over 18 metres in height must be fire resistant and classify to A2-s1, d0. KEIM Paints are the only paint manufacturer, to date, that meet this classification.Leicester based Elhance Limited, who specialise in cladding and roofing installation and repair, contacted KEIM to provide a fire resistant paint coating. Bryan Roe, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints, visited site and produced a comprehensive specification. His findings included moss and green growth over the previously painted concrete, particularly on the south elevation and corners. A power spray was recommended to thoroughly clean the surfaces as part of the pre-paint preparation.Upon cleaning, it was found that the previous paintwork was in good condition. KEIM Soldalit-ME was specified due to its A2-s1, d0 fire classification. Soldalit-ME is a durable exterior paint that has the added benefit of breaking down organic material and contaminants, which will keep the surfaces cleaners for longer.The facades will not require decoration for another 10-15 years, if not more.A further two tower blocks, also situated in Coventry, have been commissioned to be painted using KEIM Soldalit-ME again due to its fire resistant and durable benefits

This Grade II listed farmhouse in Monmouthshire has recently been redecorated using the KEIM Granital system. The 16th – 18th century limewashed lime rendered property needed a freshen up. The limewash was delaminating and powdery, lower sections on the northern elevation were damp with black mould, green growth moss and algae were prevalent on all elevations, as well as hairline cracks within the render.   It was specified that all elevations should be cleaned free of excessive mould and green-growth and powdery residue from the limewash. KEIM Algicid-Plus to be applied and left to dry on the surface before coating. The lower exposed render on the front elevation was suffering from splash back off the paving stone, it was recommended that an application of KEIM Silan Primer was applied on the first 0.5m of this elevation, to allow improved water repellence. The KEIM Granital system was then used to obliterate hairline cracks and provide a breathable coating.  

Gracefield Parish Church is located in Ballymaguigan, a small rural community in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. This historical building dates back from its origins as a Moravian Church which was established in 1767. Now, it is Gracefield Church of the Parish of Woodschapel in the diocese of Armagh of the Church of Ireland.The category B2 listed church was suffering from internal fissures and cracks within the previously distempered lime plastered surfaces. KEIM Mineral Paints were chosen for this project due to their unique features and benefits as well as suitability for historical and listed buildings. Leighton Johnston Associates decision to choose KEIM was based on its breathability and durability. KEIM Mineral Paints are highly breathable, allowing moisture to escape from the walls, which is crucial for the preservations of historic buildings. Tony Carter, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints, visited the church and recommended removing all loose and flaking materials to pare back the surface to a sound edge. KEIM Fixativ was then applied to consolidate the dusty substrate, followed by KEIM Optil Grob to fill hairline cracks and equalise the textural differences on the surface. KEIM Optil was the chosen paint system, it is the premium interior paint for modern and historic architectural design, combining mineral quality with an attractive, consistent finish that will not crack. 

What is the Halnaker Technique?The Halnaker Technique is an application method used to repair damaged brickwork, fill mortar joints and even out cracks, retaining the brick finish and creating a breathable coverage. Named after the property in Chichester where the technique was conceived, Halnaker has widely been used on projects where rain, exposure or wear has caused the brickwork to become damaged.When to use? The Halnaker technique can be used onto any brick substrate, however it is predominately used when the brickwork is damaged. When bricks are exposed to dampness or frost, they become damaged through a process called spalling. Due to moisture absorption, especially when water freezes and expands, the brick surface and mortar cracks and deteriorates. If left untreated, this can weaken the integrity of the brick wall. Occasionally the removal of paint can damage a brick surface which will conjointly lead to spalling. It can be used to cover uneven brickwork, refacing damaged brick, repointing mortar and retrain the look of brickwork.Breathe easy with KEIMWhen you are choosing a render and/or paint system, either for a renovation or a new building project, it is important to consider the base material being rendered and/or painted.Older or heritage buildings, such as churches or listed properties, or those positioned in exposed locations, often suffer with damp. This is a build-up of trapped moisture within the walls or bricks. Paints such as KEIM, which have high-water vapour permeability (breathability) can help any humidity that has been captured in buildings to be quickly released into the environment. This release of moisture helps to prevent longer term damage such as erosion, blistering, damp or flaking paint. Using KEIM enables painted surfaces to breathe without compromising the finish. The Halnaker TechniqueKEIM Mineral Paints offer various repair systems, our initial recommendations for the repair of uneven brick faces would be a skim coat using KEIM Uniputz 0.6 (Universal Render-Fine).   Mix in the ratio of 1 kg KEIM Uniputz 0.6 (Universal Render-Fine) to 0.27 - 0.29 litres water using a mechanical stirrer or plaster mixing machine/sprayer. Do not overmix material, as overmixing entails the risk of a marked loss of strength. Material which has already set must not be remixed. Apply to pre-wetted surfaces by trowel and lay off using a grout float or similar. This will reinstate the brick faces and repoint where required, without losing the brick finish. Allow a minimum period of 15 days before proceeding with decoration.Paint SystemKEIM Soldalit is the recommended paint system due to the range and depth of colours. One of the main benefits of using KEIM Soldalit is that it is fire resistant and meets the category A2-s1, d0. Fire certificates are available upon request.

Headland House in Dale, Haverfordwest is a detached barn conversion. We advised to remove all existing coatings using the DOFF & TORK system. The smooth render had evidence of red algae on some of the surfaces, we therefore recommended for these areas to be treated using a bleach solution prior to decoration of KEIM. A three-coat application of the KEIM Royalan system was applied due to the coastal location of this property, to give a long lasting, high performance coating.

Overlooking Lake Windermere, England's largest lake at 10.5 miles long, sits this impressive Victorian country house, High Wray Bank. Months of meticulous planning was needed involving the National Trust and Friends of the Lake District in order to organise and project manage the restoration and development of the site including the historic villa and barn, external works and underground swimming pool.Locally based Hyde Harrington who managed the restoration, contacted KEIM Mineral Paints at the start of the project back in 2021. They required a specific quality of paint that was both durable, and breathable. Paul Milligan, Senior Sales Executive for the North of England visited the project to complete a site survey and comprehensive specification.KEIM Universal Render was applied onto the existing stone building and blockwork extension as a base layer, followed by KEIM Mineralputz; a high quality, mineral rough plaster with a grain size of 5mm.All surfaces were lastly coated using KEIM Royalan in colour 9339, an off-white shade which compliments the new grey stone extension. KEIM Royalan was ideal for the location of this project with wetter lake district climes. It offers water resistant properties and withstands harsh weather conditions. This is a beautiful transformation and shows what can be achieved using KEIM products, which are durable, breathable and long-lasting. 

HMP Five Wells, Millers Park, Wellingborough HMP Wellingborough is Britain’s biggest prison holding 1,680 inmates. A flagship, mega, category C jail, aimed to rehabilitate offenders with rooms flooded by natural light and barless windows. There are dedicated classrooms and workshops for ‘high quality academic and vocational learning’.The new seven staggered cross-shaped buildings ensure that corridors are broken up into smaller zones, which enables staff to have more direct contact with inmates. They have been designed in this way to offer better use of outside space for sports and gardening facilities.The aim of the programme was to modernise the prison estate to build a more efficient, safer and focused supporting rehabilitation for inmates.KEIM paints were specified for the project due to it being recommended and applied at HMP Wrexham previously.Dave Smith, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints, was on hand to help during the entire decoration of the prison. Discussions were carried out with the contractor regarding VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), BREEAM and algae and fungal resistance.In order to maintain a consistent colour, KEIM recommended that the precast concrete was painted. This provided both a cost effective solution for colouring the concrete as well as ensuring consistency of finish.A training session was held by Dave & Nicola Young, Senior Colourist of KEIM, for the sub contractor to show them the application of the paint.KEIM Concrete Cleaner and KEIM Soldalit-ME were specified to clean and decorate the concrete exterior of the housing, administration block, and the medical wing. KEIM Soldalit-ME has particular environmental benefits as it helps to degrade nitrogen oxide pollutants from the atmosphere, offering durable protection for years if not decades to come.

This site is within what was originally the estate of a large house, known as Longhurst, in south Belfast. It has now been divided into several large residential properties with views across Lagan Valley Regional Park.McGonigle McGarth Architects contacted KEIM Mineral Paints because they wanted to use a breathable mineral paint, applied onto bare concrete and render. On any new build project, McGonigle McGarth Architects use KEIM to allow the mineral paint to penetrate into the unpainted surface and creating a chemical bond that acts to both keeping water out but allows water vapour to pass through. Tony Carter, Senior Sales Executive of KEIM Mineral Paints, visited Longhurst and recommended using KEIM Granital onto the render to provide an opaque finish, along with KEIM Concretal Lasur, a low pigmentation colour wash that acts as a stain, onto the smooth surface to maintain the look and feel of concrete.This project has been shortlisted for the Royal Society of Ulster Architects Awards 2024. The winner will be announced on 9th May 2024.

KEIM Concretal W was applied to the external concrete to give a vibrant white finish with unparalleled concrete protection which will not fade and yellow over time. KEIM Concretal W provides an integral protective and decorative finish to the concrete.

Built in 1888, Marina Park is a prominent residential development located in the coastal town of St Leonards-on-Sea. With its proximity to the seafront and exposure to harsh coastal weather, the Georgian style building required restoration and protection of the existing previously painted rendered surfaces.Asletts Ltd, a local contractor, were appointed to complete the works. They required a long-lasting and breathable finish that would withstand the marine coastal environments.A thorough clean was recommended, followed by a coat of KEIM Soldalit Grob to equalise any textural differences and fill hairline cracks within the render. A two-coat application of KEIM Soldalit-ME was applied due to its outstanding long-term durability.Director of Asletts Ltd, Linden Aslett commented “We recently used KEIM paint for a project at Marina Park in St. Leonard’s-on-Sea and were thoroughly impressed with the results. One of the standout features was the exceptional breathability of the product. In a coastal environment where moisture control is critical, KEIM's mineral-based formulation allowed the substrate to breathe naturally while still offering long-lasting protection. This played a key role in preserving the integrity of the underlying surfaces and preventing common issues like peeling or blistering.The coverage was also excellent, even on older masonry and rendered areas, the paint applied evenly and achieved a consistent finish with minimal effort. Its rich pigmentation and durability gave the site a refreshed and professional look that has stood up well to the elements.Overall, KEIM paint delivered exactly what we needed for a high-performance, long-lasting solution in a challenging environment. We would gladly use it again and highly recommend it for similar projects where breathability, durability, and quality of finish are essential.”KEIM Soldalit-ME will withstand harsh climatic conditions, ranging from hot, humid tropical conditions to harsh cold environments, ideal for severe and coastal UK weather. It is suited for use in exposed and coastal locations such as marine environments.

Meadow House is a 17 storey, block of flats situated in Coventry. The residential apartment block was built in 1967 and is the second tower block, in Coventry, to be painted using KEIM for its fire-resistant certifications.Similarly to Falkener House, located near Coventry cite centre, this project required a fire-resistant coating and must classify to A2-s1,d0, to meet current building regulations.The applicator, Elhance Limited, who are Leicester based, contacted KEIM to provide a fire-resistant paint. The painted concrete balcony surrounds, and painted brickwork were in relatively good condition. There was general dirt from the urban environment as well as moss and green growth on the surface which required cleaning before any decoration was to take place.KEIM Soldalit-ME was specified due to its A2-s1,d0 fire classification. It is a durable exterior paint that has the added benefit of breaking down organic material and contaminants, which will keep the surfaces cleaners for longer.The facades will not require decoration for another 10-15 years, if not more.A final tower block, also situated in Coventry, has been commissioned to be painted using KEIM Soldalit-ME again due to its fire resistant and durable benefits.

KEIM NHL KalkPutz is new to the UK, with Montalto House being the first specified and completed project, but has been used for many years by KEIM in Germany and other worldwide KEIM subsidiaries. It is a multipurpose Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) render suitable for both manual and machine application, and for interior, exterior and damp areas. KEIM NHL Kalkputz can be used as a complete lime render system and also for patch repair of existing NHL rendered facades, over large or in localised areas.

Loxford Lodge, Homeleigh and Borough Farm are residential properties within the National Trust estate of Arlington Court, Devon. The grounds cover over 20 miles of footpaths, offering walks such as the Lake walk and Deer Park walk.The National Trust contacted KEIM as they needed a reliable vapour permeable paint, which is more resilient than limewash, to decorate the previously limewashed substrates. The National Trust have previously worked with KEIM on many projects, so they were aware of the benefits that KEIM Paints has to offer.During the site inspection carried out by Julian Cullum of KEIM Mineral Paints, there was evidence of green mould and algae growth on the render.It was recommended to wash down the surfaces by pressure washing and using a stiff brush to remove all mould and fungal growth. KEIM Algicid-Plus was applied and allowed to dry for 24 hours before the decoration could commence.KEIM Fixativ was specified to consolidate the limewash render, followed by a coat of KEIM Soldalit Grob to give an even finish and fill hairline cracks within the render. KEIM Soldalit-ME, in colour 9037, was applied as it has a high resistance against mould and algae, which may build up from the tree canopies surrounding the properties.Following the completion of this project, The National Trust have several more projects they would like us to get involved in.

Paradise View is the latest landmark residential development completed by developer Topland and partner CoLico Living.It is a £25 million regeneration project, transforming Birmingham city centre's Beneficial Building which had laid unoccupied for 13 years.Acquired in February 2022, the development plan included 159 build to rent apartments, 24 hour gym, 5,000 sq ft of retail space as well as a rooftop terrace.The main contractor BAM Construction Limited, approached KEIM as they required a paint system that was not only fire resistant, but also anti-carbonation to use on the exterior aspects of the high rise building.Unsurprisingly, the exterior was in a state of disrepair, with rust and rebar showing in some areas. Repairs were carried out to the concrete, with Concretal W specified to protect the old surface, due to its A2-s1, d0 fire resistant capabilities. This system will reduce the spread of flames onto the previously painted sections, but noted that full A2-s1, d0 fire rating couldn't be achieved without the removal of the old masonry paint.Paradise View is one of many recent programmes where KEIM have been involved transforming inner city commercial blocks into alternative use buildings in a bid to re-imagine, rejuvenate and reuse.

Park Farm Barns are barn conversions set in the Shropshire countryside. The simple, elegant interiors have been curated by Charters Property, with sustainability at the forefront. Beautiful designs and detailing has been evident, from the original roof boards, gravity arches and beams to the soft lime plastered walls. KEIM Mineral Paints were chosen on these barn conversions due to its breathability and sustainability credentials. The mix of lime plastered walls and gypsum walls were decorated using KEIM Optil in a warm neutral palette. It is a modern mineral paint, ideal for application onto historic and contemporary buildings. KEIM Innostar, which is a one coat paint, was applied onto the gypsum ceilings for a clean healthy living environment. It allowed rooms to be occupied the same day.

The Park Hill Estate in Sheffield was built as a council estate between 1957 and 1961. It was designed by Jack Lynn and Ivor Smith in a brutalist architectural style and has always divided opinions.Described as revolutionary for its time, the concept was `Streets in the Sky` with wide deck areas and distinctive concrete frame.  Whilst demolition of the site was being considered, in 1998 the estate was listed by English Heritage and given Grade II* status which was considered very controversial and attracted much criticism.  It is the largest listed building in Europe and, with its protected status, it was decided to renovate and redevelop the site as a joint venture between Urban Splash and English Heritage.The future of the scheme was to develop the site into desirable upmarket apartments, business units and social housing and the success has been widely publicised, including features in almost all architectural and concrete magazines, with a shortlisting for the 2013 RIBA Stirling Prize & 2023 RIBA Yorkshire awards, as well as winners of the AJ Retrofit Awards 2023.The key involvement for KEIM Mineral Paints was renovation of the extensive concrete frame. The discoloured concrete gave a drab and dirty look to the building – not the desirable, upmarket effect that the designers were looking for. The first consideration was to paint the frame in its entirety but this would have led to the loss of what is considered to be the most iconic feature of the building. So the challenge was to renovate the frame, improve the colour and finish without creating a painted effect.The answer was to use KEIM Concretal Lasur. This innovative paint system is a colourwash or stain which is applied onto concrete to cover blemishes and enhance the appearance, whilst, most importantly, keeping the look of natural concrete. KEIM Concretal Lasur has all of the features integral to KEIM Mineral Paints such as a permanent and highly protective chemical bond, complete UV stability and resistance to mould and fungal growth.KEIM Concretal Lasur is diluted with a complementary product using differing ratios and opacities to achieve the required colour and coverage, whilst still enabling surfaces to look like unpainted concrete. The system can also be employed to minimise any unsightly repairs to concrete. The versatility of the system allows almost complete coverage of repairs, or slight coverage, if preferred, which enhances the natural look of the concrete but gives the effect of a more visually appealing finish.

Premier Inn located on Custom House Street in Cardiff is a Grade II listed building built in the mid 1800s. It has recently been transformed into a 248-bedroom hotel and associated bar and block restaurant.Custom House has been carefully renovated in accordance with the architectural plans, preserving its listed facades and historical elements. The scheme's concept was based on the goal of creating a superior tower that will blend in with Cardiff's ring of towering structures, serve as a backdrop for the historic Custom House building, and revitalise it from street level.KEIM Soldalit Fixativ was applied onto the newly lime rendered surfaces to equalise surface porosity. A coat of KEIM Soldalit Grob was used to act as a bridging coat on the painted render and to fill hairline cracks to create an even texture throughout. The technical representative, Bryan Roe, of KEIM Mineral Paints recommended the KEIM Soldalit-ME paint system by reason of withstanding the pollution with the added benefit of a long-expected lifespan.

Originally founded back in 1969, Dublin headquartered multinational fashion retailer, Primark, has expanded to become a household name, with shops on many of the major high streets. One such location is in the seaside town of Brighton, where on Western Road, this art deco style building became part of Primark in 2007.Previously a British Home Stores (BHS) in 1931 and later a C&A fashion store, it is one of several buildings that appeared on the main street during the mid-war epoch and features wing-life motifs along the facade.The building’s exterior was in need of renovation, in part due to its age, and due to its seaside location. The project required renovation works to the existing previously painted render to retain the Art Deco style and improve the energy efficiency of the building envelope. As well as replacing the façade glazing with a new curtain walling system.The contractor, Uplands Retail Ltd, contacted KEIM Mineral Paints as it was proposed that all existing coatings were to be removed, so they required a breathable paint. Richard Perry, National Sales Manager of KEIM, visited the project and recommended removing all existing coatings with KEIM STS 7M, an environmentally friendly, non-hazardous paint stripper. Plymouth based decorators, The Rogers Group, trialled KEIM STS 7M and were happy with the results. KEIM Soldalit Grob, a textured undercoat, was then applied to equalise surface textures, followed by a two-coat system of KEIM Soldalit-ME in colours 9497 and 9154.Using KEIM Mineral Paints not only preserves the buildings architectural heritage but also provides long-term protection against environmental factors. The nature of the paints ensure that moisture does not become trapped within the building fabric offering full breathability and longevity.