KEIM Silex OH

KEIM Silex OH is an ethyl silicate consolidant system for natural stone, render and other absorbent mineral surfaces to strengthen embrittled surfaces.

Best Uses

KEIM Silex OH is suitable for surfaces where the substrate has become unstable, and a deep surface penetration is required to strengthen embrittled surfaces.  KEIM Silex OH is however not a water repellent system and requires over-coating. Keim Silex OH can be used for consolidation of any porous mineral substrate including natural stone, sandstone and render.

Keim Silex OH penetrates deep into the pores of building materials. Once the small solvent content has evaporated, the silicate reacts chemically with the moisture naturally present in the building material and atmospheric humidity to form silica gel and alcohol. This reaction time generally takes three weeks. After this period, only the silica gel remains in the building material. Deposition of the mineral gel consolidates the building material without impairing water vapour permeability. Keim Silex OH has no water shedding capabilities.

Application

All loose, flaking and unstable material must be identified and then thoroughly removed, all surfaces must be thoroughly washed down with clean cold water to remove all surface dirt and dust. When all surfaces are clean, sound, wind dry, dust free and free from all surface contaminants, application of Keim Silex OH may proceed.

This skilled procedure requires the repeated application of Keim Silex OH until the stone can absorb no further materials (i.e. is fully saturated). Excess material should be blotted off using clean, dry, lint free cloths. Surfaces should be left for a minimum period of 14 days prior to any further treatment. Please note this is a minimum time period and may need to be extended until surfaces are fully consolidated. Do not apply in direct sunlight or onto sun-heated surfaces, nor if it is
raining or if there is an immediate likelihood of rain.