has an excellent historic pedigree dating back to 1884.
are one of only two manufacturers who currently produce these single component mineral paints that still form active silica bonds with the background. This is what gives them such incredible durability - lasting many decades.
has a "breathability" (water vapour permeability) comparable to limewash which results in healthier, drier buildings.
are water repellant and so ideal for exposed situations
protect against natural and chemical weathering, smog, and dirt penetration, algae and fungal growth are incombustible and light fast.
are completely non-toxic and contains no VOC's, this makes them safe for you and your familiy to work and live with.
gives a beautiful matt aesthetic which is highly appropriate for old buildings.
How much paint will I need?
We work on an average coverage rate of 6.5-8.0m2 per litre - this varies depening on background. For assistance with calculating quantities - please make use of our quantity calculator that will also assist you with calculating any primers etc.
What if I want a colour that is not on your chart?
We can tailor mix a colour to your specification from e.g. a magazine or sample of old paint, please call to speak to one of our paint advisers on 01874 611350.
Do I need a primer?
The Aglaia wall primer is advisable especially on absorbent surfaces - see Data sheet for specific information about preparing different backgrounds.
Do I need to dilute the paint?
Yes, it needs to be thinned down with water - see Data Sheet.
Why is this paint more expensive than most conventional paints?
It is more expensive than most conventional paints because it is exclusively made from natural raw materials, it is therefore far less damaging to the environment and subsequently to ourselves.
Very few paints on the market actually make a full declaration of what they contain and then provide information about where each of the ingredients is sourced. These Aglaia paints do fully list their ingredients - see Details of Raw Materials in Documentation. Of all the paints we have used and supply - the Aglaia and Beecks ranges are completely open about their contents and technical capabilities.
The cost of 'cheap' paint is 'the environment' by e.g. depeleting natural resources such as petroleum, creating approx 20 times the volume of paint in low bio-degradeable waste, contributing to indoor pollution (some can offgas VOCs for up to 5 years) and generally adding to disposal problems in the future! See documentation - Paints and Ecology.
Why is it important that it is 'breathable'?
Old buildings need to breathe i.e. allow moisture to evaporate. If you use a non-breathable paint on your walls, moisture will become trapped - this can lead to problems of peeling. blistering paints, it can cause problems of condensation and mould growth and eventually to the decay of the main fabric of the building - bricks, stones, wooden lintels etc.
How do I know if a paint is breathable?
Any paint manufacturer should be able to supply you with information concerning the way in which their products deal with moisture. The sd-value (refer to the data sheet in documentation) is a good measure. Limewash has a value of 0.01 which is the most breathable paint, and these emulsions have a value on 0.02 so they are still extremely breathable. This will ensure that the building continues to function in the way that it was designed hence helping to care for it for years to come. See Lime in Buildings.
Are all 'heritage' paints breathable?
No, some paints may be based on traditional/heritage colours but don't assume that they are breathable or environmentally-friendly, check their techical data sheet!
Why is it not labelled as organic?
The term organic when relating to paints or pigments can be easily confused with what we understand when we see/hear the term organic food, actually organic means a substance from carbon which can be dead animals/plants which means that substances derived from petroleum can actually be termed organic - but this is depleting a limited natural resource and therefore goes against the principles we would therefore usually expect.
Can I apply it over other old paints?
Yes, it will probably adhere but if the paint underneath is not breathable then you will not regain breathability, you would have to remove the old paint first. However, you will get a lovely, soft aesthetic and of course it is completely safe to use and live with!
Is it as wipeable as a modern vinyl emulsion?
No, unless you paint it with a wall glaze which will slightly darken the colour but then makes it highly serviceable. Clients have done this in hotel corridors, nurseries and commercial kitchens. This will maintain the breathability of the wall.
Will it cover water/tabacoo stains?
Although it has good covering properties, this can not be guaranteed, you would need to try a sample. Alternatively Aglaia produce a shellac insulating primer (for small patches) and an insulating white (whole walls/elevations) to cover internal stains. Please also try to understand why the stain is there and if the source of the problem can be remedied!
Insil Technical Data Sheet
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