Most modern emulsions are acrylic: they form a plastic-like film on top of the wall. Silicate paint works in a completely different way. Instead of sitting on the surface, it bonds chemically with mineral substrates such as lime plaster, render, brick and concrete. Caparol Sylitol Mineral is a silicate interior paint that brings those benefits to walls and ceilings.
What is silicate paint?
Silicate paint uses potassium silicate (sometimes called water glass) as its binder instead of acrylic resin. On a mineral surface, the binder reacts with the substrate and becomes part of it – a process known as silicification or petrification. The result is a matt, mineral finish that is extremely breathable and very durable.
The benefits of silicate paint
- Highly breathable. Moisture can move out of the wall, so solid and old walls can dry out naturally.
- Naturally mould resistant. The high alkalinity of silicate resists mould growth without the need for added preservatives.
- Non-combustible. Sylitol Mineral is classed A2 for reaction to fire.
- Solvent-free and plasticiser-free, with a low odour.
- Beautiful dead matt finish with a soft, mineral depth.
Caparol Sylitol Mineral technical specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Silicate (mineral) interior paint |
| Finish | Dead matt |
| Consumption | Approx. 140 ml/m² per coat on smooth surfaces (about 7 m²/L) |
| Touch dry | 4–6 hours |
| Washability | Wet scrub Class 3 (EN 13300) |
| Fire | Non-combustible, Class A2 |
| Use | Interior walls and ceilings |
| Colours | White, or mixed to order |
Where to use Sylitol Mineral
Sylitol is ideal for mineral surfaces: lime and cement plaster, concrete, brick and woodchip. It is especially popular in:
- period, listed and heritage buildings
- solid-walled older homes
- nurseries and bedrooms
- homes of people sensitive to paint smells and additives
- rooms prone to mould
Preparing for silicate paint
Silicate paint needs a mineral surface to bond with. Gypsum plaster, plasterboard and existing emulsion paint are not mineral, so they must be primed with the correct Caparol primer first. Ask us and we will recommend the right one for your walls.
Because silicate reacts chemically, protect glass, stone, ceramics, metal and wood near the area you are painting, and wash off any splashes straight away.
How to apply
Make sure the surface is clean, sound and dry. Apply the right primer if needed, then two coats of Sylitol Mineral with a brush or roller, leaving each coat to dry fully. Work wet-edge to wet-edge to avoid lap marks.
Silicate vs acrylic emulsion
| Silicate (Sylitol) | Acrylic emulsion | |
|---|---|---|
| Bond | Chemical, with mineral surfaces | Film on top of the surface |
| Breathability | Very high | Lower |
| Mould resistance | Natural, no preservatives | Usually relies on additives |
| Fire behaviour | Non-combustible (A2) | Varies |
| Best on | Lime, cement, brick, concrete | Plaster, plasterboard, most surfaces |
Painting outside walls too? Read mineral paint vs masonry paint.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use silicate paint over emulsion?
Not directly. Existing emulsion must be primed with the correct Caparol primer first. Ask us for advice.
Is Sylitol good for old houses?
Yes. Its breathability suits solid walls and lime plasters common in older and listed buildings.
Is silicate paint washable?
Sylitol Mineral is wet scrub Class 3, so it can be wiped. For heavy-wear areas, a more washable paint may be better.
Can Sylitol be tinted?
Yes, we mix it to order as well as white. Mineral paints suit soft, natural colours particularly well.
Buy Caparol Sylitol Mineral from Dawes
Dawes is your local decorating centre in West London. We mix Caparol Sylitol Mineral to order in our store at 158–160 Goldhawk Road, W12 8HJ, or you can order online for delivery anywhere in the UK. Delivery is free on orders over £50, and if you need it fast, our Priority service delivers the next working day when you order by 1pm. Trade accounts are available.
Not sure which product is right for your job? Call us on 020 8748 6711, email sales@dawespaints.co.uk or pop into the shop – we are open Monday to Friday 7am–5pm and Saturday 8am–4pm.
See the full Caparol range.