Keim Silex OH is an ethyl silicate stone consolidant which can be overcoated, for use on any porous mineral substrate including natural stone, sandstone and render.

Keim Silex OH penetrates deep into the pores of building materials. Once the 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.

Top Features & Benefits

• Density: Q = 0.992g/cm3.
• Flash Point: 2°C.

Preparation & Application

Substrate Preparation
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, decoration using KEIM Silex OH may proceed.

Application
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.

Application Conditions
Ambient and substrate temperature above 5°C and below 30°C. 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. 

Consumption
The quantity of KEIM Silex OH required for consolidation is highly dependent on pore volume and the depth of the unsound zone of the building material, ranging from 0.5lt/m² to 5lt/m², or more in extreme cases. Consumption rates are offered for guideline purposes only and are quoted for smooth surfaces. Actual rates are the responsibility of the applicator. Project specifications should be referred to for specific rates.

Cleaning of Tools
Clean tools with water immediately after use.