Pinturas sanas

Mineral paints for healthy interiors: a conscious choice to improve indoor air quality

Pinturas minerales para interiores saludables: una elección consciente con impacto en la calidad del aire

Given that we spend around 90% of our time indoors, indoor air quality has become a top priority in construction and renovation projects. KEIM’s mineral paints offer an advanced technical solution that addresses this need, with tangible benefits for health and comfort.

Walls and ceilings make up the largest proportion of painted surfaces in interiors. When choosing a paint, we often focus on aesthetic and functional aspects. However, the choice of paint also involves many other equally important factors that are often overlooked.

Conventional paints, even when dry, continue to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents, plasticisers and preservatives for months. These emissions can contribute to problems such as allergies, fatigue, headaches or respiratory issues, and in some cases, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). They are particularly harmful in sensitive environments such as schools, hospitals, or homes for elderly people or children, as well as for individuals with allergies.

KEIM mineral paints are made from natural, mineral-based raw materials. The binders used are liquid potassium silicate and silica sol, both derived from quartz and potash. The pigments and fillers used are also mineral. Mineral paint has a high pH value. This alkalinity, combined with its mineral composition, means that it can be manufactured without the need for preservatives such as isothiazolinone – a substance found in the vast majority of conventional paints and known to cause hypersensitivity and allergies. No organic solvents or plasticisers are added to the formulation either. The result: an odourless, inert silicate paint with zero VOC emissions, even suitable for individuals with extreme sensitivities, such as those suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).

Technical features and health benefits:

Unrivalled breathability: These paints allow water vapour to pass through the painted surface, preventing condensation and significantly reducing the risk of mould. Mould growth indoors is not only an aesthetic issue – it also produces unpleasant odours and can lead to serious respiratory problems. KEIM’s silicate paints offer unmatched breathability, helping to regulate humidity and create a pleasant indoor environment while preventing surface condensation.
Mineral composition and high pH: These features provide an antibacterial effect that prevents the growth of microorganisms, without the need for biocidal substances in the formulation.
Fire safety: Emissions from conventional paints are especially hazardous when released into the air during a fire. Mineral paints, by contrast, do not burn or emit toxic gases. All KEIM interior paints are classified A2-s1,d0 in accordance with EN 13501-1.

It is also important to note that current European energy efficiency standards increase building airtightness, making it essential to use materials that do not contribute to the accumulation of indoor air pollutants.

For professionals in construction, architecture and design, specifying and applying KEIM silicate mineral paints means choosing superior technical performance and creating healthier, more comfortable indoor spaces for the long term.

KEIM’s silicate mineral paints demonstrate an outstanding environmental profile, from raw material extraction through to disposal. For this reason, 80 of their products have been awarded Cradle to Cradle® Silver certification. These mineral paints are recyclable, circular and healthy, with C2C Certified Material Health Certificate™ Gold Level.

As such, KEIM’s silicate mineral paints are entirely safe for sustainable construction and healthy living environments, protecting both indoor wellbeing and the environment.

Our range of healthy interior paints is extensive, designed to meet a variety of needs. Thanks to their sol-silicate binder, they can be applied directly and safely to mineral substrates, plasterboard or well-adhered old organic paints:

KEIM Innotop: Universally applicable, no primer required, with a matt mineral finish.
KEIM Innostar: High coverage and washability (Class 1). Ideal for high-wear areas.
KEIM Optil: Premium finish with a wide colour range, including pure tones.

With KEIM’s ecological paints, there is no need to endure the unpleasant smell of fresh paint that lingers for days after painting with conventional products. Rooms can be used again shortly after painting, free from irritating odours and pollutants.