JKG Cement Paints - A Fair Solution for Water Damage

In a tropical country like India where humidity levels are high, building exteriors are subject to water damage. Pore and cracks are inevitable. To protect the surfaces from water damage there are many expensive processes. An alternative to these processes is having a coat of Cement Paints to the buildings.

What is Cement Paint?

Cement paint is a painting solution made of cement, adhesives, some pigments, and other ingredients. It is used as a decorative paint for both external and internal surfaces of buildings. The colour of the paint is similar to cement with some minor shades available.

The paint has high waterproofing property. It can withstand high temperatures and works in all-weather conditions. Apart from beautifying the structure, it protects from water damage. It is durable and does not need repainting for a year or two.

How Is It Made?

To bring out various shades, the cement paint manufacturers use different ingredients. Some use Portland cement while others use white cement. But the basics ingredients include cement, lime, pigments, adhesives hygroscopic salts and water repellants.

The paint is water soluble. The coating is done in a traditional fashion by applying a primer first and then coating the surface with the paint.

Advantages:

• The major advantage is protection from water damage - repels rain and dampness
• Some cement paint manufacturers use fungicides as ingredients to make the paint resistant to molds.
• It protects from algae that form in an area of high humidity and rainfall.
• It is economical. Unlike the other decorative paints that need expensive ingredients, cement paint’s ingredients are cheap and thus has a low price.
• Long lasting - up to 2 years.
• It has a high refractive index and thus maintains lusture. This sustains the beauty of the building.
• Being powder based paint, it is environmentally beneficial - i) eliminates Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), CO2 and NOX emissions ii) eliminates sludge waste up to 95% which often finds a landfill and pollutes the soil.

Disadvantages:

• It comes in limited colours - mostly cement color and its shades.
• The solution must be painted within two hours of forming, else the paint dries.
• Requires large quantities of water while applying and once or twice for curing.

Applications:

• In India, cement paint is extensively used in Metro Rail projects, PWD works, government buildings, Indian Railways, industrial and institutional buildings, large-scale residential house constructions by the government etc.
• The paint is also useful for residential homes and apartments. Concrete surface, open brick walls, cement floors etc., can be coated with cement paint.

Cement Paint Industry:

Currently, in India JKG Company, the Cement Paints manufacturer are few. Some are organised and the rest are operating as Small Scale Industries. But, the industry is set to grow with the government’s capital expansion and spending on huge public infrastructure projects. Also, the investments by private enterprises are seeing huge demand for the cement paint.

A Better Alternative:

Overall, cement paint is the best alternative to expensive solutions for water damage. It is easy to use and long lasting. Its cheap price and beautifying abilities enable anyone to use it.