Products

Product innovation: Stolotusan Color

Sto has patented a hydrophobic facade paint that imitates the properties of a lotus leaf to repel rain and dirt. Stolotusan was developed by German scientist Dr Wilhelm Barthlott. Its surface comprises a microstructure of tightly compacted peaks and troughs only two namometres apart. Water droplets sit on the peaks so surface contact is minimised, which means that spherical droplets are more likely to form and roll away, carrying dirt with them. Sto claims that the dispersal time for water hitting the surface is one minute, compared with a dispersal time of 7-8 minutes for traditional surfaces. The firm says the faster disposal of water means that algae and moss are less likely to form.

Stolotusan comes in a range of colours and can be applied to mineral, cementitious and concrete surfaces. It takes two days to dry, but Sto has included an additive to protect the surface from algae during that time. This “lotus effect” will be included in exterior renders from next year.
Sto
www.sto.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiry 301

Superbug-resistant surfaces
IGT Industries has introduced a textured polyester film panel with antimicrobial protection to help counter the MRSA superbug in hospitals. The film panels are suitable for use on any surface where infection may be present and spread. The film is a self-adhesive and can be pre-printed and pre-cut to the required size.
IGT Industries
www.igt-industries.com
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 302

Durable matt finish
Paint manufacturer Johnstone’s has expanded its range of acrylic paints with the launch of Acrylic Matt for interior walls and ceilings. Johnstone’s says that the product is washable, and resistant to household stains and yellowing. The paint is available in brilliant white and magnolia and in 2.5- and 5-litre cans.
Johnstone’s
www.johnstones-paints.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 303

Fire-retardant paint
Keim Mineral Paints has introduced MX, a fire-retardant paint system that works over existing multi-layered painted surfaces. Keim says that MX meets British standard BS476 parts 6 and 7 for fire propagation and spread of flame, and the new Euronorm European fire regulations. Keim also claims the product achieves a Class 1 fire protection as a two-coat system and Class 0 performance as a three-coat system.
Keim
www.keimpaints.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 304

Solid base for paving
Sika has added a sand-based joint compound Pave Fix to its Builders’ Merchant range. Pave Fix is a ready-to-use, self-setting compound for use between paving slabs, setts and cobbles. Sika says it does not wash out in wet and windy conditions and prevents weeds and ants’ nests.
Sika
www.sika.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 305

Fire-retardant sealant
Adshead Ratcliffe has added the fire-retardant sealant Arbo XL 1075 to its Arbo Intu-tec range. When subjected to flame Arbo XL 1075 will expand and block the passage of smoke and fire and offer up to four hours’ fire integrity and insulation, the company says. It says Arbo XL 1075 is suitable for perimeter sealing fire doors and sealing low-movement fire-resistant joints.
Adshead Ratcliffe
www.arbo.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 306

Anti-wrinkle formula
Cemex, formerly RMC, has launched Wondertex Premier Smooth. The cold mix is designed to create a smooth finish over existing textured walls and ceilings. It sets within two hours. The finish is off-white, which RMC says gives users the option to cover with emulsion paint or leave unfinished. It is available in a 25 kg bag, which covers 12 m² at a thickness of 1 mm.
RMC
www.cemex.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 307

Easy-to-sand joint compound
Lafarge Plasterboard has launched a new joint compound called FineForm Mid-Weight. The ready-mixed product replaces Readymix, and according to Lafarge offers improved coverage, better workability and easier sanding. FineForm Mid-Weight can be used for both bedding and finishing joints by hand or machine.
Lafarge
www.lafarge.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 308

Coarse coloured plaster
Natural Building Technology has introduced two ranges of coloured plaster. The MRP and SEP ranges are available in 200 colours and have a coarser texture than traditional plasters. The MRP is the coarser of the two products, which can be used on exteriors and interiors. NBT has also recently added more colours to its range of lime-based plasters. The firm now supplies ultraviolet-resistant, self-coloured and natural plasters based on clay and lime.
Natural Building Technology
www.natural-building.co.uk
www.building.co.uk/enquiries 309