M3P System M3P System - an inorganic mineral silicate based system formulated to provide lasting protection to calcareous substrates such as concrete, concrete masonry and stone. M3P products react chemically with the substrate to form an insoluble crystalline structure. The reaction is not reversible. M3P materials maintain the natural appearance of the substrate with a flat finish. Other than a more uniform color the effect is indiscernible.
The M3P System is comprised of three productsM3P is a single component treatment that combines the permanence of mineral silicate technology with a unique colorfast system of inorganic iron oxide pigments. M3P is the correct choice when a uniform color change to the structure is the desired result.M3P Stain is a penetrating stain that is a dilute version of M3P. Use M3P Stain in a color close to that of the substrate to add protection and blend color differences to create a more uniform appearance. M3P Primex is a potassium silicate solution that chemically combines with the mineral substrate to strengthen and stabilize (consolident) the substrate while providing for more uniform absorption for M3PAdvantages of the ChemistryØ Permanence -The components of the M3P System chemically react with and become a permanent component of the substrateØ Unaffected by significant or rapid changes in temperatureØ Breathable - 97% vapor transmissionAdvantages of the SystemØ Will not fade - 100% iron oxide pigmentsØ Will not peel - chemically reacts with substrate to form a permanent bondØ Will not blister - non-film forming coating with high vapor transmissionØ Will not burn - 100% inorganic componentsØ Will not support mold, algae or fungus - pure inorganic inert systemØ Natural Matte finish - substrate does not have a “painted� appearance How to use the M3P System Surface PreparationRemove dirt, dust and salts from unpainted surfaces. Allow 14 days curing for poured in place and CMU walls and 7 days for precast concrete structures. Very dense surfaces may require sandblasting to open the surface to be treated. If the substrate is highly absorptive or the surface is powdery, use Primex as a priming treatment.PrecautionsThe surface must be dry with the minimum temperature of 40º F. Avoid painting under direct sunlight. Do not spray in high winds. Protect all surfaces that will not be coated. M3P and Primex are alkaline and may damage metal and glass if not cleaned with water immediately.Priming and ApplyingA priming treatment is recommended in most applications but is not required. Prime surfaces with M3P Primex. Allow to dry for a minimum of 12 hours prior to painting. Allow a minimum of 12 hours between priming and each successive application. Two coats of M3P may be required to achieve the desire final appearance.
FAQ's What is the brief history of this technology?
Potassium silicate paint and stain technology was first developed in Germany during the latter part of the 19th century. A Potassium silicate solution is combined with inorganic color pigments to produce a treatment that penetrates and forms a molecular bond with the mineral substrate.
What does M3P Stand For?
Matrix Permanent Potassium Paint
What is the difference between ordinary paints or coatings and M3P?
Acrylic coatings such as Color Coat and Conpro Lastic are film formers. Water in the coating evaporates, the polymers cross-link, and a film is formed on the surface. M3P is totally different. It chemically reacts with and becomes part of the mineral substrate. Some European manufacturers refer to this process as “petrification�. Because no film is formed, M3P cannot blister or peel.
How does the M3P System work?
The chemical base for the system is potassium silicate (si02:K20= Silicon + Oxygen: Potassium + Oxygen). Potassium is a Group 1 Metal (re: periodic table) that is the transport mechanism for the silicate ion. The silicate ion reacts with the mineral substrate (any calcareous media such as limestone and cement) to form calcium silicate hydrates. The product of this reaction is an insoluble crystalline structure.
Is this proven technology?
Mineral paints have been popular in Europe for over 150 years. Potassium silicate (also referred to as “water-glass�) products have long and successful history as consolidents in product such as Conpro Start.
M3P is an inorganic paint. What is the difference between inorganic and organic paints?
Organic paint such as acrylic latex, elastomeric, etc, contain carbon-based compounds. Organic paints will decay over time due to exposure (mainly UV). As explained above, organic paints are film formers that rely on mechanical bond to the substrate. This bond can be affected by moisture behind the film as well as freeze/thaw cycling.Inorganic paints (M3P) form natural mineral structures such as quartz and use inorganic pigments to develop color. Once the initial chemical reaction takes place (within 12 hours) the result is an insoluble unified structure of paint and substrate.
What problems can occur?
Obviously, poor surface preparation can cause problems. Even though M3P penetrates deeply into the substrate, good surface preparation is important. Dirt, dust and other contaminates on the surface, as well as excessive moisture in the wall, physically inhibit penetration. Dense concrete surfaces should be etched or sandblasted to remove the surface paste.
Why won’t M3P burn?
All of the components are inorganic - inert - there is no fuel contribution, smoke development, or flame spread potential.
What are the environmental considerations?
M3P and Primex are water-based, totally inorganic and absolutely friendly materials to our environment. M3P and Primex are non-hazardous and non-toxic from manufacturing, to application, to proper disposal of the product.
What are the maintenance considerations?
Acrylic and polymeric paints are “soft� materials (long carbon chains with functional groups attached), consequently air borne dirt and dust tends to stick to the surface. M3P with it’s tight lattice (crystalline) structure is significantly “harder�. This results in a paint that tends to be self-cleaning and more resistant to environmental staining.Because M3P is totally inert the color does not change over time. This is a distinct advantage if repairs are required some years after the initial application.
How does Conproco’s M3P System differ from the competition?
M3P is a single component material that does not require proportioning and mixing of ingredients on-site. Other systems use a liquid pigment and a “fixative� that are blended at the job site to make the final product. The Conproco system provides the choice of either an opaque treatment (M3P) or a semi-transparent effect (M3P Stain). Primex can be added to either material to adjust opacity to a specific level or for a desire effect.M3P is available in a wide selection of standard colors as well as the entire MIMIC and Matrix color range. Color Matching is also available.
How much does M3P cost?
Material cost will be around .20 to .30 per sqft per coat. M3P Primex about .15 to .20 per sqft.
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