Description
Atlas Silkon BA Concrete Effect Silicone Render 20 kg — Architectural Concrete Finish
Product Overview
Achieving a self-cleaning architectural concrete facade with a 1.2 mm grain thickness and thermal conductivity of 0.80 W/m·K is facilitated by Atlas Silkon BA Concrete Effect Silicone Render 20 kg. This ready-to-use silicone-acrylic render provides a durable, UV-resistant finish that replicates the aesthetic of exposed concrete without the structural weight of traditional panels. The formula is specifically engineered for both external facades in EWI systems and internal wet areas, offering 8 m² of coverage per 20 kg bucket at a standard consumption rate of 2.5 kg/m².
The hydrophobic resin matrix ensures that the surface remains breathable while actively repelling dirt and environmental pollutants. By incorporating the MYCO PROTECT system, the render provides a high level of protection against biological growth such as algae and fungi, which is particularly vital for north-facing elevations. This product sits within the concrete effect render collection and is manufactured in compliance with EN 15824:2017, ensuring long-term adhesion and colour stability in varied UK weather conditions.
Key Benefits
- Authentic concrete aesthetics — creating a monolithic, pitted, or grooved architectural concrete look is possible through varied trowel techniques, allowing for a bespoke design language on every project.
- Self-cleaning hydrophobicity — rainwater simply pearls off the surface, carrying away dust and dirt particles to maintain the pristine appearance of the facade with minimal maintenance.
- High elasticity and crack resistance — the fibre-reinforced silicone-acrylic binder absorbs thermal stresses and mechanical impacts, preventing the formation of hairline cracks even in dark, heat-absorbing shades.
- Interior and wet area versatility — finishing showers and feature walls with a concrete look is safe and durable, as the low-absorption structure prevents moisture ingress in high-humidity internal environments.
- Exceptional UV stability — high-quality pigments combined with UV absorbers protect the grey tones from fading, ensuring the concrete aesthetic remains consistent over the building's lifecycle.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 20 kg bucket |
| Consumption | Approx. 2.5 kg/m² |
| Coverage | Approx. 8 m² per bucket |
| Grain size | Up to 1.2 mm |
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 0.80 W/m·K |
| Vapour diffusion resistance (Sd) | 0.14 m < Sd < 1.4 m |
| Application temperature | +5 °C to +30 °C |
| Standard | EN 15824:2017 |
| Recoat time | Approx. 2 hours (at 20 °C) |
| Curing time | 12–48 hours (depending on conditions) |
Application & System Integration
Ensuring a permanent bond to the substrate begins with thorough priming using Atlas Base Coat Paint to equalise suction and provide a consistent colour base. For renovation projects involving existing ceramic tiles in bathrooms, the substrate should be prepared with Atlas Ultragrunt to create a high-adhesion mechanical key. The render is applied with a smooth steel trowel at the thickness of the grain and then textured immediately to achieve the specific concrete effect required by the architectural design.
Working in manageable sections of 2–3 m² allows the installer to maintain a wet edge, which is essential for avoiding visible joints on large, uninterrupted elevations. The application technique varies from light pressure for pitted effects to firm, flat passes for a monolithic finish, as detailed in the concrete effect render application guide. For a complete system approach, ensure the substrate is dry and structurally sound, and always verify the weather forecast to allow for a 48-hour rain-free curing window.
Is This Product Right for You?
Choosing the correct concrete-effect render depends on the environmental exposure and the desired application workflow of your project. Atlas Silkon BA is the premium choice for facades requiring self-cleaning properties and high UV resistance, particularly in wind-driven rain zones or urban areas with high pollution levels. If your project requires a highly breathable mineral finish for a wood-effect or concrete texture at a lower price point, the sibling variant Atlas Cermit WN mineral render may be more suitable, though it requires a separate sealer coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Atlas Silkon BA require an additional sealer?
The silicone-based binder and built-in hydrophobisers provide full weather protection and a self-cleaning finish directly from the bucket, so no additional sealer or impregnant is needed. This simplifies the application process compared to mineral renders and ensures a consistent, low-maintenance surface from day one. In high-exposure areas, the inherent water-repellency of the silicone resin is sufficient to prevent moisture penetration and biological growth.
Can I apply this render over old tiles in a bathroom?
Applying the render over firmly bonded ceramic tiles is achievable once the surface has been degreased and primed with a specialist bonding agent like Atlas Ultragrunt. This method allows for a modern concrete-effect renovation without the dust and cost associated with removing old tiling. Ensure that the tiles are not loose and that any grout lines are filled to create a level starting surface for the 1.2 mm render layer.
What is the benefit of the silicone-acrylic hybrid binder?
Combining silicone and acrylic resins provides the perfect balance between the breathability of silicone and the superior mechanical elasticity of acrylic. This hybrid approach ensures that the render can withstand the thermal expansion of dark concrete shades without cracking while maintaining the self-cleaning properties that keep the facade looking new. It represents the modern standard for high-performance thin-coat renders in the UK climate.