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A Paint Fit for Kings.

KEIM’s story begins in 1878. At the request of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who wanted a paint capable of evoking the soft, chalky beauty of Italian lime-frescoes while resisting the harsh Alpine climate. This is when chemist Adolf Wilhelm Keim developed the first mineral silicate paints and secured a patent.


Since then, KEIM has built a legacy deeply intertwined with the preservation of castles, palaces and historic masonry across Europe and beyond.


Today, KEIM positions itself not just as a paint manufacturer but as a “guardian of history” — offering mineral-based paints and stains designed for historic masonry, with proven performance over more than 140 years.


All images below are of Royal Palaces & Castles that have been painted with KEIM.



What makes KEIM ideal for historic restorations


  • Chemical bonding — not a surface film: Unlike modern acrylic or latex paints, which form a surface-level film, KEIM’s mineral silicate paints chemically bond with mineral substrates (stone, lime render, stucco). This bond forms a long-lasting, durable finish that becomes part of the building material itself — rather than a superficial layer that may peel or blister.

  • Breathability — moisture control vital for old masonry: Historic masonry is often porous and moisture-sensitive. KEIM paints are highly vapour-permeable (they “breathe”) because they contain no plasticisers or modern synthetic resins. This breathability allows moisture to escape, preventing the moisture entrapment that leads to blistering, flaking, and structural damage — a known problem when latex or acrylic paints are used.

  • Exceptional durability — long intervals between maintenance: When applied correctly to sound mineral substrates, KEIM paints resist UV radiation, fading, peeling and colour change. They have lifespans of decades — typically 20–30 years or more — reducing the need for frequent repainting and disruption on sensitive historical buildings.

  • Historically appropriate aesthetics — matte, chalky, natural appearance: The uniquely mineral matt surface and natural, inorganic pigments provide a finish that harmonises with traditional lime-washed or stone facades. This aligns with the aesthetic and conservation requirements of historic buildings, preserving their visual integrity.


SCHONBRUNNER SCHLOSSPARK, AUSTRIA
SCHONBRUNNER SCHLOSSPARK, AUSTRIA

KEIM’s mineral paints have been used for the conservation and restoration of a broad range of castles, palaces and heritage buildings across Europe — demonstrating both versatility and trust from conservation authorities.

Some notable examples painted with KEIM:


  • Hofburg Palace, (Austria)

  • Schwerin Palace (Germany)

  • Nymphenburg Palace, (Germany) 

  • Schloss Seehof (Germany)

  • Linderhof Palace (Germany)

  • Schönbrunner Schlosspark (Austria)

  • Luitpoldbad (Germany)

  • Kensington Palace (England)

  • Buckingham Palace (England)

  • Lazienki Palace (Poland)

  • Edinburgh Castle (Scotland)

  • Kummerow Castle (Germany)

  • Blair Castle (Scotland)

  • Hohenschwangau Castle (Germany)


KUMMEROW CASTLE, GERMANY
KUMMEROW CASTLE, GERMANY

Beyond palaces and castles, KEIM paints have been used for historic civic buildings and listed structures — for example the exterior restoration of Ali'iolani Hale in Hawaii, where previous coatings had failed catastrophically due to moisture entrapment. The restoration replaced impermeable latex layers with a breathable KEIM mineral system, restoring both appearance and structural resilience.


Case in Point: Application Lessons & Best Practice


  • On historic masonry or lime-rendered buildings, KEIM’s mineral paints — such as the originally patented silicate formula and its modern derivatives — should be applied only after removing incompatible coatings (e.g. modern acrylic or latex layers) and ensuring the substrate is sound. This avoids trapping moisture between old and new layers.

  • For previously lime-washed or lime-rendered surfaces that have been painted with impermeable modern paints, conservation best practice is often to remove the old paint down to bare mineral substrate or sound lime render before applying KEIM.

  • After proper surface preparation, KEIM’s mineral paints bond chemically to the masonry — creating UV-stable, breathable, long-lasting coatings — ensuring minimal long-term maintenance. This makes them especially suited for heritage sites where preservation and longevity are priorities.


HOFBURG PALACE, GERMANY
HOFBURG PALACE, GERMANY

Conclusion. Why KEIM is the Paint of Kings.


From its 19th-century royal origins through to modern-day restoration of world-renowned castles and heritage sites, KEIM has proven itself over nearly 150 years as the go-to solution for historic masonry preservation. Key strengths include mineral chemistry that bonds to masonry, breathability that protects from moisture damage, exceptional durability under harsh weather, and a historically appropriate aesthetic finish.


For any heritage-building project — especially castles, palaces or other masonry structures — KEIM offers not just paint, but a time-tested system built for conservation, longevity and respect for architectural heritage.

 
 
 

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