Govt Adopts Sustainable, Fire-Resistant Silicate Paint Tech for LBZ

 New Delhi: In a major push towards sustainability, durability and fire resistance to government buildings, silicate mineral paint has been applied to the Prime Minister’s new residence under the Central Vista and certain accommodations under Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ).

The paint is guaranteed to withstand harsh sunlight, rainfall, humidity and weathering for the exterior range, ensuring the walls to remain breathable and durable resulting in ‘fade free, no peel-off, dirt pick-up resistance’. For interiors, the product is engineered to offer no-odour, ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint solutions that support healthier indoor spaces, high washability, fire resistance and long-lasting wall performance.

“We are working with various government departments to introduce silicone paints for various facilities. We already started repainting Lutyens' bungalows. We have repainted Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's bungalow and the really important news is that currently we are under process of painting the Prime Minister's house (new official residence under construction),” said managing director Moulik Ranka of Zydex Group said.

“We have already received the work order for the PM's house and the painting is still going on. So, the government has been very quick to recognize that this is a very good value proposition as it can last for nearly 20 years.”

Unlike conventional paints that primarily form a surface film, silicate mineral paint chemically bonds with the substrate. This creates a breathable surface that allows trapped vapour to escape, helping reduce dampness, peeling and surface damage commonly seen during high-moisture conditions. It is particularly relevant for Indian buildings, where wall protection is no longer limited to colour and finish, but increasingly linked to durability, indoor comfort and long-term maintenance.

“Most conventional paints are polymer-based and plastic-like in nature. Plastic burns, and when such paint catches fire, it can contribute to the spread of flames. Many people do not realise that the paint on the wall can also play a role in how quickly fire spreads. This is an important concern with conventional organic paint systems,” Ranka said.

He added that silicate mineral paints were in the Class A category and that silicate chemistry was closer to glass or mineral-based materials. They are not plastic-like. Since the organic content is very low, these paints do not burn easily and do not add fuel to the fire.

This helps reduce flame spread and smoke generation. The paint performs strongly on both key parameters — smoke development and flame spread. In many fire incidents, the maximum risk to life comes not only from flames but also from smoke.