KEIM. THE PAINT OF KINGS

KEIM has a documented heritage of preserving historic masonry, but our history began with a king’s desire for a paint that could endure the harsh weather of the Alps while displaying the soft, chalky appearance of colorful lime frescoes of Italy. King Ludwig II of Bavaria, known for his extravagant castles, wanted to bring the subtle beauty of lime frescoes from the Mediterranean region to Bavaria. As a patron of the arts, he issued an order to chemists of the era and inspired Adolph Wilhelm Keim.

In 1878 he was awarded a patent for his research and invention of silicate paints. Our heritage is closely linked to royalty and castles, and here are a few remarkable examples of preservation from Keim’s 140-year history.

Above and right images are Schloss Linderhof, one of Ludwig II’s castles, and the only one he resided in. Its exterior has been decorated and protected with KEIM Granital for decades. One of three castles undertaken by Ludwig II, his most famous castle, Neuschwanstein, is pictured below. Unfortunately, he passed before the completion of his masterpiece.

Official portrait by Ferdinand von Piloty, source: Wikipedia

Schloss Hohenschwangau is a 19th-century palace built by King Maximilian II of Bavaria. It was the boyhood home of his son, Ludwig II. For generations, mineral silicate paint from KEIM has provided its glowing yellow exterior. Note in the image at left, the proximity to Neuschwanstein, just behind it in the Algau region of Bavaria. 

FEATURED COLLECTION OF CASTLES

The compelling story of Adolph Wilhelm Keim and King Ludwig II, is just the beginning. Here is a collection of some of our favorite historic castles where KEIM has provided preservation paints and services through the years.

Schwerin Palace, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Duitsland, Germany finished with KEIM Granital

Here and below right: Nymphenburg Palace, Munich, west façade 

Here and below: Schönbrunner Schlosspark, Vienna, Austria 

Palace Hofburg, Vienna, Austria 

Schloss Seehof, Memmelsdorf, Germany

Here and below: Stadtschloss Humboldt Forum, Berlin, Germany

Hartekamp, Heemstede, North Holland 

IN HARMONY WITH NATURE AND CLIMATE

At KEIM, we view environmental protection as a promising opportunity for innovation and growth. Our deep commitment to sustainability drives us to develop solutions that seamlessly integrate with the natural world. Every detail of our sourcing, product design, production, packaging, and distribution processes is meticulously crafted with environmental stewardship at the forefront.

LOWERING OUR IMPACT BY CONSERVING RESOURCES

We are dedicated to creating sustainable products that minimize our environmental footprint. We recognize that sustained economic activity hinges upon the careful management of our natural resources. Emulating nature, we strive to utilize resources in a closed-loop system, ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability. Our production facilities have been run on renewable solar power for many years, and we recycle and reuse every drop of water used in the crafting of our mineral paints, stains, and limewash. 

MINERALS PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT ECO-PROFILE

Our focus on low-impact construction and energy efficiency emphasizes the use of durable and non-toxic building materials, with safe disposal practices integrated into the circular economy. KEIM mineral paints stand out as the ideal choice, boasting exceptional properties throughout their lifecycle. Crafted from renewable, responsibly sourced materials, our products are made with minimal environmental impact. 
They are designed to endure for decades with simple maintenance, and their disposal requires no additional processing, aligning perfectly with sustainable practices. 

By choosing KEIM, you’re not just making a choice for quality, but also for a healthier planet.