Preserving Heritage with Innovation: LK AQUA EM 290 Success at Kalbhairavnath Temple, Khamundi Junnar, Pune.

Protecting historical heritage sites from environmental damage has been a significant challenge over the past few years. Natural elements like water, dust, UV rays, and stains can alter the original appearance of natural stones, threatening their legacy.

At Elkay Silicones, our advanced water-repellent technology is designed to safeguard these invaluable structures. We offer a variety of solutions tailored to different types of stones, ensuring optimal protection without compromising their natural beauty.

Preserving Heritage with Advanced Water-Repellent Technology: Success Story

One of our recent success stories is the preservation of the Kalbhairavnath Temple in Khamundi. The temple’s construction began in 2016 and was completed in 2023, utilizing Bansi Pink Sandstone – a stone known for its aesthetic appeal, strength, and natural elegance. Quarried from the Bansi Paharpur region of Rajasthan, this distinctive stone is renowned for its unique pink hue and has long been favored in architectural and decorative applications for its timeless beauty and durability.

Based on observations and challenges shared by the temple trust, we conducted a thorough examination of the stone surfaces. Accordingly, we recommended the most suitable product for application. The chosen solution provided excellent water repellency, UV protection, and helped maintain the temple’s original appearance. Additionally, being a water-based solution, it supports environmental sustainability.

Stone Information:

As a Bansi Paharpur Pink Sandstone is renowned for its solid and substantial nature, moderate porosity, and impressive strength, making it highly durable and capable of withstanding significant loads. However, its porous structure makes it inherently hydrophilic, allowing it to absorb moisture over time. This absorption can lead to noticeable changes in appearance, such as darkening or black patches, as dust and other contaminants settle into the stone’s surface. Without proper protection, this natural porosity can compromise the stone’s aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, emphasizing the need for effective water-repellent treatments to preserve its original beauty.

Elkay Silicones proudly undertook the restoration and conservation of the magnificent Kalbhairavnath temple, ensuring its natural beauty remained untouched. Our advanced water-repellent solution was applied with precision, safeguarding the temple’s heritage while preserving its timeless charm.

Product Spotlight: LK-Aqua EM 290

A premium silane siloxane-based water repellent designed for superior performance:

Superior Water Repellency – Shields against moisture and seepage.
Surface Friendly – Preserves the natural look of treated surfaces.
Deep Penetration – Small molecular structure ensures enhanced substrate penetration.
Long-Lasting Protection – Eco-friendly and durable defense.
Easy Application – Simplifies treatment for effortless results

Application Guidelines

Dilution: 1:7 with water
Coats: Apply two coats with a 1-hour interval
Curing Time: 48 hours at room temperature
Method: Spray using a pressure spray gun
Coverage: 40-60 sq. ft. per liter

The coated surfaces demonstrated excellent water repellency, with water droplets beading and rolling off effortlessly, while the uncoated substrates absorbed water almost instantly – showing even better water repellency than the market sample (Zycosil).

Due to its water-based nature, LK-Aqua EM 290 preserves the natural appearance of the stone while providing superior water repellency.

BS 290 coated change the surface look.

The successful application of LK-Aqua EM 290 at Kalbhairavnath temple is a testament to our commitment to heritage preservation through cutting-edge solutions. By protecting the temple’s iconic Bansi Pink Sandstone from water absorption, UV damage, and environmental pollutants, we have ensured that its timeless beauty remains intact. The advanced water-repellent formula creates an invisible shield, preventing moisture from seeping into the stone’s porous surface and safeguarding it from stains and discoloration.

This intervention not only preserves the temple’s aesthetic appeal but also extends its structural longevity, ensuring that its historical and cultural significance is cherished for generations to come.