A breathable and durable facade that looks good and works. The best tips from Oikos experts.

Finland's changing climate places tough demands on building facades. Rain, frost, UV radiation, air pollution and temperature fluctuations challenge surfaces every day. At the same time, the facade should look good, maintain its shape and color depth for years. The facade is not just a surface layer, it is an essential part of the building's protection, appearance and technical functionality.

The choice of surface material has a significant impact on, among other things, energy efficiency, the need for maintenance and the life cycle of the structure. Therefore, solutions are needed that combine reliable functionality and high-quality design. To meet this need, Oikos has developed a product range where technology, durability and aesthetics go hand in hand.

In this blog we present three carefully selected Oikos products, which are designed especially for northern conditions and different surfaces:

• Biocompact – a wear-resistant and covering coating that gives you plenty of time to work,
• Diuflex – a flexible solution that adheres to a wide range of substrates without primer,
• Superfinish 24 – breathable protective layer for lime surfaces.

Together, these products offer a versatile and effective system that allows you to create an attractive and long-lasting facade, whether you are a construction professional or a quality-conscious householder.

Biocompact: A compact and state-of-the-art technical solution

Biocompact is an acrylic-siloxane-based facade coating developed by Oikos that combines the weather-resistant structure of acrylic with the water-repellent properties of siloxane. The silane molecules contained in the coating enable "inside-out" drying, which gives a longer working time and reduces the risk of visible seams and streaks, even in hot conditions. Biocompact has high water vapor permeability and water repellency, which together prevent the accumulation of moisture and the formation of mold or algae – especially important in the Finnish climate.

Available in three different grain sizes (1.0 mm, 1.2 mm and 1.5 mm), which can be used to create softer or more vivid textured surfaces, whether it is a modern new build or a traditional stone house. Marble and sand particles and titanium dioxide-based fillers give Biocompact excellent coverage and a rich appearance. The coating also adheres effectively to high-permeable substrates, and its use in thermal insulation makes it an even more versatile choice.

Biocompact is ideal for new builds and renovation projects where durability and aesthetics are desired. Large wall surfaces benefit in particular from its smooth and uniform finish. Easy to apply with a steel trowel, the product's fast drying time and seamless finish make it a practical choice for projects of all sizes. Professionals appreciate its reliability and clean finish, while homeowners can benefit from its easy maintenance and longevity.

If your project requires additional flexibility and special crack resistance, there is an alternative: Biocompact Elastic. This elastomeric version has been developed for mobile substrates or surfaces that are already cracked. Thanks to special acrylic elastomer resins and synthetic fibers, the coating is highly flexible and can withstand thermal expansion or structural movements effectively. It also has excellent adhesion to challenging surfaces such as ceramic substrates or glass.

Biocompact Elastic is specifically designed for renovation projects with existing cracks or movement, such as old buildings or facades exposed to thermal stress. It is also ideal for use with thermal insulation systems where flexibility is key. Its resistance to UV radiation, acid rain and freeze-thaw cycles makes it the perfect choice for even the most demanding conditions.

The choice between the two depends on the nature of the project: for stable substrates and new construction, Biocompact is suitable, while for moving or damaged surfaces, Biocompact Elastic is the best solution. Both products offer effective protection, breathability and an aesthetically pleasing end result that remains beautiful year after year.

Considering the environment is one of Oikos' most important values. Biocompact and Biocompact Elastic are manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner, with low VOC emissions and without harmful substances such as formaldehyde. This makes them safe choices for users, residents and the environment. Sustainability does not mean compromises, these products can be used to implement visually impressive and technically durable solutions in an ecologically responsible manner.

Whether you are an architect, designer or builder, or simply looking for the best possible solution for your home's facade renovation, Biocompact and Biocompact Elastic offer everything you need: protection, durability and beauty in one product. They help preserve the appearance and value of your building, while reducing maintenance costs and the need for repairs.

Biocompact is a coating that combines visual quality and technical functionality. It allows you to create exterior walls that will last over time and retain their appearance year after year. A well-protected facade supports the durability of structures and indoor air quality. By choosing Biocompact or Biocompact Elastic, you are making a long-term and well-considered solution that takes into account both practicality and appearance.

Comparison and recommendation

Duaflex: flexible facade paint for all surfaces

Duaflex is a modern facade paint developed by Oikos, designed to provide maximum protection and a smooth finish even on uneven, porous or difficult-to-treat surfaces. It is an acrylic-siloxane-based, silanized product with elastomeric properties, which makes it highly flexible and self-supporting. Excellent adhesion allows direct application to, for example, glass, tiles, MDF or concrete, often without a separate primer.

Duaflex can be used both indoors and outdoors and is easily applied by brush, roller or spray. The product is applied in two coats, with a drying time of 4-6 hours between coats. Its composition allows for the use of a variety of decorative and effect techniques, such as brush strokes, cloud effects or orange peel. This makes Duaflex a very versatile option for both private and public or industrial applications.

Duaflex offers exceptional performance in terms of its technical properties. It is water-repellent (class W3) and protects against mould and algae. The product is anti-carbonate and certified for concrete protection according to the EN 1504-2 standard. It retains its flexibility even after UV radiation and freeze-thaw cycles. Low water absorption combined with good vapour permeability (V2) ensures that the structure breathes but remains protected. High crack bridging effect (class A2) allows it to be used even on surfaces with microcracks. The VOC content is only 8 g/l, making the product environmentally friendly and suitable even for sensitive areas (France A+).

Duaflex is available in two grain sizes – 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm – and creates a deep matte finish that resembles classic Italian plaster. Its fillers level the surface without the need for heavy priming. The product can be combined with finishing coats such as Veldecor, giving the surface an extra decorative touch, for example with a brush or sponge.

Duaflex is an excellent choice when the substrate is uneven, cracked or otherwise difficult to prime. It is also ideal for time-efficient projects where a separate priming step is not required. The product is particularly useful in the renovation of historic facades and in connection with insulation systems, where the goal is a waterproof, breathable and long-lasting matte finish that effectively levels and protects.

Properties and applications

Superfinish 24: Protection of natural lime surfaces the next day

When naturalness, breathability and a handmade look are the keywords in interior or exterior finishing, lime-based coatings are an excellent choice. Their porosity, soft structure and authentic aesthetic appearance make them popular, especially for restoration and high-end interior design. However, one challenge remains: the sensitivity of lime surfaces to moisture and mechanical stress, especially during the first days after application. This need is met by Superfinish 24, an invisible, super-matt protective product developed by Oikos that can be applied as early as 24 hours after lime coating.

Superfinish 24 blends perfectly into the treated surface without forming a visible film. This preserves the original color, structure and breathability, while providing the surface with excellent water-repellent properties. The product has been tested for hydrophobicity: its contact angle is 126°, which guarantees effective water repellency even in outdoor areas. This makes Superfinish 24 the perfect solution for protecting bathrooms, kitchens or lime-coated facades, for example, especially in areas exposed to splashes, rain or temperature fluctuations.

The product is almost odorless and has a VOC content of only 28 g/l, making it safe even in sensitive areas. It is easy to apply with a brush or roller using the "wet-on-wet" technique. The excess material is smoothed with a dry tool, achieving an even, unnoticeable finish. Once dry, the surface is breathable but waterproof, which prevents damage to the lime pores and extends the service life of the structure.

When treating colored lime surfaces, it is recommended to do a test brush, as lighting conditions can affect the deepening of the tone. This change adds depth to the surface and a sense of finishing. Superfinish 24 finishes the structure in a discreet way and supports the final visual appearance while providing effective surface protection.

Superfinish 24 is ideal for restoration, new construction and interior design projects where aesthetics, functionality and natural materials are valued. The product combines protection and visual finishing in a way that supports the properties of the original surface. This has established it as a trusted choice for many professionals and designers across Europe.