Mineral paints - also called silicate paints, water glass paints (because of the binding agent used) or Keim paints (after the inventor) – are paints that, in addition to using inorganic dyes as binding agents, also use alkali-silicate water glass (also known as potassium water glass, liquid potassium silicate, or liquor silicon.) These paints are generally high quality, long-lasting and expensive. They are usually intended for professional use, and are therefore mostly found in specialty stores, and not in do-it-yourself/home improvement stores. These paints are divided into two categories: Pure silicate paints or two-component silicate paints – that must be stirred before using – and silicate dispersion paints – that, like synthetic resin dispersion paints, are usually available ready-to-use in a 10 liter, oval-shaped bucket.