“Mineralico” is most prominently known as a mineral-based plaster / flooring / coating product line, such as Floortec 2K-Mineralico SL 470 by Brillux. This family of products offers decorative, durable, seamless mineral surface finishes, often used in modern interiors and commercial settings.
Beyond that, “Mineralico” is also a brand name in other sectors (for example, Mineralico SA, based in Geneva), but the flooring/plaster variant is the focus for architects, designers, and contractors.
What Is Mineralico Flooring & Plaster
At its core, Mineralico refers to a two-component, mineral-based, self-leveling plaster/flooring system—primarily used as a decorative floor surface or a continuous mineral overlay. One of its key representatives is Floortec 2K-Mineralico SL 470, a mineral design filler made by Brillux.
This type of product combines mineral binders (cementitious or mineral-based compounds) with hardener / additives to form a seamless, durable surface that mimics polished concrete, microcement, or artistic floor finishes. For example:
- It is self-leveling and can be applied in thin layers (~2 mm) while giving a coherent look.
- The finish can be given subtle textures or streaks even in monochrome applications; two-tone application increases visual depth
- It is often described as “mineral plaster floor” or “decorative floor coating with mineral base.”
In short: Mineralico is a modern, architectural finish aligning with minimalist, industrial, or loft-style aesthetics.
Product Characteristics & Technical Composition
To understand how Mineralico works, here are its key properties and components:
1. Two-Component System
Mineralico systems like Floortec 2K-Mineralico SL 470 require combining the main mineral base with a separate hardener (component 471) to activate curing and hardening
2. Self-Leveling & Flowing Behavior
Because of its formulation, the material flows and levels under its own weight (with minimal intervention), enabling smooth surfaces even in complex floor plans.
3. Mineral-Based & Low Stress
The formulation is largely mineral (not heavy polymer), which leads to low shrinkage / low internal stress (less cracking) and compatibility with substrates
4. Strength & Durability
For example, Floortec Mineralico reaches compressive strength of ~30 N/mm² after 28 days (a high strength value) when properly cured.
5. Fire & Safety Ratings
It is non-combustible (rating like A2fl-s1 in some installations) and can meet slip resistance classes (R9, R10) when sealed.
6. Color & Texture Flexibility
Mineralico supports a wide palette of color shades—for instance, 60 selected tones for interior design.
Textures can be controlled by direction of smoothing, layering colors, or using streaking techniques to achieve patina or mottled effects.
Thus, Mineralico is not only functional, but highly expressive in design.
Applications & Design Possibilities
Where and how does Mineralico shine? Here are common use cases and creative opportunities:
1. Interior Flooring in Residential & Commercial Spaces
Because Mineralico delivers a seamless, joint-free surface, it is well-suited for loft apartments, showrooms, galleries, stores, offices, and hospitality interiors.
2. Overlay on Existing Substrates
It can be applied over substrates such as concrete, cement screed, or mineral-based leveling compounds—provided they are properly prepared.
3. Design & Pattern Effects
- Monochrome streaked finishes: subtle texture with a single color base.
- Two-tone / gradient effects: blending colors or adding tonal variation for visual depth.
- Patina / aging effects: micro-scratches or slight irregularities become part of the aesthetic, as they form over time.
4. Integration with Underfloor Heating
Mineralico is usable with warm-water (hydronic) underfloor heating systems, making it a choice for modern homes with radiant heating.
5. Limited Vehicular Areas / Light Loads
Some Mineralico floors are rated to be foot-traffic safe and even capable of handling light wheeled loads (e.g., hand carts)—depending on the layer thickness and substrate.
Thus, designers and architects choose Mineralico to merge durability and high-end aesthetics.
Installation & Technical Requirements
Executing a high-quality Mineralico installation requires care, best practices, and technical discipline. Here is a breakdown:
Surface Preparation
- The substrate must be sound, stable, free of debris, moisture, or cracks
- Often a primer or bonding agent is applied before the Mineralico mix
- Any weak screed or delaminating areas must be repaired first
Mixing & Proportions
- Carefully mix the mineral base and hardener in the correct ratio
- Use mechanical mixers with suitable speed settings
- Avoid introducing excessive air (bubbles) or lumps
Application / Layering
- Apply as continuous flows, using trowels or smoothing blades
- For decorative streaking or texture, plan smoothing direction and transitions
- Layering: sometimes multiple thin coats or color layers are applied
Curing & Sealing
- Curing conditions (temperature, humidity) must be controlled
- After curing, seal the surface with suitable sealants or topcoats to protect against moisture and scratching
- Periodic maintenance (cleaning, resealing) may be needed
Thickness & Coverage
- Even though Mineralico can self-level, minimum thickness (e.g. 2 mm) must be respected for strength
- Coverage rates depend on thickness and substrate absorption
Installation mistakes (poor mixing, substrate issues, moisture, uneven application) are common pitfalls.
Advantages & Limitations of Mineralico
Every building product has pros and cons. Here’s what Mineralico offers—balanced against its constraints.
Advantages
- Seamless, monolithic surface with minimal joints
- Aesthetic flexibility (textures, streaks, color blending)
- High strength and mineral stability, good durability
- Compatibility with underfloor heating systems
- Fire resistance & slip capability (when sealed properly)
- Low internal stress and less prone to cracking compared to conventional cement overlays
Limitations & Challenges
- Cost & labor intensity: premium materials and skilled labor increase cost
- Substrate sensitivity: underlying surface must be excellent
- Sealing & maintenance needed: unsealed or neglected Mineralico may stain or wear
- Potential for fine cracks / hairlines over time (often considered part of patina)
- Limited load-bearing: not for heavy vehicular traffic unless specifically engineered
- Application complexity: timing, mixing, application environment are critical
When used in appropriate settings and installed correctly, benefits generally outweigh limitations.
Mineralico Brand Presence & Variants
While Mineralico in the context of flooring is tied to Brillux’s Floortec line, “Mineralico” also appears in brand names or company names:
- Mineralico SA is a company based in Geneva, Switzerland, which likely operates in mineral or related sectors.
- But the dominant global reference is the Mineralico (Floortec) surface system under Brillux and associated distributors.
Because Mineralico flooring is niche and high-end, its adoption is more common in boutique architecture, custom homes, and designer interiors.
Conclusion
Mineralico—especially in the form of Floortec 2K-Mineralico SL 470—is a compelling option for designers and architects seeking seamless, durable mineral finishes that combine visual elegance with functional strength. Its key strengths lie in its mineral composition, self-leveling behavior, aesthetic versatility, and compatibility with modern systems like underfloor heating.
However, its success depends heavily on substrate preparation, precise mixing, application control, and ongoing sealing. In the hands of experienced applicators, it can elevate interiors with refined, industrial-lean aesthetics.
