Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent coating agent that comprises a layered silicate capable of forming a colloidal gel in the presence of water. This invention also relates to the preparation of this agent and to its use for reducing the soiling process of facades.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silicate compound having at least one alkaline oxide and silicon dioxide-containing amorphous binder matrix and also containing oxides from the aluminum, calcium, titanium, magnesium, zirconium, and/or boric oxide group. To provide a silicate compound which is suitable for both making a moulding and coating a substrate, resistant to effects like weathering, especially through alternate frost and thaw, and attack by acids, lyes or fouling, it is proposed that the amorphous binder matrix contain 4 to 25 mol silicon dioxide per mol alkaline oxide, the alkaline oxide being lithium, sodium, and/or potassium oxide and the amorphous binder matrix also contains up to 80 mol aluminum oxide and/or up to 45 mol calcium, titanium, magnesium, zirconium, and/or boric oxide evenly distributed per 100 mol silicon dioxide.