Sora shikkui paint

Japanese shikkui paint Sora

Natural antibacterial anti-mold, humidity control and air purification, easy application

Safe and secure

Natural materials, safe and eco-friendly, zero VOC, peace of mind for the whole family

Sora ingredients are natural and safe, free of harmful substances. VOC content is zero grade (ASTM D3960 test result). It also has hypoallergenic, anti-dust mite, anti-mold, antibacterial, humidity control, waterproof, antistatic, and highly breathable properties.

Easy application

Easy application, sandable, easy to repair

Sora is a new-generation shikkui developed by Tagawa Sangyo on the basis of traditional shikkui. Sora fully retains traditional shikkui advantages while significantly improving application ease and flexibility. It is sandable and easy to repair; achieving a smooth finish is straightforward for any skilled tradesperson.

Labor saving

Sora can replace one layer of base coat and top coat, saving cost and labor

When applied with a trowel, Sora can replace at least one layer of base coat compared to emulsion paint, and requires no additional emulsion top coat, saving cost and labor.

Roller texture

Sora can be applied with roller (suitable for low-temperature winter application only)

In addition to trowel application, Sora can also be applied with a roller to create soft fine texture, very elegant. (Suitable for low-temperature winter application only)

Diverse finishes

Sora can create Italian style

In addition to smooth and solid color finishes, Sora is also ideal for feature walls: artistic style, industrial style, Venetian plaster, etc.

Diverse finishes

Sora makes various patterns easy

In addition to smooth and solid color finishes, creating various patterns with Sora is also very easy.

Excellent humidity control

Moisture absorption/release exceeds 70g/m2 (per JIS A6909 standard), comparable to some diatom paints

Shikkui has excellent humidity control. Although not as outstanding as diatom, Sora's high shikkui content compensates, so its humidity control is comparable to some diatom paints.

Soap

Higher alkalinity than soap, natural anti-mold antibacterial, no chemicals needed

Why doesn't soap mold even in humid, bacteria-rich bathroom environments? Because soap has high alkalinity that prevents mold growth.
Sora has pH 13, higher alkalinity than soap (pH 8-10), quickly kills bacteria and viruses, and mold cannot grow in humid environments. Per ASTM D 3273 and ASTM D3274 standards, Sora achieved the highest Grade 10 rating, with no mold found on Sora sample surfaces within 28 days.

Soap

Shikkui does not generate static electricity, less dust than wallpaper and emulsion paint

Research shows that dust reappears quickly after cleaning because it comes from walls and ceilings. Air flow friction generates static electricity on walls and ceilings, which attracts dust from the air. It accumulates then falls. So even if you mopped the floor at night, there's already dust the next morning.
Emulsion paint has higher resin content and generates more static electricity. Sora ingredients don't generate static, so it doesn't attract dust easily. Less maintenance needed, indoor spaces stay cleaner.

Osaka Castle

Grows stronger over time! Over 20 years outdoor use

After application, Sora continuously absorbs CO2 from the air and releases moisture, reverting to limestone. Thus Sora gradually becomes natural mineral, growing stronger over time. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, lifespan over 20 years.

Sora JIS A 6909 Test Results
Sora Function Principles

    Natural antibacterial, anti-mold

    Absorption and decomposition of chemicals, formaldehyde, VOC and odors

    Suppresses dust mite growth

What is Japanese Shikkui

What is Shikkui?

Coral reef

    As early as 10,000 years ago, humans used lime as building material. Lime's natural properties include hypoallergenic, anti-dust mite, anti-mold, antibacterial, humidity control, waterproof, antistatic, highly breathable, and VOC-free. In Japan, lime has been used since ancient times to make wall materials, called "shikkui". Famous traditional Japanese buildings such as Osaka Castle, Kumamoto Castle and Himeji Castle use it indoors and outdoors.
    Shikkui is traditional Japanese paint with thousands of years of history. The main component is coral reef from the sea, formed into natural limestone over hundreds of millions of years of geological change. Processed limestone with other natural materials becomes premium healthy paint.

Shikkui Transformation Process

Shikkui transformation process

    Natural limestone (CaCO3) heated to 1000°C in a kiln becomes“quicklime” (CaO) ,quicklime with water produces“slaked lime” (Ca(OH)2). Adding natural seaweed algae and hemp fiber creates shikkui wall material. After application, shikkui absorbs CO2 from air, releases moisture and returns to limestone - slowly becoming natural mineral, stronger over time.


Shikkui Ingredients

Slaked lime
Slaked Lime
Limestone
Limestone
Ginkgo seaweed
Ginkgo Seaweed
Hemp fiber
Hemp Fiber (Plant Fiber)
Shikkui ingredients are all natural materials, safe and healthy.

Shikkui Features

Soap

Shikkui has higher alkalinity than soap, natural anti-mold, no chemicals needed

Have you ever seen soap mold? Why doesn't soap mold even in humid, bacteria-rich bathroom environments? Because soap has high alkalinity that prevents mold growth. Shikkui is natural material with pH 12-13, higher alkalinity than soap (pH 8-10). It quickly kills bacteria and viruses, and mold cannot grow in humid environments. Very suitable for Hong Kong homes, especially families with children, elderly or those with weaker immunity.

Soap

Shikkui does not generate static electricity, less dust than wallpaper and emulsion paint

Research shows that dust reappears quickly after cleaning because it comes from walls and ceilings. Air flow friction generates static electricity on walls and ceilings, which attracts dust from the air. It accumulates then falls. So even if you mopped the floor at night, there's already dust the next morning.
Emulsion paint has higher resin content and generates more static electricity. Shikkui ingredients don't generate static, so it doesn't attract dust easily. Less maintenance needed, indoor spaces stay cleaner.

Osaka Castle

High durability, over 20 years outdoor use

After application, shikkui continuously absorbs CO2 from the air and releases moisture, reverting to limestone (marble is a type of limestone). Thus shikkui gradually becomes natural mineral, growing stronger over time. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, lifespan over 20 years.

Application Guide

Basic System S: Humidity control 70g/m2 (JIS A6909)

Basic System S

    After leveling the wall with base coat and applying primer, apply 2 layers of Sora. This system provides 70g/m2 moisture absorption/release rate (JIS A6909).

    Sora (20kg) can cover approximately 485 sqft (2 layers: for smooth finish, patterns use less).


Premium Humidity System TLS: 70g/m2 (JIS A6909) + 93g/m2

Premium humidity system TLS

    After leveling the wall with base coat and applying primer, first apply 1 layer of Sora mixed with Wakkanai diatom (diatom to Sora ratio 1:2 by weight), then 2 layers of Sora. This system provides additional 93g/m2 moisture absorption/release rate.

    Sora (20kg) + Wakkanai diatom (10kg) can cover approximately 250 sqft (1 layer, smooth finish, patterns use less).
    Sora (20kg) can cover approximately 485 sqft (2 layers, smooth finish, patterns use less).


Product Packaging

Sora
Sora (20kg)
Wakkanai diatom
Wakkanai Diatom Coarse (10kg)

Application Tips

Application tips

    Sora application is very easy. Main point is natural technique, avoid unnatural joints. Recommend semi-circular application, left to right (or right to left) and top to bottom. Also polish to remove unnatural trowel marks.

Application tips

    Shikkui already contains seaweed. Its main role is to retain moisture and control drying time. In hot and dry weather, shikkui dries faster. Adding extra natural seaweed powder slows drying, extends working time.

Application tips

    Adding soybean oil enhances shikkui waterproofing and makes application easier. It is traditional Japanese craftsman wisdom and heritage.

Application tips

    Spray bottle is essential for application. When polishing, if the surface is too dry, lightly spray some water for easier application.

Application tips

    Quality polishing trowel makes polishing work smoother with better results. Choose thin (0.3mm) and flexible trowel.

Catalog Download

 

CAP Global Ltd (Appointment Required)

Tel:852-3568 1719
whatsapp:9053 4401
Email: info@cap-global.com.hk
Website: www.cap-global.com.hk
Unit 4, 15/F, Ricky Centre, 36 Chong Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong

 
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