providing a composition comprising a silica aerogel matrix material embedding one or more fillers, the composition being conformable to the surface, the silica aerogel matrix material further comprising a hydrated filler comprising a carbonate embedded in the silica aerogel matrix material, an opacifying compound embedded within the silica aerogel matrix material, and hydrophobic materials attached to a surface of the silica aerogel matrix material, wherein the opacifying compound is embedded within the silica aerogel matrix material; and