When to use Elastomeric Paint on Stucco
Elastomeric paint is a high build coating that is designed to protect masonry surfaces. These coatings help protect your stucco from wind driven rain, and can create a waterproof system if applied correctly. Here are some of the benefits to using a high quality elastomeric coating from Sherwin-Williams. Keep in mind that elastomeric paints can be over prescribed and may not be necessary for your project. If used in the wrong circumstance, these coatings could cause more harm than good.
Advantages to Elastomeric:
Superior hide – Many times it will take less coats to achieve desired results.
Waterproofing properties – Elastomeric paint can provide a waterproof system to the home if specifications are followed.
Protects from wind driven rain – Strong wind driven rain can harm paint coatings. Elastomeric paint is designed to withstand this more so than typical house paints.
Bridges hairline cracks – Often stucco will begin to crack. Elastomeric paint will fill these hairline cracks.
Issues with Elastomeric Paints:
Although elastomeric paints have all of these benefits, it is NOT always necessary to use them when painting your home. Here are some examples of why this is true.
1. If your home if painted already, and the coating is in sound condition, then it may not be necessary to use and elastomeric paint. Typical exterior house paints will cover more square feet per gallon, resulting in less paint needed to complete the job.
2. If you are not concerned with waterproofing your stucco, a masonry primer and 2 coats of a quality Sherwin-Williams exterior paint will produce fantastic results and at a much lower cost. Keep in mind, for elastomeric paints to completely live up to its water proofing specifications they need to be applied by spray methods and VERY thick coats applied.
3. If there are multiple coats of paint on your stucco it may not be a good idea to paint again with an elastomeric paint. Elastomeric paints are high build coatings that weigh more than a typical paint. If the coating under the elastomeric is not tight to the substrate, it could be pulled away from the stucco by the weight of an elastomeric paint.
This information and opinion from Tristan of Sherwin Williams of the Main Line. If you would like Tristan to come to your house to advise you personally, contact Chris Drucquer at [email protected].
