What Is Elastomeric Paint? | Benefits & How to Use It

When it comes to protecting and beautifying exterior surfaces, not all paints are created equal. For homeowners facing challenges like hairline cracks, moisture intrusion, or extreme weather conditions, traditional exterior paints might fall short. This is where elastomeric paint steps in – a specialized coating known for its remarkable elasticity and waterproofing capabilities. More than just a cosmetic upgrade, elastomeric paint provides a durable, flexible, and long-lasting barrier for your home. Masterpiece Painter breaks down what makes elastomeric paint a powerful solution for demanding exterior applications.

Definition and key characteristics

Elastomeric paint, also known as "elastomeric coating," is a high-performance, thick, and highly flexible paint specifically designed for exterior use. Its defining characteristic is its extraordinary elasticity – the ability to stretch and return to its original shape without cracking or losing adhesion.

Key characteristics:

• Exceptional Elasticity: This is the hallmark feature. Elastomeric paint can stretch up to 300% or more of its original size without fracturing. This flexibility allows it to bridge and conceal hairline cracks in substrates and accommodate natural expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations, common across diverse US climates.

• Superior Waterproofing: Due to its thick film and flexible nature, elastomeric paint creates a continuous, seamless, and waterproof membrane over the surface. This is critical for preventing moisture intrusion, which can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage.

• High Build/Thickness: Elastomeric coatings are significantly thicker than conventional paints. This high build contributes to their durability, waterproofing, and ability to bridge cracks.

• Breathability: Despite being waterproof, many elastomeric paints are "breathable," meaning they allow trapped moisture vapor from within the wall to escape, preventing blistering and delamination caused by internal moisture pressure. This is a vital property for masonry surfaces, particularly in humid regions of the USA.

• Durability and Longevity: Designed for demanding exterior environments, elastomeric paints offer excellent resistance to UV radiation, harsh weather, dirt pickup, and chalking, leading to a much longer lifespan than conventional exterior paints.

Best surfaces for elastomeric paint

Elastomeric paint is specifically formulated to perform exceptionally well on porous and masonry surfaces that are prone to movement, cracking, or moisture absorption.

Stucco

• Ideal Match: Stucco is arguably the most common and ideal surface for elastomeric paint in the USA, particularly in regions like the Southwest, Florida, and California. Stucco's porous nature and tendency to develop hairline cracks over time (due to settling or temperature shifts) make it a perfect candidate.

• Crack Bridging: Elastomeric paint's elasticity allows it to bridge these existing hairline cracks (up to 1/16th or 1/8th of an inch, depending on the product) and prevent new ones from appearing or showing through the coating.

• Water Protection: It provides excellent waterproofing for stucco, which is a key benefit, especially in states with significant rainfall or humidity.

Concrete and masonry

• Versatile for Porous Surfaces: This includes concrete blocks (CMU), poured concrete walls, brick (if not meant to be permeable), and other masonry surfaces found throughout residential and commercial properties in the USA.

• Waterproofing Basements/Foundations: Elastomeric paint is often used on exterior basement walls or foundations to provide an additional layer of moisture protection, preventing water from seeping into subterranean spaces, a common concern in many parts of the country.

• Flexibility on Concrete: Concrete can develop stress cracks. The flexibility of elastomeric paint helps it maintain integrity over these minor movements.

• Breathability for Masonry: Its breathable nature prevents moisture from being trapped within the masonry, which could lead to spalling (flaking/deterioration) or other issues.

Other suitable surfaces:

• Fiber Cement Siding: Can be used on fiber cement boards for added flexibility and protection.

• Plywood or T1-11 Siding: Some products are suitable for wood siding, especially if it's prone to movement or has minor cracking.

• Foundation Walls: Often applied to exterior foundation walls to seal them against moisture.

• Parapet Walls & Flashing: Used on non-trafficable flat surfaces that need extreme waterproofing.

Benefits over traditional exterior paints

Elastomeric paint offers significant advantages over conventional acrylic latex or oil-based exterior paints, making it a superior choice for specific applications:

• Superior Crack Bridging: This is the primary differentiator. Traditional paints will crack and fail over existing hairline cracks, whereas elastomeric paint stretches to bridge them, maintaining a continuous protective film.

• Exceptional Waterproofing & Moisture Barrier: Its thick, flexible film creates a highly effective barrier against liquid water penetration, making it ideal for protecting homes in rainy or humid climates (e.g., Southeast, Pacific Northwest) from moisture-related damage. Traditional paints offer some water resistance but are not true waterproofing membranes.

• Enhanced Durability & Longevity: Elastomeric coatings are built to last. Their thickness and flexibility mean they resist cracking, chipping, peeling, and fading for a much longer period than standard paints, often lasting 10-20 years or more.

• Breathability: Unlike some older waterproofing coatings that trapped moisture, modern elastomeric paints allow water vapor from inside the structure to escape, preventing blistering caused by moisture buildup.

• Reduced Maintenance: Due to its superior durability and crack-bridging abilities, surfaces painted with elastomeric paint require less frequent repainting and touch-ups.

• Conceals Imperfections: Its high build helps to hide minor surface imperfections, creating a smoother, more uniform appearance.

• Energy Efficiency: The thick film can provide some insulative benefits, potentially helping to reduce energy costs by keeping interior temperatures more stable.

Application tips and tools

Applying elastomeric paint differs from traditional painting due to its thickness. Proper technique is essential for optimal performance.

1. Thorough Surface Preparation is CRITICAL:

   • Clean Meticulously: Remove all dirt, grime, loose paint, chalking, mold, and mildew. Pressure washing with a suitable cleaner is often necessary. Rinse thoroughly.

   • Repair Major Cracks: While elastomeric paint bridges hairline cracks, larger cracks (exceeding the product's bridging capability, e.g., wider than 1/8 inch) must be filled and repaired with an elastomeric caulk or patching compound before painting.

   • Address Efflorescence: White, powdery mineral deposits (efflorescence) on masonry must be treated with a masonry cleaner/etcher and thoroughly rinsed.

   • Dry Completely: The surface must be absolutely bone dry before application. Allow 2-3 days of dry weather after cleaning, especially in humid climates common in the Eastern and Southern US.

2. Prime (Often Required):

   • Many elastomeric paints require a specific primer, especially on bare masonry or previously unpainted surfaces. Always follow the manufacturer's primer recommendations precisely.

   • A quality acrylic masonry primer helps with adhesion and ensures uniform absorption.

3. Application Tools:

   • Heavy-Duty Roller: Use a thick-nap roller (e.g., 3/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch) designed for rough or semi-rough surfaces to adequately spread the thick paint.

   • High-Quality Brush: Use a durable synthetic brush for cutting in edges, corners, and detailed areas.

   • Airless Sprayer (Recommended for Large Projects): For large areas like entire home exteriors, an airless paint sprayer with a powerful pump and a large tip size (e.g., 0.025-0.035 inches) is often the most effective method to achieve uniform coverage and the required film thickness.

4. Apply Thick, Even Coats:

   • Unlike traditional paints, you want to achieve a substantial film thickness with elastomeric coatings. Do not thin the paint unless specified by the manufacturer.

   • Apply the first coat generously and evenly. Don't overwork the paint.

   • Two Coats are Usually Required: A second coat is almost always necessary to achieve the desired film thickness, waterproofing, and crack-bridging properties.

   • Maintain Wet Edge: Work in sections and maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks, which can be more noticeable with thick coatings.

5. Follow Recoat and Curing Times: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's recommended recoat times between coats. Allow the paint to cure fully before exposing it to heavy rain or moisture. This can take several days.

Cost and longevity considerations

Elastomeric paint represents a significant investment, but one that often pays off in long-term benefits.

• Cost: Elastomeric paint is more expensive per gallon than traditional exterior paints, often 2 to 4 times the price of premium acrylic latex. Application can also be more labor-intensive due to its thickness and the need for meticulous prep.

  • Material Cost: In the USA, expect to pay $40-$80+ per gallon, depending on the brand and quality.

  • Professional Application Cost: If hiring Masterpiece Painter, the cost will be higher than a traditional paint job due to material cost, specialized application techniques, and the extensive preparation required. However, this investment covers a superior product and expert application.

• Longevity: This is where elastomeric paint truly shines. When properly applied to a well-prepped surface, elastomeric coatings typically last 10 to 20 years or even longer. This significantly longer lifespan compared to 5-10 years for traditional paints means less frequent repainting and maintenance over the long run, often justifying the higher initial cost.

• Value Proposition: For homes with stucco or masonry exteriors prone to cracking or moisture issues, the higher initial cost of elastomeric paint is often a worthwhile investment. Its superior waterproofing, crack-bridging capabilities, and extended durability can prevent more expensive structural repairs down the line, saving homeowners money in the long run.

For a robust, long-lasting, and protective finish for your stucco, concrete, or masonry exterior, elastomeric paint is an exceptional choice. Given its specialized nature and the importance of meticulous application, consulting with or hiring experienced professionals like Masterpiece Painter is highly recommended to ensure the best possible results and maximize your investment.

Considering elastomeric paint for your home's exterior? Contact Masterpiece Painter today for expert advice and a professional quote tailored to your specific needs!