Elastomeric Paints – Features and Applications
Over the decades, the painting industry has grown and developed with radical changes in paints available. And this has been to benefit for all commercial painting contractors. Decades ago, options were limited for painters. There was typically only one application method and this method had to be used regardless of the limitations and side effects. But, with improved formulas and application methods, coatings are no longer limited to these shortcomings. The options for industrial paint have grown with their industrial application. Paint for protective coating against corrosion and rust have become prevalent in past decades. As the painting industry developed, new paint formulas were developed to overcome problems present in building materials and improve features. One of the highly useful kinds of paint developed recently was elastomeric paints.
Building materials have a tendency to expand and contract with variations in temperature and other environmental factors. In these conditions, cracks develop in the walls of structures, both in the interior and exterior side. If these cracks are not treated within time, the paint application can fail, and can allow water to seep through, leading to leakages. This problem is addressed with the application of elastomeric paints. These paints are coatings applied on the walls to keep the surface from cracking when it dries. So, when a surface expands and contracts due to temperature changes, the elastomeric paint expands and contracts without leaving a seam. Elastomeric paints have a higher volume than conventional paints and are applied as a thick layer on the surface. It is a kind of rubberized latex that forms a thick protective layer over anything that it covers. As a type of commercial paint, the features of elastomeric paints can be listed as –
- Elastomeric paints have excellent waterproofing properties; hence they make a great option for water sealer.
- As the polymers expand and contract with temperature, elastomeric paints are a good protective covering layer for surfaces that experience extreme change in temperature.
- Elastomeric paints are highly recommended for their durability. They are more durable than conventional coatings.
- Already in use by roofing professionals, this paint is also being used for moist foundations.
- These paints are also well-suited for use in masonry wall surfaces as well as poured-in-place or tilt-up concrete as they can tolerate minor movement of substrates.
The use of elastomeric paints are on the rise. They are a preferred option for filling hairline cracks and can also be used to bridge moving hairline cracks. The coating can be easily applied with the help of a paint spray but you need to make sure the surface is dry and clean. If the surface is rough, it should be made smooth before applying elastomeric coating. Though elastomeric paints are fill paints, their application needs to be done carefully. Too little or too much may cause problem rather than solving the problem. Consult industrial or commercial painting contractors and seek their opinion on how thick a layer of coating is required. There are several reasons and benefits for using elastomeric paints and situations where their benefits are highly recommended. Use elastomeric paint coating and prepare the surface for cracking and water leakage problems in advance!