When it comes to exterior painting, commercial painters often recommend elastomeric paint for a variety of reasons. This type of paint is known for its durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Let’s take a closer look at elastomeric paint, particularly its properties and benefits, so that you can also see why it can be important for your commercial painting projects.
What is Elastomeric Paint?
Elastomeric paint is a thick, flexible coating designed for exterior surfaces. It is known for its high elasticity, allowing it to stretch and return to its original shape without cracking.
This paint is also highly resistant to water, making it suitable for areas that experience frequent rain or moisture. Elastomeric paint is available in a range of colors and can be applied to various surfaces, including stucco, concrete, and brick.
What are the Benefits of Elastomeric Paint?
Elastomeric paint offers a range of advantages that make it a popular choice for exterior surfaces. Here are a few of the key benefits:
- Weather Resistance: Elastomeric paint stands up well to extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and intense sunlight. This helps protect the exterior of buildings from damage.
- Long-lasting Durability: Thanks to its thick, flexible coating, elastomeric paint lasts longer than many traditional paints. It maintains its appearance and performance over time, reducing the need for frequent repainting.
- Crack Bridging: The elasticity of this paint allows it to stretch and cover small cracks in the surface. This helps prevent further damage and keeps the exterior looking smooth and intact.
- Waterproofing: Elastomeric paint creates a strong barrier against water infiltration. This is especially useful for buildings in areas with high humidity or heavy rainfall, as it helps prevent moisture from penetrating the walls.
- Versatility: This type of paint can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including stucco, concrete, brick, and wood. Its versatility makes it a good option for different types of buildings and exterior materials.
Is Elastomeric Paint Suitable for Exteriors?
Elastomeric paint is designed specifically for exterior use and is a strong choice for outdoor applications. Its thick, flexible nature allows it to adhere well to surfaces like stucco, concrete, and brick.
The paint’s elasticity enables it to stretch and move with the surface without cracking, even in changing temperatures. It is also highly resistant to moisture and provides a durable coating that holds up well in various weather conditions. Elastomeric paint is formulated to withstand the elements and is a reliable option for exterior projects.
What are the Other Uses of Elastomeric Paint?
Elastomeric paint is known for its use in exterior painting, but it has other applications as well. Check out the additional ways this versatile paint is used:
- Roof Coating: Elastomeric paint is often applied to roofs to protect against leaks and water damage. Its flexibility allows it to expand and contract with the roof, preventing cracks and other issues caused by temperature changes.
- Basement Waterproofing: This paint is also used in basements to create a waterproof barrier on walls. It helps prevent moisture from seeping in, which is especially useful in areas prone to dampness or flooding.
- Concrete Floor Coating: Elastomeric paint can be applied to concrete floors to provide a durable, water-resistant surface. It is often used in garages, warehouses, and other areas where a strong, flexible coating is needed.
- Sealant for Expansion Joints: Due to its elasticity, elastomeric paint is used to seal expansion joints in buildings and structures. These joints require a material that can flex and move with the building without breaking down, making elastomeric paint an ideal choice.
- Water Tanks and Pools: Elastomeric paint is sometimes used to coat the interiors of water tanks and pools. Its waterproof properties make it effective at preventing leaks and maintaining the integrity of these structures over time.
- Metal Surface Protection: This paint is also applied to metal surfaces to prevent rust and corrosion. It forms a strong barrier that shields metal from moisture and harsh environmental conditions.
- Industrial Applications: In industrial settings, elastomeric paint is used to coat machinery, pipes, and storage tanks. Its flexibility and durability make it suitable for protecting equipment that undergoes temperature changes or mechanical stress.
- Parking Lot Coating: This paint is applied to parking lot surfaces to provide a durable, water-resistant coating. It helps extend the life of the asphalt or concrete while providing a slip-resistant surface for vehicles and pedestrians.
Why are Commercial Painters Proficient in Applying Elastomeric Paint?
Commercial painters are skilled in applying elastomeric paint for a variety of reasons. Their experience and training enable them to handle this unique material with precision. Here’s why they excel at using elastomeric paint:
Understanding the Product
Commercial painters have a deep understanding of elastomeric paint’s properties. They know how to work with its thick consistency and elasticity, which requires different techniques compared to standard paints. This knowledge helps them achieve a smooth and even application, ensuring that the paint adheres properly to the surface.
They also understand the importance of surface preparation before applying elastomeric paint. Proper cleaning and priming are essential to get the best results, and professional painters are trained to handle these steps effectively.
Specialized Equipment
Applying elastomeric paint often requires specialized equipment, such as high-pressure sprayers or specific rollers. Commercial painters are equipped with the right tools to apply the paint evenly and efficiently, even on large or challenging surfaces. They know how to adjust the equipment settings to accommodate the paint’s thickness and achieve the desired coverage.
Their experience with these tools means they can complete the job faster and with a higher level of precision. This results in a more professional finish that meets the standards expected in commercial projects.
Experience with Varied Surfaces
Elastomeric paint can be applied to a range of exterior surfaces, and commercial painters are experienced in working with all of them. Whether it’s stucco, brick, or concrete, they know how to adjust their technique to suit the material.
Commercial painters also understand how different surfaces react to weather and time. Their experience allows them to anticipate potential issues and address them before they become problems, leading to a longer-lasting application.
The Process of Applying Elastomeric Paint
Applying elastomeric paint involves several steps that need to be followed carefully to achieve the best results. Each stage plays an important role in ensuring the paint adheres properly and provides lasting protection. Below is how the process typically unfolds:
Surface Preparation
The first step in applying elastomeric paint is preparing the surface. This involves cleaning the exterior thoroughly to remove dirt, mold, or old paint. Pressure washing is often used to ensure the surface is free of debris that could interfere with adhesion. Any cracks or gaps should be filled and repaired before moving on to the next step.
Once the surface is clean and smooth, a primer may be applied to help the elastomeric paint bond better. This step is especially important for porous surfaces like stucco or brick, as it creates a stable base for the paint.
Masking and Taping
Before painting begins, areas that won’t be painted, such as windows, doors, and trim, are masked off. This involves covering these sections with tape and plastic to protect them from overspray or accidental drips. Taking the time to do this properly helps achieve a clean, professional finish.
Masking and taping also help create sharp lines where different surfaces meet. This step ensures that the final result looks neat and well-defined, without unwanted paint on areas that should remain untouched.
Application of the Paint
The actual painting process involves applying the elastomeric paint using brushes, rollers, or sprayers, depending on the surface and project size. Because the paint is thick, it often requires multiple coats to achieve full coverage. The painter applies the paint in even, consistent strokes to avoid streaks or uneven areas.
During this step, the painter carefully monitors the application to make sure the paint is going on smoothly and evenly. They also check for any areas that might need touch-ups or additional coats, ensuring a uniform finish across the entire surface.
Drying and Curing
After the paint is applied, it needs time to dry and cure properly. This process can take several hours or even days, depending on the weather conditions and the thickness of the paint. During this time, the painter will keep the area protected from dust, debris, and moisture to avoid any imperfections.
Once the paint has fully cured, the masking materials are removed, and the final inspection is conducted. The painter checks for any missed spots or flaws, making any necessary adjustments before considering the job complete.
Finding the Best Commercial Painters for Applying Elastomeric Paint
Choosing the right commercial painter for applying elastomeric paint is essential for achieving a high-quality result. Here are some tips to help you find the best professionals for the job:
Look for Experience with Elastomeric Paint
Not all painters have experience with elastomeric paint, which requires specific skills and knowledge. When evaluating potential contractors, ask about their experience with this type of paint. Painters who have successfully completed similar projects will be more familiar with the challenges and techniques involved, ensuring a better outcome.
Experience also means they’ll know how to handle different surfaces and conditions that might affect the application. An experienced painter can anticipate potential issues and address them before they become problems, leading to a smoother and more durable finish.
Check References and Reviews
Before hiring a commercial painter, take the time to check their references and read online reviews. This can give you better insight into the quality of their work and their reliability. Ask previous clients about their experience, particularly if elastomeric paint was used on their project. Positive feedback from past clients is a strong indicator that the painter will meet your expectations.
Reviews can also reveal how the painter handles challenges or unexpected issues during a project. A good reputation is built on consistent performance, so choose a painter who is known for delivering high-quality results.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure the commercial painter you choose is properly licensed and insured. Licensing ensures that the painter meets the professional standards required by your state or local area. Insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage during the project. Without proper coverage, you could be held responsible for any incidents that occur on your property.
Request proof of both licensing and insurance before signing any contracts. This simple step helps protect your investment and provides peace of mind that you’re working with a legitimate and responsible contractor.
Evaluate Their Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial when applying elastomeric paint, which requires careful preparation and application. Ask potential painters how they approach surface preparation, masking, and other detailed aspects of the job. A painter who takes these steps seriously is more likely to deliver a flawless finish.
Pay attention to how they answer your questions and whether they offer detailed explanations. A painter who is thorough in their planning and execution will be more likely to catch small issues before they become bigger problems, leading to a better overall result.
Compare Quotes and Warranties
Finally, compare quotes from different painters, but don’t just focus on the price. Look at what each quote includes, such as the scope of work, materials, and timeline. Also, inquire about any warranties offered on the work. A painter who stands behind their work with a warranty shows confidence in the quality of their craftsmanship.
While it might be tempting to go with the lowest bid, remember that quality should be your top priority. Choose a painter who offers a fair price, backed by a solid reputation and a commitment to delivering the best possible results.
Conclusion
Commercial painters often recommend elastomeric paint for exterior projects because of its durability and ability to protect buildings from harsh weather conditions. It’s a reliable choice for those looking to maintain the appearance and integrity of their exteriors over time. With its unique properties, elastomeric paint offers a level of performance that standard paints simply can’t match.
For expert application of elastomeric paint and other exterior services, reach out to us at Custom Painting, Inc. Call 925-294-8062 or fill out our Contact Form to get started.