Should you use acrylic or elastomeric paint for your project? Because they’re both flexible and resistant to the elements, acrylic and elastomeric paints are two of the most popular options for both interior and exterior painting.
Both types of paint have their unique advantages and disadvantages, so deciding which one to choose can be a challenge. Here’s an in-depth look at both the benefits and drawbacks of each type of paint to help you make an informed decision for your commercial or industrial painting project in PA or the Tri-state area.
What is Elastomeric Paint?
Elastomeric is typically an acrylic paint made from polymers that include butyl polyurethane, and silicone molecules. When it dries, elastomeric paint creates a thick, flexible, and waterproof seal, making it ideal for building exteriors. Elastomeric paints are a popular option for painting exterior surfaces like roofs, stucco, brick, and concrete.
What Does Elastomeric Mean?
The definition of “elastomeric” is a material that has rubber-like properties. Elastomeric paint can stretch and bend without breaking and then return to its original shape.
Advantages of Elastomeric Paint
There are several benefits to using elastomeric paint. It’s thicker than regular paint, it’s flexible, it’s waterproof, and it’s so durable that a single application can last for up to a decade.
Durability
One of the biggest advantages of elastomeric paint is how durable it is. Elastomeric paint can last up to ten years without needing to be repainted, which is five times longer than the lifespan of traditional paint.
Thickness
Elastomeric paint is extremely thick. It can be anywhere from three to ten times thicker than regular paints. Because elastomeric paint is so thick, it can seal small cracks and protects the building from water, sun, and hail damage.
Flexibility
Elastomeric paint can stretch and bend like rubber. Cold weather makes surfaces contract, while hot weather makes it expand. For regular paint this push and pull on the surface below will cause the paint to crack. Because elastomeric paint is flexible, it will stretch along with the surface and doesn’t crack. This flexibility makes elastomeric paint ideal for building exteriors.
Waterproofing
One of the biggest advantages of elastomeric paint is that it’s waterproof. When elastomeric dries it creates a thick, waterproof barrier that keeps out moisture. This waterproof layer protects the surface below the elastomeric paint and prevents rainwater damage and mold.
Fills in Cracks & Imperfections
Because elastomeric paint is so thick and bonds so well to surfaces, it can be used to fill in any cracks and imperfections in a surface. The elastomeric paint can stretch, preventing the crack from widening while creating a waterproof barrier to keep out moisture.
Energy-Efficiency
Elastomeric paint is UV-resistant and acts as a form of insulation for buildings. By reflecting solar rays and helping to keep heat inside, elastomeric paint can make your building more energy efficient and save your business money.
Disadvantages of Elastomeric Paint
When comparing elastomeric paint to acrylic, it’s important to note that elastomeric comes with a few downsides. These include a higher price tag, fewer color options, special surface preparation, and far less breathability than acrylic paint.
More Expensive
One notable downside of elastomeric is the price tag. Elastomeric paint can cost up to 50% more than other paint options. While it’s more expensive initially, elastomeric paint can last up to four times as long as regular paint options making it an investment that pays off over time.
Non-Permeable
Unlike other types of “breathable” paint, elastomeric paint forms a watertight barrier that prevents any moisture from getting in. For materials like wood, this trapped moisture can result in the development of mold and rot.
Not Suitable for All Surfaces
Elastomeric paint is ideal for use on masonry surfaces like stucco and concrete, but doesn’t adhere well to metal or wood. Applying elastomeric paint to metal or wooden structures could result in the paint failing to bond with the surface.
Requires Surface Preparation
Elastomeric paint requires thorough surface preparation to be applied properly. Because it bonds so strongly to a surface, any cracked or peeling paint and debris must be removed before application. Otherwise the elastomeric paint will bond to the peeling paint, instead of the surface below.
Requires Professional Application
Along with surface preparation that needs to be performed, the application of elastomeric paint itself isn’t DIY-friendly. When applied improperly, elastomerics can wind up with unsightly lumps and streaks that are hard to get out. To ensure best results, we recommend hiring experienced professionals for elastomeric paint projects.
Future Coats Must be Elastomeric
Elastomeric paint is designed to stretch – sometimes up to 600% – which means that if you apply regular paint on top of it, the base coat of elastomeric can stretch and crack the new coating of paint. Once you’ve applied an elastomeric paint, all future coats must also be elastomeric.
What is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is a quick-drying type of paint made from a combination of water and acrylic polymer. Acrylic is a popular option for a variety of different applications including furniture, walls, and building exteriors. Because it’s quick-drying and weather resistant, acrylic paint is often used for painting the exteriors of commercial and industrial buildings.
Advantages of Acrylic Paint
Using acrylic paint for commercial painting projects brings a lot of advantages. This includes a short drying time, permeability, ease of application, flexibility, and the fact that acrylic is less expensive than other paint options.
Quick Drying
Acrylic paint typically dries within a half hour to an hour, which is about four times faster than elastomeric. Because it dries so quickly, it minimizes downtime on commercial and industrial projects.
Versatility
Acrylic paint is versatile and can be used to paint both the interiors and exteriors of buildings. It adheres well to various surfaces like wood, metal, and concrete. The lifespan of acrylic paint used on building exteriors will vary based on its formulation.
Breathability
Acrylic paint is permeable, allowing moisture to pass through it. This breathability prevents moisture from building up beneath the surface, allowing mold and mildew to develop. This is why acrylic paint is appropriate for use on wood, whereas elastomeric paint traps the moisture, keeping it from escaping.
Flexibility
While not nearly as flexible as elastomeric paint, acrylic paint can shrink and expand along with the underlying surface to help prevent cracking. Acrylic paint can stretch up to double its size before breaking.
Inexpensive
Acrylic paint is inexpensive; especially when compared to elastomeric paint. For extra large painting projects the cost of paint can add up, making acrylic a more attractive option. For projects on a tight budget, determine if the paint needs to have the stretching and waterproof properties of elastomeric or not.
Easy Application
Unlike elastomeric paint, acrylic doesn’t require hiring a professional painter to apply it. Acrylic paint can be applied by a painting novice, using common painting equipment like brushes, rollers, and paint sprayers.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is an affordable, popular paint option, it does have its share of downsides when comparing it to elastomeric paint. These include less durability, not as thick, not as flexible, isn’t waterproof, and can’t bridge cracks or fill in imperfections.
Doesn’t Fill Imperfections
Unlike elastomeric paint which can fill in cracks and imperfections in a surface, acrylic paint isn’t nearly as flexible and can’t be used to fill in wide cracks. Damaged surfaces would need to be repaired before applying acrylic paint to get a smooth finish.
Acrylic Paint isn’t Waterproof
While acrylic paint is water-resistant, it isn’t waterproof like elastomeric paint. For industrial settings that have persistent moisture, acrylic paint wouldn’t be recommended. A thick layer of elastomeric paint is completely waterproof, preventing water from getting in or out.
Less Flexible
Acrylic paint has the ability to stretch slightly, but it doesn’t have the rubber-like properties of elastomeric paint. Acrylic paint can stretch up to 200%, while elastomeric can stretch up to 600% of its size before breaking. Acrylic paint is typically used for surfaces that are stable, and experience little to no movement.
Not as Durable as Elastomeric
Elastomeric paint is much more durable and long-lasting than acrylic paint. A coat of acrylic paint can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. This isn’t as durable as elastomeric paint which can last up to 10 years.
Elastomeric paint can stretch up to six times its size without breaking. Acrylic paint can stretch anywhere from 50% to 200% until it breaks. When you compare the two, you see that elastomeric is much more durable and long-lasting than acrylic.
Which Should You Choose?
There’s no definitive right answer to the question; but you can select the paint that’s just right for your project. Because elastomeric paint is great for damaged stucco, concrete, and acts as a waterproofing agent, it’s perfect for repainting walls and surfaces in municipal buildings, retail shops, schools and universities, masonry buildings, and several other commercial building types. Since acrylic paint is less expensive and can be applied to wood or metal structures, it might be the right choice for buildings made from those materials. The commercial and industrial painting experts at Alpine Painting and Restoration can discuss your project with you to help you make the right choice for your needs.
Contact Alpine
If you need high-quality commercial painting in Philadelphia the experienced team at Alpine Painting and Restoration are here to help. Contact us today via phone or email to learn about our painting options and to receive a free quote.
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