The Advantages Of Elastomeric On Stucco
When Elastomeric paint is applied correctly, it is actually a waterproof paint. It’s also a very thick paint, allowing it to bridge gaps and minor cracks.
Ben Moore UltraSpec Elastomeric has a 300% elongation.
In addition to its flexibility, the thickness gives it an exceptionally high build. One coat of Elastomeric has 2-3 times the thickness of a coat of standard acrylic paint.
The Disadvantages Of Elastomeric On Stucco
Pin wholes are the small areas that the elastomeric paint did not cover. These small pin holes happen when rolling too quickly, causing bubbling. The result is that these pin size holes allow water to enter behind the waterproof paint. The moisture then cannot transfer through the paint and collects behind the paint like water in a balloon.
The solution would be to apply a block filler on the stucco to ensure all pin holes are gone. Then, use either another coat of Elastomeric or any acrylic exterior paint.
A few elastomeric paints are breathable and allow moisture to transfer; UltraSpec is one. However, most elastomeric paint systems are not breathable.
Therefore, if you believe that there are any areas on the outside of the house where water can get behind the paint, elastomeric would not be a good choice.
Because the paint is thick, a gallon of elastomeric only spreads between 80-100 square feet per gallon. That’s about a third of what universal exterior paints would cover.
Though most elastomeric paints dry to the touch in 2 hours, a re-coat must wait until the following day. Having to wait this long between coats could increase the labor cost.
Elastomeric paints, such as Conflex Sherlastic, need to be applied when temperatures are above 50 degrees for 24 hours. Other masonry paint, such as Loxon XP, can be used when surface temperatures exceed 35 degrees.
And finally, if after power washing the surface still has a chalkiness left, it will need to be primed with a masonry conditioner. Other acrylic masonry paints can go directly over chalky surfaces.
Below is a short list in no particular order of excellent elastomeric paints.