Every year, especially in the spring, I get calls from homeowners asking me to inspect their stucco because “it’s coming off in places.” Frequently, I arrive onsite to encounter a catastrophic paint failure.
“The problem is not with stucco,” I tell them. “It’s elastomeric paint. You need to have a painting company scrape and pressure wash off as much as possible and repaint with acrylic paint.”
Originally developed to address surface cracks on stucco buildings, elastomeric paint is essentially a rubberized coating aimed at filling these cracks and stretching up to 400%. However, its rubber composition poses significant drawbacks.
Stucco walls tend to absorb and retain heat when exposed to sunlight, causing the rubberized paint to flex, stretch, and shift under temperature fluctuations. The paint layers underneath aren’t flexible so the layers of paint start to separate creating pockets, which fill with water during the rainy season. The outer coating of elastomeric paint is completely waterproof and flexible, so those pockets grow and pretty soon you have large bags of water between the paint and the siding. Many areas that are peeling off. That’s when I get the call. In many cases, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the stucco itself; rather, the issue lies with the compromised finish coat due to paint delamination.
Although elastomeric paint may have seemed like a promising solution upon its introduction, its long-term implications often outweigh the benefits. Therefore, when it’s time to repaint your stucco exterior, my recommendation is to avoid elastomeric paint altogether.
Instead, opt for a reliable painting contractor proficient in using acrylic paint. Acrylic paint offers durability and flexibility without the downsides of a rubberized paint. An experienced specialist can address any cracks or imperfections using caulk, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting finish. When it comes to maintaining and painting stucco, making an informed choice can prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of your home’s exterior.