How Long Will Elastomeric Wall Coatings Last?

If you are looking for a long-lasting exterior finish, look no further than elastomeric wall coatings (EWC). Even high-quality 100% acrylic paints which are applied correctly do not compare to the durability of elastomeric wall coatings. EWCs have a lifespan that extends far beyond ten years, making them a great choice for exterior concrete walls and commercial buildings.

Application Process

Elastomeric wall coatings must be dispensed in very thick layers. To get an idea of how thick these layers need to be, normal paint jobs are about 1/10th the thickness of the average elastomeric wall coating. It is recommended that normal paint job applications like brushes are not used for EWCs. Instead, use a spray painter for your elastomeric wall coating project.

The Pros

EWCs work great in all weather conditions. Because they are flexible, they bend and stretch which helps waterproof walls which may have cracks. Elastomeric wall coatings are also very dependable and work well in all kinds of climates. As long as a primer is used and two coats are applied, there should be little to no maintenance.

The Cons

While elastomeric wall coatings may be the best choice for many reasons, they can be difficult to apply and there is a slight learning curve in the application process. Many people do not realize how critical it is for the elastomeric wall coating to be extremely thick. It is not uncommon for painters to try and save time by using only one coating of an EWC. This generally results in an unappealing appearance and texture. Cutting corners and not applying the necessary amount of layers can also cause the elastomeric wall coating to be far less effective. Specialty tools such as powerful sprayers are also required to apply an elastomeric wall coating. This can be expensive and inconvenient to many.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay by Avi_acl.