Acrylic vs. Elastomeric Paint: Which Is Better for Florida Homes?
One of the most common questions homeowners ask when repainting a stucco home is whether they should use standard acrylic exterior paint or elastomeric coating. Both products have advantages, but they are designed for different situations.
At As You Like It Painting Company, Inc., we've been painting Florida homes since 1983 and help homeowners choose the coating that best fits their home's condition and long-term goals.
What Is Acrylic Exterior Paint?
High-quality 100% acrylic exterior paint is the most commonly used coating on Florida homes. It provides excellent adhesion, color retention, flexibility, and resistance to sunlight, humidity, and rain.
Modern acrylic paints perform extremely well on properly prepared stucco, concrete block, fiber cement siding, wood, and previously painted surfaces.
What Is Elastomeric Paint?
Elastomeric coating is a much thicker, highly flexible coating designed primarily for masonry and stucco surfaces. It is engineered to bridge small, non-structural hairline cracks and provide an additional layer of weather protection.
Because elastomeric coatings build a thicker film than traditional paint, they are often selected for older stucco homes with widespread hairline cracking.
Advantages of Acrylic Paint
- Excellent color retention
- Breathable coating
- Outstanding UV resistance
- Lower material cost
- Available in a wide variety of colors and finishes
- Easier future maintenance and repainting
Advantages of Elastomeric Coatings
- Bridges many hairline stucco cracks
- Creates a thicker protective film
- Excellent water resistance
- Ideal for older stucco surfaces with numerous cosmetic cracks
- Provides additional protection in harsh weather conditions
When Do We Recommend Elastomeric?
Elastomeric coatings are not necessary on every home. They are typically recommended when stucco has widespread hairline cracking or when additional crack-bridging performance is desired.
If the stucco is in excellent condition, a premium acrylic paint often provides outstanding long-term performance.
Preparation Is Still the Most Important Step
Regardless of which coating you choose, proper preparation remains the most important factor in achieving a long-lasting exterior paint job.
Pressure cleaning, repairing damaged areas, sealing cracks, caulking joints, and applying the correct primer all contribute to the overall performance of the finish.
Our Recommendation
Most Florida homes perform exceptionally well with premium acrylic exterior paint. Elastomeric coatings are valuable in certain situations, particularly on older stucco homes with numerous hairline cracks.
During your estimate, we'll evaluate your home's exterior and recommend the coating that best matches its condition rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all solution.
Need Help Choosing the Right Exterior Coating?
If you're planning an exterior painting project, we'll explain the differences between acrylic and elastomeric coatings and recommend the best option for your home.
We've proudly served Palm Beach County and Martin County since 1983.
Call or Text (561) 502-7288