Lifetime Coatings
Coating technology has come a long way in recent years, and it seems that new products with dramatic performance claims are introduced every few months.
Lifetime Coatings
Coating technology has come a long way in recent years, and it seems that new products with dramatic performance claims are introduced every few months. It can be difficult to separate the claims from reality, particularly since many of the new products haven't been on the market long enough to stand the test of time. Here is a basic look at these coatings and what they purport to do.
Coating vs. Paint
What is a coating and how does it differ from typical exterior paint? A coating is a generic term for paint, lacquer, enamel or other liquid that converts to a solid protective or decorative film after application. So the most elemental definition of paint is that it's simply a pigmented coating. Typically exterior paint will dry to a thickness of 1 mil, while a coating will dry to between 3 and 8 mils, depending on the product.
Some Types of Coatings
What are some of the types of coatings being sold today and how do they differ? One of the best known is the elastomeric type that has been used for masonry surfaces for many years because of its thickness, its waterproofing properties and its ability to bridge cracks and expand and contract as these surfaces move. There is also the vinyl siding in a can that is being marketed as a "never paint again" solution, and the ceramic coatings that are mainly used for industrial purposes. There are many other types of specialty coatings.
Also on the market today are the newer 100% acrylic exterior latex coatings that traditional paint companies have created to compete against these products. These coatings can be used on most surfaces, including wood, stucco, vinyl, aluminum and special siding products such as HardiPlank ®. These new coatings have high film-build for longer-lasting protection (this means that they're thick), they bridge cracks easily, retain color well, and are said to be mold, algae and mildew-resistant.
Vinyl Products
It sounds too good to be true: Use one of these vinyl-in-a-can products because they're maintenance free and you'll never have to paint again. Other claims include a high permeability rate so that water vapor isn't trapped, toxic mold won't grow and wood won't rot. At the same time it is said that these products are waterproof and won't blister, crack, peel or split over time. The sellers say that these coatings can be applied to virtually any type of exterior wall.
Professional Application Required
These vinyl products are not intended for homeowner application. The cost of labor and materials is often considerably higher than traditional painting; however, it is claimed that these costs are offset by the lifetime of the coating, making them a less expensive choice over time. Careful preparation is needed, because if the coating is applied to an improperly prepared surface it can peel off, and this work increases the cost of installation. In some cases, preparation can include the application of both a primer and a bonding product.
Warranty Programs
A key component of the marketing program for these vinyl products is a very long term warranty. Keep in mind that it may cover only product manufacturing errors, and usually excludes improper application, among other things. These warranties typically exclude negligence, acts of God, wear and tear, mildew, failure to maintain, interior moisture conditions and much more! Even if a claim is deemed valid, it's often not clear if the warranty covers just product replacement for the small area that has failed, or if the cost of labor (the most expensive element) is included. There are other issues as well. See the discussion of Painting Warranties in the Winter 2004 issue of the Notebook. FIONA PLS PUT LINK HERE.
Some Issues
Since these vinyl products and warranty programs haven't been around for 30 years, it's impossible to say with certainty how well they perform. Some of the complaints that are said to have arisen include: they don't touch up well; there is difficulty in matching colors; sometimes there is dissatisfaction with the aesthetics of the product; there can be difficulty with non-spray application due to over-brushing which leaves brush marks; and most of all, there have been misunderstandings about what the warranty really covers. If you are considering the purchase of a liquid vinyl product, it is crucial to do your homework and understand exactly what you are buying, what the warranty limitations and exclusions are, and to get all key details in writing.
New High Film Build 100% Acrylic Products
Competing against the vinyl products are the new lifetime coatings from the major paint manufacturers that are thicker and more durable than traditional paint. Most offer one-coat coverage, superior adhesion, bridging of cracks and mildew and algae resistance. They often feature a lifetime warranty against specified problems such as blistering, cracking, peeling or flaking that varies according to the manufacturer. Each company's warranty has its own conditions and limitations, but it usually covers only replacement product for the portion of the work that has failed, or a refund of the purchase price of materials for that portion. Usually the cost of labor is not covered.
Surface Preparation
Regardless of the manufacturer, requirements for proper preparation are very specific. If you wish to have a valid warranty, you must follow them exactly. Some examples of proper preparation are: remove all loose and peeling paint, dirt, mildew, grease, chalk, rust and any other surface contamination; patch all holes; caulk all cracks and open seams and sand all glossy, rough and patched areas.
Is Priming Required?
Many of the new products are said to be self-priming on properly prepared surfaces; however, it is still necessary to prime in the following situations: new steel, rusting metal, certain cement-containing surfaces such as HardiPlank® and stucco, masonry, etc. You should keep in mind that the coating that does everything has yet to be invented, and err on the side of caution by using the correct primer if there is any question about the condition of the surface you'll be painting.
Professional Application Not Required
Unlike the vinyl-in-a-can products, professional application isn't required. However, keep the warranty requirements in mind, especially if you do the work yourself.
What About Cost?
These new coatings do cost more than traditional paint, but less than the cost of the vinyl products. You can save money by doing the work yourself, just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Best Use of High Film-Build Products
Because of their improved properties such thickness (also known as high film-build) that can drastically improve the appearance of cratered and worn surfaces and reduce the need for patching, their superior adhesion, the ability to bridge gaps and cracks and their resistance to mildew and algae, we feel that these products are a particularly good choice for older homes or ones in less than ideal condition.
Conclusion
Paint technology has come a long way, but there's still no product that can do everything and last forever. Use common sense when evaluating claims for maintenance-free coatings that last a lifetime. Do your homework and choose the best product for your home, bearing in mind its condition, your budget and the period of time you expect to live there. If you have questions about the best product for your home, consult the experts at the paint store.
