Three surfaces that work best for elastomeric deck coating
Deck surfaces – especially outdoor decks such as sundecks, patios, or balconies – are exposed to significant wear and tear, caused by everything from normal foot traffic to natural weathering. As time goes on, even well-built deck surfaces can take on a soiled, dull, and stained appearance.
Having an attractive, smooth deck surface is critical to any business because it helps to ensure customer safety. For any deck surface, having a slip-resistant, anti-skid coating should be a primary consideration in addition to durability and erosion resistance.
Elastomeric deck coatings are ideal for meeting these requirements. The elastomeric process provides a rubberized surface with substantial water-resistant characteristics. It’s flexible so it allows trapped moisture to escape from the basic deck surface without impairing the coating’s adhesion.
Virtually any type of deck surface material can benefit from elastomeric coating, but three of the best are wood, concrete, and metal. The elastomeric material has a high degree of flexibility that allows this kind of deck surfacing to stretch and then resume its original contours and appearance without becoming distorted.
Adequate and effective waterproofing is also essential in order to prevent substrate damage as a result of liquid seepage from both water and chemicals. For waterproofing, a water-based elastomeric coating is ideal. Formulated from an acrylic resin, it’s durable and flexible, sealing pre-existing chips, cracks, nicks, small holes, and other imperfections in the substrate, thus providing long-lasting protection against the effects of even the harshest environmental conditions, together with a pleasing aesthetic appearance.
And because of its high elasticity and elongation characteristics, elastomeric paint tends to expand and contract along with the surface, preventing cracks and similar defects from getting worse. In addition, it provides an exceptional and effective barrier against the damaging impacts of water and heat.
Elastomeric paint is available in both smooth and textured varieties. And just like more conventional types of paint, a smooth elastomeric coating can have a matte (i.e., no gloss) appearance or a satin sheen. Textured coatings are also available – an elastomeric deck coating can be applied with a variety of patterns. Often, a textured pattern is useful for disguising or camouflaging imperfections in the surface of a substrate.
Another major advantage of elastomeric deck coatings is a high degree of color retention. Elastomeric paint can be tinted to just about any color. Pastels and earth tones are frequently preferred in many cases because these colors are highly suitable for exterior surfaces.
In summary, elastomeric coatings are an ideal for wood, concrete, and metal deck surfaces. They provide the ultimate in water-proofing, can prevent slipping and sliding, help seal splinters, chips, cracks, and other defects, are available in a wide range of colors and textures, and are highly durable and long-lasting.
