Elastomeric Paint on Structural Glulam Beams and Arches

Questions & AnswersCategory: Elastomeric Paint QuestionsElastomeric Paint on Structural Glulam Beams and Arches
Don asked 10 years ago

Building- Built in 1969, Japanese temple made of very large doug fir glulam cantilever beams, arches and glulam fascia.

We are in the process of restoring the Japanese temple and the structural engineer recommended elastomeric coatings to the very large (10″ wide x 3.5 foot tall x 60′ long) glulam beams and arches. Most of the cantilever beams are on the inside of the temple and are exposed. The parts of the cantilever beams that are exposed to the sunlight/environment have had dry rot issues.

The problem is we were told that nobody makes an elastomeric paint in a dark brown due to pigmentation issues that are not compatible with the elongation properties of elasomeric paint. Please advise- should we just go to the darkest elastomeric possible? Or is there another paint product that has elongation properties (just not as much as the elastomeric)?

1 Answers
Crowder Painting answered.

Usually elastomeric paint can't be tinted as dark as normal house paint. How dark depends on the manufacture. Plus, there isn't another paint that even comes close to its elongation properties.

Pratt and Lambert Paints has a deep tone base for elastomeric. Also, I have used a ICI elastomeric that can be tinted to some dark colors. Just how deep can these can go? I don't know the full answer, but I have used them with some rather deep colors.

You should ask the painting contractor, 'What brand you are using' and get a color deck with the choices for an elastomeric. If you plan on doing the painting yourself, visit with your local paint stores. Talk to the lead salesperson and, if possible, request or purchase samples before application. (Most elastomeric paints are sold by the 5 gallon bucket and samples are not available.)