Rubber paints as a protective coating have been hailed as a boon by various industries due to its diverse properties. A layer of rubber paint protects the surface from water, chemicals and UV rays. This resilient alternative of protective coating is becoming increasingly popular nowadays.
Rubber paint or elastomeric paint helps to add a protective and aesthetic finish to the surface thus protecting it from harsh conditions. The paint comprises of durable polymers, which offers surface strength and resilience against various factors
Not only is it widely used on exterior walls and roofs of houses, it also finds applications in automobile and marine industries. Here we discuss the types, applications and the pros and cons of rubber paint.
Types of rubber paints
Rubber paint is available in various types. It is important to know about them in order to choose which one fits best with your needs.
Acrylic rubber paint
It is the most common and versatile variety of rubber paint. Acrylic paints are both flexible and durable at the same time. Not only it protects exteriors of houses from weather conditions and UV rays, it is also the go-to choice for DIY enthusiasts looking to add colour to their creations.
It can be applied on a range of surfaces and textures and is very easily available in the market.
Chlorinated rubber paint
This type of rubber paint is composed of polymers dissolved in chlorine. Contrary to its name, chlorinated rubber paint does not offer the aesthetic value of colour and is mainly used in industrial applications.
A coating of the yellow-coloured resin of chlorinated rubber paint provides the surface exceptional resistance against corrosion caused by chemicals. The most common applications of chlorinated rubber paint include road markings, chemical-based industries and warehouses and swimming pools.
Epoxy rubber paint
Epoxy rubber paint is similar to acrylic paints, the only difference being that it contains epoxy as well. This combines the superior resistance of epoxy along with the variety of colours offered by acrylic paint. Its usage ranges from concrete floors and walls to industrial and laboratory settings
Polyurethane rubber paint
Commonly known as PU coating, this type of rubber paint has vast applications both in fields of industry and construction. Used in combination with primer, polyurethane coating is capable of providing superior long-term protection to surfaces. Polyurethane rubber paint can be applied on different surfaces ranging from steel to concrete. It is commonly used in industrial machinery and flooring.
See also: How to apply polyurethane wood finish to your furniture?
Silicon rubber paint
Silicon is a material well-known for its flexibility. This type of rubber paint provides extra durability to the surfaces it is used on. It is widely used in the tyre industry for its moulding qualities. It is also used in ships due to its ability to resist high temperatures and water influx.
See also: What are oil paints?
What are the applications of rubber paints?
So where can you use rubber paints? How vast is their application? Read on to find out more.
Home exteriors
Long-term protection of house exteriors against harsh weather conditions is always a top priority of homeowners. Rubber paints are used on walls and roofs of houses to provide resistance against water, leaks, UV rays and other environmental factors.
Waterproofing of pool surfaces
Rubber paints, specifically the chlorinated variety, is used to create a waterproof layer on the walls of swimming pools to ensure that the water does not leak from the sides. Moreover, chlorine also has disinfectant properties that keeps the water clean.
Industrial applications
The widest industrial application of rubber paints can be seen in the automotive industry. The durability of the paint is a much desired characteristic to provide the body of vehicles resilience against corrosion due to environmental conditions and motion. It is also used in boats and ships due to their water-resistant properties and the ability to withstand heat.
Crafts and DIY
Rubber paints are a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts looking to revamp their homes. From small decorative items to bigger furniture, rubber paints ensure both durability and aesthetics for your home decor DIY projects.
Why and why not to use rubber paints?
Now that you know about the types and uses of rubber paint, let’s look at some of its pros and cons to understand if they are suitable for your needs.
Pros
The most important functional advantage of rubber paints is that it combines flexibility with durability. Their resilience against cracking and peeling caused by harsh conditions increases the lifespan of the surface it is being used on. If maintained properly, they can last for even longer.
Rubber paints can tolerate even the harshest of conditions without affecting the shine of the surface. Additionally, it also provides superior protection against chemicals and UV rays. They are also used for waterproofing purposes due to their ability to block seepage.
Cons
While rubber paints possess a variety of useful properties, they are also costlier than regular paints. Moreover, it can be hazardous to use rubber paints by yourself without proper knowledge. Usage of rubber paints always requires professional help. It is important to understand which type of rubber paint suits your needs the best since the aesthetics can be compromised due to limited colour range.
Rubber paints cost in India
Here is a list of the average cost of different types of rubber paints per litre.
| Type | Cost per litre |
| Acrylic rubber paint | Rs 150 – 250 |
| Chlorinated rubber paint | Rs 150 – 300 |
| Epoxy rubber paint | Rs 300 – 500 |
| Polyurethane rubber paint | Rs 210 – 400 |
| Silicon rubber paint | Rs 200 – 350 |
FAQs
Are rubber paints made of chemicals?
Yes, rubber paints are made from polymers and largely have a chemical composition.
What are the types of rubber paints?
Acrylic, chlorinated, epoxy, polyurethane and silicon are the different types of rubber paint.
What are rubber paints used for?
Rubber paints have a wide variety of applications ranging from home exterior to industries like automobile and maritime.
Why should I use rubber paints?
Rubber paints provide durability to the surface and make it resistant to harsh weather conditions, chemicals and UV rays.
What is the price range of rubber paints?
One litre of rubber paint can cost anything between Rs 150 - 500 on an average depending on the type being used.
What is the average lifespan of rubber paints?
Rubber paints can last for up to a decade and even more with proper maintenance.
Do rubber paints require maintenance?
Rubber painted surfaces require minimal maintenance, such as regular gentle cleaning and reapplications whenever required.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at Jhumur Ghosh |
