Types of Wall and Facade Waterproofing: When to Use an Acrylic Waterproofing Paint
Types of wall and facade waterproofing and when an acrylic waterproofing paint is indicated, with the documented criteria of the Coral line.
Waterproofing a wall or facade is not a single decision: the right product depends on the type of surface, the origin of the water and the stress the area is under. Among the available approaches, the acrylic waterproofing paint fills a specific role, and understanding that role avoids choosing a solution for a problem it does not solve.
The waterproofing approaches by category
In general terms, the market works with a few categories of waterproofing, each designed for a context:
- Asphalt membranes and applied membranes for slabs and horizontal areas, aimed at surfaces with standing or passing water.
- Waterproofing mortars, used on buried structures, reservoirs and areas subject to water pressure.
- Acrylic waterproofing paints and coatings, formulated for the vertical surface of walls and facades, where the function is to repel rain and prevent water from entering from outside in.
This separation is the basis of the selection criterion: the acrylic waterproofing paint is the category designed for the exposed wall, not for a slab, floor or structure under a permanent sheet of water.
What characterises the acrylic waterproofing paint
The Coral Proteção Sol & Chuva Pintura Impermeabilizante (waterproofing paint) line is classified by standard ABNT NBR 13321 as an acrylic waterproofer for walls and facades (class F). It forms a rubberised, flexible and water-repellent film, with Power Flex technology, which prevents cracks and infiltration, fights algae and mould and keeps walls clean for longer. One documented point is the antisaltpeter action: the product can be applied directly on dry new plaster, blocking the appearance of saltpeter, the subject of the guide on waterproofing new plaster without waiting for the full cure.
The system is completed by Coral Proteção Sol & Chuva Fundo Impermeabilizante (waterproofing primer), a flexible sealer (ABNT NBR 11702, 4.1.2.7) for external and internal walls. For the full line and its application criteria, see the Coral Proteção Sol & Chuva waterproof exterior paint guide.
Criteria for deciding
| Criterion | What to observe |
|---|---|
| Type of surface | A vertical wall or facade is the field of acrylic paint; slab, floor and reservoir call for other categories |
| Origin of the water | Rain and moisture coming from outside in suit the water-repellent film; water pressure and a permanent sheet of water do not |
| State of the plaster | Dry new plaster accepts the waterproofing paint with antisaltpeter action; weak or cracked plaster calls for specific preparation |
| Wall movement | The flexible film follows the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes |
Preparation and conditions
Walls with mould, cracks or old paint call for preparation before waterproofing. When the external wall carries moisture, what the film solves and what requires fixing the cause is set out in the guide on acrylic waterproofing for exterior walls with moisture. Application should avoid rainy days, temperatures below 10 ºC or above 40 ºC and relative humidity above 85%.
Frequently asked questions
Is the acrylic waterproofing paint suitable for a slab or floor?
The category is designed for vertical walls and facades. Slabs, floors and structures under a permanent sheet of water correspond to other waterproofing approaches, such as membranes and mortars.
What is the difference between the waterproofing paint and the waterproofing primer in the line?
The waterproofing paint is the finish that forms the rubberised film on the surface; the waterproofing primer is the flexible sealer applied beforehand, which also prevents cracks and infiltration and increases the coverage and durability of the paint.
Can the acrylic waterproofing paint be applied on new plaster?
Yes. Pintura Impermeabilizante is formulated for direct application on dry new plaster, with antisaltpeter action, without having to wait for the full cure time of the plaster in this case.
Does the film solve every type of wall moisture?
The film repels rainwater and prevents entry from outside in. When the origin is internal, such as a leak or rising damp, the cause has to be treated first.