Do acrylic latex primers and topcoats “breathe” to allow moisture vapor to pass through? Does this breathability diminish when a second topcoating and subsequent repainting is done?
Studies have shown 50 gallons of water is vaporized into the air of an average home each day from cooking, bathing, laundry and people. Much of this moisture passes through the walls. If the exterior coating traps moisture, blistering and peeling will occur. Moisture vapor is more likely to pass through acrylic latex paint films than through solvent alkyd types. It’s true that application of additional coatings will reduce moisture vapor transmission, simply on the basis of increased film thickness. However, even with several coats applied, the latex film will be adequately permeable to water vapor and better than alkyd paint films of comparable thickness.
Related Questions
- Do acrylic latex primers and topcoats "breathe" to allow moisture vapor to pass through? Does this breathability diminish when a second topcoating and subsequent repainting is done?
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