Paint flexibility describes how well a dried paint film can cope with small surface movement without cracking, flaking or peeling.
It’s a useful quality for paint applied to substrates that naturally move, expand or contract, such as timber, older plaster, lime based surfaces and exterior masonry. Flexibility is a valuable attribute alongside breathability because breathability helps moisture vapour escape, while flexibility helps the coating stay intact as the surface moves slightly.
Where Flexible Paint is Useful
Paint flexibility can help solve a number of decorating problems, helping to create a uniform and durable finish. Choosing a paint with high flexibility can help with:-
- Walls in period & heritage properties - these are particularly prone to movement as the plaster and lath expands and contracts.
- Regulating moisture in areas like kitchens and bathrooms - a breathable paint needs to also have high levels of flexibility. This keeps the paint surface from moving and cracking as moisture passes through the paint layer.
- Exterior & interior woodwork - timber expands and contracts with temperature changes, weather, and humidity.
- Stone & lime surfaces - flexible coatings reduce the risk of cracking as the surface moves during moisture and temperature changes.
