Exterior finishes for humid climates

The heart of every facade is the plaster . In older buildings, lime plasters are often used, as they are more breathable and soft, while in newer buildings, cementitious or pre-mixed plasters specifically for exteriors are common. The nature of the substrate influences the choice of subsequent coatings: on lime plasters, it makes sense to stick with compatible and breathable systems, while on cementitious substrates, more technical products can be used, as long as they are well anchored.

Exterior paints can be roughly divided into a few main categories. Acrylic paints are versatile, easy to apply, and offer good UV resistance; siloxane paints combine breathability and water repellency, making them particularly attractive in urban environments, where smog and persistent rains test surfaces. Silicate and lime paints , which are more mineral-based, offer a matte, "deep" finish, particularly suited to historic or prestigious buildings, with excellent breathability.

For highly exposed areas, or in the presence of difficult substrates (old coatings, external insulation, micro-cracked surfaces), more structured continuous coatings come into play: colored plasters, acrylic or siloxane paste coatings, mesh-reinforced skim coats, and high-build finishes. These systems help mask micro-cracks and protect the underlying system, reducing the risk of exposed cracks.

Don't forget the low walls, fences, external stairwells, and parapets , often treated as secondary elements but highly exposed to water and dirt. Here too, the choice of durable materials—exterior wall paints, plastic coatings, and enamels for metal parts—helps to lend aesthetic and functional continuity to the building's facade.

In some situations, especially on contemporary buildings, different finishes are combined: painted plaster combined with textured cladding strips, reconstructed stone elements, wood-effect slats, or architectural panels. However, these additions must be carefully managed, respecting connection details and expansion gaps to avoid leaks and detachments.

The choice of exterior materials should always consider: the type of substrate, exposure, urban or rural context, level of maintenance over time, and architectural style . A high-end product that is out of place or incompatible with the existing structure is unlikely to deliver the expected results.