Rhino Shield Florida vs. Top Competitors
See how leading exterior coatings stack up in Florida’s heat, humidity, salt air, and storm seasons – backed by ASTM data.
This guide provides a straightforward, data-backed comparison of leading exterior coatings available in Florida, including Rhino Shield, TEX-COTE Coolwall, Home Shield Coating, Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP, and standard premium paints.
We’ve simplified complex technical data, focusing on what truly matters for Florida homeowners: durability, flexibility, breathability, heat reflection, and resistance to mold, storms, and peeling. Our goal is to help you understand the real differences, empowering you to make an informed choice that protects your investment for years to come.
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Comparison chart
Click the image to view the chart below:
Deep dive pros and cons
Rhino Shield Florida
Rhino Shield is a long-lasting, ceramic-based exterior coating designed for Florida’s intense sun, humidity, storms, and coastal salt. It stretches with your walls to avoid cracking, breathes so moisture can escape, and is backed by extensive third-party testing.
- Key metrics: Flex 538–550%; Adhesion 533–567 psi; Breathability 15.1 perms
- Verified performance: SRI 105–107; Mold: Pass; Wind-Driven Rain: Pass; Salt Spray: Pass; Fire: Class A (Smoke 0); R-Value: 6.9 (per report)
- Ideal for: Coastal/storm zones; homeowners wanting long-term, low-maintenance protection
- Things to note: Higher upfront cost; more involved installation; changing colors later takes more effort
TEX-COTE Coolwall
TEX-COTE Coolwall focuses on keeping surfaces cooler and colors more stable under Florida sun. It’s known for infrared heat reflectivity and fade resistance and has an established presence in Florida through dealer networks. Best results come from careful dealer selection and clear scope.
- Focus: IR heat reflectivity and fade resistance
- Notes: SRI marketed; specific ASTM values not listed in the comparison chart
- Ideal for: Heat/fade concerns with a vetted local dealer
- Watchouts: Fewer published ASTM metrics in the chart; results can depend on installer quality
Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP
Loxon XP is a high-quality elastomeric paint commonly used on stucco. It’s very breathable (great for Florida humidity) and has verified storm resistance, making it a solid choice when you want good performance without the premium cost of ceramic coatings.
- Key metrics: Flex 335%; Breathability 18 perms; Adhesion 375 psi; Wind-Driven Rain: Pass
- Ideal for: Breathable elastomeric repaint on stucco at a lower upfront cost
- Watchouts: Typically shorter lifespan than ceramic systems; lower flexibility/adhesion vs. Rhino Shield in the chart
SW SuperPaint / Emerald Acrylic
These are conventional premium paints with broad color choices and easy availability. They’re budget-friendlier upfront but generally need more frequent repainting in Florida’s harsh climate.
- Notes: Conventional paints; no ASTM data in the chart for these metrics; normal repaint cycles
- Ideal for: Budget or aesthetics-first repaint; frequent color changes
- Watchouts: Normal repaint cycles under Florida UV/salt/humidity; basic protection versus specialized coatings
Home Shield Coating
Home Shield positions itself as a Florida-based “permanent” coating solution that emphasizes surface preparation and strong warranties. It’s a local alternative worth considering if you verify the technical proof behind the claims.
- Focus: Two-part “permanent” coating; strong prep + warranty messaging
- Notes: No specific ASTM numbers listed in the comparison chart
- Ideal for: Florida-based alternative—request and review full third-party lab data
- Watchouts: Confirm what the warranty covers (materials vs. labor) and ask for test reports
Due diligence checklist
Before making a final decision, it’s crucial to thoroughly vet any contractor and product. This checklist provides key questions and data points to request from every bidder, ensuring you have all the facts to protect your investment.
FAQ's
When considering multiple options to paint and coat your home there are many questions that homeowners have. We provide the TRUTH. Check out the most common questions asked:
1) What is the best exterior coating for Florida homes?
The best exterior coating for Florida depends on your priorities. For long-term, low‑maintenance protection in heat, humidity, storms, and coastal salt air, many homeowners choose Rhino Shield Florida. For breathable stucco repaints at a lower upfront cost, Sherwin‑Williams Loxon XP is a strong elastomeric option. Standard premium paints (e.g., SW SuperPaint/Emerald) are budget-friendly but require more frequent repainting in Florida’s UV and humidity.
2) Rhino Shield vs. TEX‑COTE Coolwall: Which is better in Florida?
Rhino Shield Florida emphasizes all‑around durability (flexibility, adhesion, breathability, mold resistance, storm and salt performance) with extensive ASTM testing, while TEX‑COTE Coolwall focuses on heat reflection and fade resistance. If your priority is cooler walls, Coolwall can be compelling—just ask for specific ASTM data (SRI, elongation, adhesion, perms). For comprehensive, data‑backed protection in coastal and storm zones, Rhino Shield often stands out.
3) Is elastomeric paint like Sherwin‑Williams Loxon XP good for Florida stucco?
Yes. Loxon XP is a breathable elastomeric that performs well on Florida stucco, helping moisture escape and resisting wind‑driven rain. It’s widely available and cost‑effective compared to ceramic “permanent” coatings. However, expect a shorter lifecycle than multi‑decade systems like Rhino Shield, meaning more frequent repainting over time.
4) How much do “permanent” exterior coatings cost in Florida and how long do they last?
Ceramic and “permanent” exterior coatings typically cost more upfront than standard paint but aim for multi‑decade performance with minimal maintenance. Many Florida homeowners justify the investment by avoiding multiple repaint cycles (often every 3–7 years with standard paint). Always compare total cost of ownership over 10–20 years, not just day‑one pricing.
5) What tests and warranties should I ask for before choosing a Florida exterior coating?
Request third‑party ASTM reports to verify key claims: D2370/D638 (flexibility/tensile), D1653 (breathability/perms), D4541 (adhesion), D5590 (mold/algae), D6904 (wind‑driven rain), B117 (salt spray), E84 (fire), and E1980 (SRI/reflectivity). Confirm wet/dry mil thickness, prep steps for your substrate, and warranty details (materials vs. labor, transferability, who services the warranty if a dealer closes).
Rhino shield testing
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Since 2001, the Rhino Shield team has been dedicated to developing some of the most durable coatings on the market. This includes ongoing research, product innovation, and testing.
Independent ASTM testing is the bedrock of our success. Utilizing top ASTM laboratories and test facilities ensures both quality and performance.
