Stucco is unique from other home exterior surfaces because it is highly textured, coarse, and porous.
It’s also durable, affordable, and easily conforms to different surfaces.
There are two types of stucco, traditional and synthetic; both require pre-washing and back rolling.
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To prep the surface, pressure-wash the stucco.
Because stucco is porous, the surface will need back-rolling if youuse a paint sprayer.
Read on to learn the steps for painting stucco to ensure long-lasting beauty.
What Is Back Rolling?
The Best Paint for Stucco
Choose flat or satinexterior paintfor stucco.
Satin can be used because it makes it easier to clean the stucco later on.
But satin’s slight gloss accentuates the stucco’s texture, making blending touch-ups more challenging.
Stucco works with manytypes of paint schemes.
Large horizontal cracks may need professional repair.
Pressure Wash
Clean the walls.
Fill hairline cracks with caulk.
Fill large cracks:Large cracks are wider than the thickness of the paint scraper blade.
Fill holes:Holes require a ready-mix stucco patch.
Spray Paint
Use thepaint sprayerto spray an area about 8 feet wide by 8 feet high.
Spray directly from the front.
Randomize Paint
Spray the same section at different, random angles while the paint is still wet.
Because stucco has bumps and ridges, spraying from the front alone will leave unpainted small pockmarks and slivers.
Wash the exterior twice to three times annually to keep it looking its best.
Before cleaning, repair cracks to prevent water from damaging the stucco and underlying house structure.
To clean the surface, use water first; you may not need a cleaning agent.
A structural engineer orfoundation expertwould be the best person to diagnose those issues.
A paintbrush is only recommended if it’s for a minor touch-up.
The cost to paint stucco and the regular maintenance required are other hindrances.
