Painted stucco can add a touch of elegance to any home. It is an affordable way to improve the appearance of your home without having to do a lot of work. However, if it is not done properly, painted stucco can quickly become an eyesore.
What Is Stucco?
A mixture of powdered cement or limestone is prepared by blending it with water and sand. This thick mixture is then applied in coats to a surface, such as a wall. Once it dries, exterior stucco becomes very hard and is resistant to fire, weather, and pests.
Painting stucco walls is not difficult, but it does require some special considerations. For example, because stucco is porous, it will absorb any moisture that it comes into contact with. This means that if you live in an area with high humidity or rainfall, you will need to take extra care to ensure that stucco exterior walls are properly sealed.
It is also important to note that painting stucco can be a bit messy. Because of its porous nature, a fresh coat of paint or primer that you use will likely seep into the stucco, leaving behind a residue. This residue can be difficult to remove, so it is important to take care when painting stucco to avoid making a mess.
Before Stucco Painting
Before stucco painting, it is important to consider the things that will need to be done to prepare the surface.
Weather Permitting
The first thing to consider is the weather. You should never paint stucco when it is raining or even when the forecast calls for rain. The moisture will cause the paint to bubble and peel. If you must paint in rainy weather, be sure to use a waterproof primer.
Measure The Walls
Secondly, you will need to measure the walls that you will be painting. This is important because you will need to know how much paint or primer to buy. It is also important to measure the walls so that you can determine how long it will take to complete the project.
Check Repairing Patches
If the stucco is in good condition and does not need any repairs, you can proceed to paint it. However, if there are any cracks or holes in the stucco, you will need to repair the stucco before painting. You can use a stucco patching compound to do this.
Once the repairs are complete, you will need to allow the stucco to dry completely before proceeding to paint.
Clean The Surface
To get rid of the loose paint and material, use a wire brush to scrub the stucco surface. Be sure to remove all of the loose paint and material so that the paint will adhere properly.
If there is any mildew or mold on the stucco surfaces, you will need to remove it before painting. You can do this by scrubbing the surface with a solution of bleach and water. Once the surface is clean, you will need to allow it to dry completely before proceeding to paint.
When To Apply
If the stucco is new, then you will want to wait at least 60 days before painting it. This will give the stucco time to cure and will help to ensure that the paint will adhere properly.
What Kind Of Paint Should You Use On Stucco?
The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the type of paint for your stucco walls and stucco siding. It depends on your personal preference and the conditions of your stucco.
There are many different opinions on what kind of paint you should use on stucco. Some people say that you should use a latex primer and then a latex paint. Others say that you should use an oil-based primer and then an oil-based paint. Still, others say that you should use a silicone-based primer and then a silicone-based paint.
Acrylic Paint
For quality paint to use on your stucco, acrylic latex paint is a good option. It’s durable and flexible, which means that it will maximize the surface breathability of your stucco.
Elastomeric Paints
If you want to give your stucco the best possible protection against the weather, you should consider using elastomeric paint. Elastomeric is a special rubberized paint that is thicker and more water-resistant than acrylic exterior paint. It will help to seal any cracks or holes in the stucco and will also help to protect it from the sun’s UV rays.
Masonry Paint
For paint that will increase the surface bonding and resist mildew, you should consider using masonry paint. Masonry paint is a type of paint that is specifically designed for use on brick, masonry, and stucco. It contains special additives that help to increase the bonding and resistance to mildew.
Stucco Paint Processing
If you want to ensure that your paint job looks its best, you should have the stucco professionally painted. Follow the following instructions and steps for a long-lasting paint job.
Repair Cracks Or Holes
Firstly, you will need to repair any cracks or holes that are in the stucco. You can use a stucco patching compound to do this. Once the repairs are complete, you will need to allow the stucco to dry completely before proceeding to paint.
Apply A Coat Of Primer
After you have repaired any cracks or holes in the stucco and allowed it to dry completely, you will need to apply a coat of primer. This will help to ensure that the paint adheres properly and will also help to prevent any peeling or flaking in the future.
Use A Roller Grid
Once you have applied a coat of primer, you will need to dip the roller into the paint and then lightly roll it upward along the grid. This will help to ensure that the paint is applied evenly and that there is no excess paint.
Choose The Paint
Choose the paint sheen. The most common options are semi-gloss and high-gloss. However, there are also satin and flat finishes. Ultimately, the decision of which paint sheen to use is a matter of personal preference. Acrylic is also a good choice for paint because it is durable and flexible.
Apply The Paint
After you have chosen the paint and the primer has had time to dry, you will need to apply the paint. You can use a brush, roller, or sprayer to do this. If you are using a brush, you will need to dip it into the paint and then brush it onto the stucco in a back-and-forth motion.
If you are using a paint roller, you will need to dip it into the paint and then roll it onto the stucco in an up-and-down motion. While using a paint sprayer, you will need to hold it about 12 inches away from the stucco and spray in a back-and-forth motion.
Allow The Paint To Dry
Once you have applied the paint, you will need to allow it to dry. Depending on the type of paint that you used, this could take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours. Once the paint is dry, you can enjoy your newly painted stucco.
Advantages of Painting Stucco
Painting a stucco house has many advantages that you can take full advantage of.
Keeps Surface Dry
One of the biggest advantages is that it helps to keep the surface dry. Stucco is a very porous material and as such, it can absorb moisture from the air. This can lead to problems such as mold and mildew growth.
Hides Stains
Another advantage of painting stucco is that it can help to hide any stains that may be present. Stains can be caused by a variety of things such as dirt, dust, and pollution.
Fills Cracks
Painting stucco can help to fill any cracks with paint and seal them off. This will help to prevent any further damage from occurring. Cracks can occur for a variety of reasons such as age, settling, and weathering.
Protects the Home
Stucco is a very durable material, but it is not impervious to damage. Painting stucco will help to create a barrier that will protect it from any damage that may occur. Sun exposure can cause a lot of damage to your home, including fading the paint. By regularly painting your home, you can seal it off from the elements and protect it from sun damage.
Curb Appeal
One of the final advantages of painting stucco is that it can help to improve the curb appeal of your home. A freshly painted home will always look better than one that needs a paint job. If you are thinking about selling your home, painting it will increase its value.
Hire Professionals
When painting stucco, you should hire professionals for the easy and proper stucco paint job. You can visit Legacy Application for painting services. They have a wide range of services for both residential and commercial painting. This will help to ensure that the job is done correctly and that you are happy with the results.