 Stucco
is a durable building material which lasts for
many years. Often the surface is kept its natural
color or pigment is mixed into the stucco when
it is applied. It's possible to paint a stucco
wall if it gets dingy. If you do this you'll have
to paint it again every few years.
Stucco is a traditional exterior building material
noted for its durability, versatility, economy
and ease of application. You can take some steps
to ensure the good looks and long life of stucco.
First: Repair
First of all, make sure your stucco is in good
repair. Paint will fill hairline cracks. However,
cracks from the width of a credit card up to one-eighth
inch will require a brushable elastomeric sealant.
Wider movement cracks call for professional repair
that may include raking the cracks and filling
them with a urethane sealant system or other treatment.
Movement cracks and other serious problems, such
as loose framing, cannot be cured by patches and
paint, so again be sure to seek professional assistance
if that is the case with your stucco
.
If stucco patching is performed, prevent cracking
of the repairs by not allowing the repair area
to dry too quickly. Shade or even cover repairs
in hot weather. When it's hot, it is a good idea
to keep the newly stuccoed area damp, at about
90 percent humidity for 48 to 72 hours.
Do not repair stucco if the temperature will
soon fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Prior to
painting patchwork, the moisture and pH levels
must be at levels specified by the paint manufacturer.
Perform repairs prior to cleaning to prevent water
from entering the building.
Next: Clean
Coatings require a clean, sound surface—free
from dust, chalk, mildew, grease, loose paint
and other contamination.
The most common method of cleaning is light pressure
washing, possibly with a chemical cleaning agent.
The object is to obtain a sound substrate without
damaging the stucco.
 If
the surface is chalky, crumbly or sandy after
cleaning, a masonry surface conditioner may help
consolidate the stucco.
Inspect flashing, such as over doors and windows,
to ensure the sheet metal or plastic sheathing
is securely in place.
As the last step in surface prep, caulk around
windows, doors, flashing, exterior light fixtures
and other protrusions.
Finally: Repaint
A quality 100% acrylic latex paint formulated
for stucco or an elastomeric are the coatings
of choice. Acrylic latex provides excellent protection
unless some substrate problems or the need to
protect against wind-driven rain make elastomeric
a better choice. Elastomerics, for years the popular
choice in coastal area, are gaining popularity
among owners in northern and interior locales
because their heavier film build and elasticity
provide the highest degree of protection possible.
Courtesy of the Paint and Decorating Retailers
Association
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Things you’ll need for painting stucco
• Power washer with TSP and bleach
• Ladder
• Plastic
• Drop cloths
• Paint brushes
• Paint roller ¾ nap
• Roller poles
• Roller frames
• Paint sprayer
• 100% acrylic primer and paint
• 100% acrylic calk
• Stucco patch
Quick Guide How to Paint Stucco a House or Home
1. Lightly power wash the house using bleach,
water, and TSP
2. Look over the exterior of your stucco home
for cracks. All cracks should be filled with an
elastomeric stucco patch / sealer, let dry thoroughly
3. Protect all areas not to be painted
4. Caulk where needed
5. Apply finish paint with brush/roller/and or
sprayer
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