Painting stucco can be a bit tricky. It’s pretty solid and can easily develop cracks, so you’ll probably need to do a bit of patching before you even start. Plus, stucco tends to soak up more paint and takes longer to dry than other surfaces.
If you are curious about stucco painting, stick around for some expert tips on the best way to paint exterior stucco walls, from preparing to applying that final coat of paint.
Understanding the Type of Stucco
There are two main kinds of stucco: synthetic and traditional.
Synthetic stucco, often referred to as EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System), is generally softer and tends to keep its color for a longer time compared to traditional stucco.
On the other hand, traditional stucco, or “hard coat stucco,” is made from a blend of cement, limestone, sand, and water, and it’s applied over a sturdy metal mesh base. While traditional stucco is tougher than EIFS, it can change color more easily over the years.
To figure out if you have EIFS or traditional stucco, just give one of your exterior walls a knock. If it sounds hollow, it’s probably EIFS; if it sounds solid, then you likely have traditional stucco.
Supplies Checklist for Painting Stucco Exterior Walls
Before we dive straight into the process, it’s essential you know the supplies that you may require for a stucco painting job. Here’s a quick supplies checklist:
- AURA® exterior paint
- Paintbrush
- Pressure washer
- Roller with cover and extension pole
- Clear acrylic caulk
- Ladder or scaffolding
- Paint tray
- Ultra spec® masonry int/ext 100% acrylic sealer
- Paint sprayer (optional)
- Stucco patching kit (optional)
Step 1: Give Your Stucco a Good Clean
Cleaning stucco with a pressure washer is the most effective method to prep it for stucco painting. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can always rent one. Just make sure to use it safely while you’re using it.
Before you wash the stucco, give it a good brush with a soft-bristle vinyl brush. This will help get rid of dirt and debris, making the cleaning process a lot easier. If you spot any mildew, grab a household cleanser made specifically to kill it and get rid of the mold and mildew that’s already there.
Let the stucco dry completely after washing it before you start the stucco painting process.
Step 2: Fix the Cracks
Thinking about how to paint that old exterior stucco? Start by patching up any cracks with caulk.
Caulking wall cracks before painting stucco depends on their size. If the crack is large enough, it’s best to widen it, then prime and patch it properly. For small cracks in stucco, which are pretty common since stucco is naturally rigid, you can use acrylic caulk to fix them.
For bigger cracks, use a material that matches the stucco’s texture for a seamless repair. If you’ve done the repairs to bigger cracks, hold off on painting the old stucco for about 7 to 10 days.
If you’ve repaired a newly installed stucco exterior, it is advisable to wait at least 60 days before applying paint.
Step 3: Priming the Stucco
After your stucco has dried, make sure to tape up all the windows and doors, and lay down a drop cloth or plastic sheeting around any plants or shrubs.
For prepping your stucco, we suggest using Ultra Spec® Masonry Int/Ext 100% Acrylic Sealer. Grab a paintbrush to tackle the edges of your stucco, then switch it up with a roller to spread a nice, even layer of primer.
Step 4: Stucco Painting
The best way to paint a stucco exterior is by spraying, brushing, or rolling it on.
It is advisable to apply AURA® Exterior Paint on stucco surfaces. A lot of folks choose a flat finish for stucco painting to hide any flaws.
When you choose to spray paint, make sure to back roll or back brush your stucco afterward to get a smooth finish. If you’re painting stucco walls by hand, start by cutting in the edges before moving on to the roller for an even coat. And don’t forget to pick a roller nap that matches the texture of your stucco!
Step 5: Allow it to Dry and Repeat
After your first coat of paint dries, go ahead and put on a second coat just like you did the first. Make sure to let the stucco fully cure before getting back to regular use.
K&K Painting Corp – The Best Painting Company in Boston for Stucco
At K&K Painting Corp, we specialize in transforming homes and businesses with professional stucco painting services. With years of expertise and a reputation for excellence, we’re proud to be Boston’s go-to team for all stucco painting projects.
From surface preparation to the final coat, our skilled painters use only top-quality products and proven techniques to ensure a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Expertise in Stucco Repairs: We seamlessly repair cracks and imperfections, ensuring your stucco looks brand new.
- Premium Products: We use only high-grade products for exceptional durability and beauty.
- Customized Solutions: Whether it’s a textured finish or a smooth coat, we tailor our painting services to your unique needs.
- Timely and Clean Work: Our team works efficiently, keeping your property clean and protected throughout the process.
Transform your stucco walls into stunning surfaces that stand the test of time! Contact us today for a free estimate and let Boston’s best painting company bring your vision to life.
Conclusion
Stucco painting requires careful preparation, the right tools, and attention to detail to achieve a durable, flawless finish. By following these steps – cleaning, repairing, priming, and painting – you can transform your stucco walls into beautiful, long-lasting surfaces.
For a professional touch, trust K&K Painting Corp, Boston’s experts in stucco painting.