Uneven surfaces make stucco a hard surface to paint.
Composed from sand, cement and lime, stucco can present a difficult surface for painters to tackle. Because of its rough, irregular surface, it can be hard to paint stucco evenly. In addition, paint jobs on exterior stucco need to be able to survive exposure to the elements. Wait for a spate of dry, mild weather to paint stucco, as your paint job can be damaged by temperature extremes, rain and snow.
Let It Cure
If you plan on painting newly applied stucco, you should first allow it to cure. Wait at least 90 days before painting; otherwise, your paint job will be at risk of peeling or bubbling.
Clean Carefully
Dirt and dust prevent paint from sticking to surfaces. If you want paint to adhere to your stucco, you must cleanse it thoroughly. Wash stucco with a mixture of laundry detergent and hot water. Use bristle brushes to make sure that dirt and dust are removed from every nook and cranny. Wire brushes may be needed to get rid of dirt on exterior stucco. Make sure that stucco has dried completely before painting.
Caulk Cracks
If your stucco has large cracks, caulk them before painting. Cracks cause the surface of your stucco to look uneven; they also make it vulnerable to water damage. Fine cracks can be covered by thickly applied paint, but large cracks should be sealed. After filling cracks, wipe away any excess with a damp sponge. Apply fine sand to coat caulked cracks. This will texture caulked surfaces, making them closer in appearance to the rest of your stucco.
Prime
Before you can paint your stucco, you'll need to prime it. Apply a primer that is intended for use with the type of paint that you'll be using. For best results, your primer and paint should be manufactured by the same company. After applying primer, paint as soon as possible.
Consider Color
This stucco home gets its warmth from the combination of tan with brick red.
Stucco may be painted any color, but certain colors work better with its texture than others. Since stucco has a somewhat Mediterranean look and feel, warm earth tones that recall Italian architecture suit stucco quite well. Cinnamon reds, pale yellows, light pinks, bright blues, peaches and burnt siennas play up stucco's rustic charm.
When painting stucco exteriors, keep the character of the surrounding landscaping in mind. Choose colors that will harmonize with your landscaping, rather than fighting it. As always, make sure that your exterior stucco color will not clash with the color of your roof, trim or other architectural features.
Paint Heavily
Acrylic latex paint works best for covering stucco. If painting a huge area, use a spray painter. If painting a smaller area, you may use rollers. Use thick rollers, and coat them heavily with paint. This will ensure that the paint works its way into the stucco's rough surface. You may need to apply multiple coats in order to achieve a smooth, uniform effect.
Related posts
Do I Need to Prime Walls Before Painting?Knowing when you need to prime your walls before painting and when you can do a professional quality job without priming can save you both time and money....
When preparing to paint the stucco on the exterior of your home, take the time to properly prepare surfaces, choose the best paint for the job and use the right tools to achieve a professional app...
Ready to paint.When you open your front door, the inside of your home can't be seen by the entire neighborhood. However, everyone sees the inside of your garage every time the garage door opens. T...
Red paint brings boldness and a vibrant atmosphere to any room and makes for a dramatic statement. Red paint color is perfect for powder rooms because they are small, and the color will not overwh...
Giving the walls a fresh coat of paint can enliven an entire room.Choosing to paint your indoor walls can mean an interior design transformation that is much cheaper than renovation but can still...
