Stucco is a textured surface generally created by a mixture of sand with a binder. It is applied to flat walls to provide a more interesting texture. It's very easy to paint over, and you don't need any special techniques. You will want to prepare the surface properly to cover any defects in the wall, and also ensure good adhesion for your paint.
Painting a stucco surface
First, remove any loose particles or debris from the wall. Spackle and repair any cracks or fissures in the stucco. Use a quick-drying compound if time is a concern.
If the surface is raw, you will definitely want to prime the stucco with a high-quality primer to ensure good adhesion. Even if the surface has already been painted, a primer is a good idea to ensure the best results and a long-lasting finish. When applying the primer, use a thick nap roller of a half-inch or more to ensure good coverage over the texture. You may need to go back in with a brush to cover some areas if the texture of the stucco is very high. If you are having trouble with coverage, you can thin the paint with a bit of water (for latex) or mineral spirits (for oil), but add only a little at a time.
Once the primer is on and dried, then apply your paint. If you are painting over an already painted surface, it is always better to use the same kind of paint (latex or oil) that was used the first time. If you need to tell which is which, rub an area with household alcohol on a rag; if the paint comes off, it's latex. You can paint over oil house paint with latex, but not vice versa. Cut in with a brush and roll into the cut areas while wet. Keep a wet edge on rolled areas to avoid lap marks, although, due to the heavier texture of stucco, the finish will be fairly forgiving. Again, use a brush to work into areas not covered by the roller. Be aware of drips, which are more likely with the heavier nap roller, and smooth them out with the brush, using downward strokes.
Apply a second coat if needed, once the first is dry, for solid coverage. A good primer and high-grade paint that has a big pigment load (such as Aura or other proprietary brands) may make the second coat unnecessary; often, if there are small, unpainted areas peeking through, you can just touch them up lightly, but wait until the paint is dry. Use a dry brush and a light paint load for this.
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