Stucco is a cement-based material, usually used on houses and small commercial buildings. It is an ancient material, dating back to Greek and Roman days and used in America since colonial times. Composed of Portland cement and some fine aggregate, modern stucco may be finished smooth or rough, depending on the size of aggregate used. You can also apply it over metal lath or on concrete or wood siding. Offering good water resistance, this material can also be painted using a variety of techniques to add color or weather protection. However, before painting, new stucco must be thoroughly dry.
Seal or Prime
Seal or prime new stucco once it is fully dried; some experts recommend up to a year of drying before painting with oil-based paints. Sealer is a clear oil-based substance that penetrates the pores of the stucco and seals the minute gaps. Primer, which can be either latex or oil-based, performs a similar function but usually is white--more like a paint. Check the paint manufacturer for specific recommendations on sealer and primer. Although you can apply sealer or primer with a sprayer or roller, a roller is easier to use and generally does a better job.
Rolling
Paint stucco with latex or oil paints most easily with a roller, with a long nap, depending on the style of stucco. Use a 3/4-inch nap roller for smooth finishes and up to 1 1/2 -inch nap for rough finish stucco. The roller must penetrate between the nubs in the stucco for a good job. Working in sections, paint a "W" and fill in the gaps with crosswise strokes, then move to the next section and repeat. Work downward in sections until the entire wall is covered. Use a brush to finish edges abutting wood or other trim.
Spraying
Spray either latex or oil-based paints on stucco with an airless sprayer, but check the paint recommendations. Spraying works best with latex paints, which form a more flexible surface. Sprayed areas must be "backrolled," that is, smoothed over with a roller to fill pinholes and small cracks. You must backroll quickly, before paint has a chance to start to dry. Apply the spray in a thick, continuous film; check with the paint manufacturer for size of sprayer to use, which will vary with latex and oil-based paints.
Brushing
Apply cement-based paint best with a large brush. Work in alternating strokes, side to side and top to bottom, covering small sections at a time. Use a style of brush made for these paints, which actually contain some cement that bonds to the stucco. Check the manufacturer's recommendation before selecting a paint.
Buy Good Paint
Purchase paint that is recommended for stucco, and plan to do at least two coats after the primer or sealer dries. Work in good weather--50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate humidity--and stay out of direct sunlight. Don't paint if there is a chance of rain before the paint has fully dried. Follow the paint manufacturer's recommendations about temperature and humidity effects. Don't rush; let the primer or sealer dry completely before the first first finish coat--and let that coat dry fully before applying a second coat. Drying times will vary with paint, so check the manufacturer's recommendations for drying times before starting your project.
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