(A before and after color change on a recent stucco project we completed)

For 34 years we have been painting stucco and wow, technology really caught up with coatings to make the stucco surfaces look better and hold up longer. In this article we break down the new coatings and processes we use to make sure your stucco looks great and lasts a long time.

WASHING STUCCO

Back in the day, our Owner used to hand wash stucco! Can you believe how old school that is?

Nowadays we use a high pressure power washing to really get into the nooks and crannies of the rough and porous stucco surface to clean. We use environmentally friendly chemicals to get rid of dirt and dust. With this pressure and chemical we actually kill and blow off mildew growth prior to painting.

STUCCO CRACKS MUST BE FILLED

We then do a thorough walk around to identify cracks, splits and seams. Anywhere water can infiltrate, we seal up. There are different patches, sealants and caulking that we can use for different stucco. We try our best to match the texture of the current stucco so that once we paint the repair spots blend in. It will never blend perfectly, but it will be sealed and better than an open crack. Our goal is to fill all cracks prior to painting so that the stucco walls are protected.

We squeeze, trowel and wipe to fill cracks. Most of the time our specialty stucco repair kits can be flexible so that when hot and cold temperatures hit, the crack flexes to stay filled and secure.

COLORS & COATINGS

There are over 3,200 different paint colors offered by our best paint vendors. Most can be tinted in our specialty stucco coatings. Some stucco houses are OK to use regular house paint, in fact it is encouraged on some stucco. But once we see and feel the stucco, we know what the best stucco product for your home.

Those include options like:

• elastomeric stucco coatings

• water borne latex house paint

• masonry high build coating,

• porous primers that can handle high PH for newer stucco,

• self cleaning stucco sealants that resist mildew and sticking of dust,

• penetrating stains with cool texture/water repel,

• self leveling products that help protect flexible joint areas and cure smoother.

We don’t want to bore you by getting too paint nerdy, but we know what your stucco needs for every different stucco surface. Our Ownership and Managers have painted thousands of stucco homes over the last 3 decades and we know what products are best for specific stucco walls.

SUNLIGHT DAMAGE

Did you know that in heavy sunlight areas, the UV rays can actually break down a paints surface over time? When you run your hand over the stucco, the oils on your skin will hold what is called chalking. Like chalk from a chalkboard this silty tiny paint broke down particles is tough to clean and tough for paint to stick to.

So after washing heavily chalked stucco, sometimes we even seal the stucco with a clear coat so that any leftover chalking is sealed down forever. With this stage of prep, the top coat of paint will stick to the stucco and hold for a long time.

STAINS & WATER ABSORPTION

Our customers always ask if water stains running down from gutters and window frames that stain the stucco can be removed. When we coat your stucco, we are actually blocking those stains from ever bleeding thru again.

If your stucco has never been painted before, you probably notice that after it rains your stucco is wet in most of the wall areas and the stucco actually gets darker from the water absorption. After we seal & paint stucco, water will actually bead off and run down the wall protecting the porous stucco areas from future water absorption and slow erosion.

PROTECTION FROM DRIPS/OVERSPRAY

Stucco painting can be a messy process, but we always tape and tarp areas to protect areas where no paint should end up. So when we are done, there is no overspray or paint drips on window glass, walkways, light fixtures or door frames to name just a few of what we protect.

APPLICATION

Stucco product can be applied by spray, back roll, roller naps and brushes. Different patterns for different coats will ensure that the final product looks universal with no streaks or lines.

Spraying with the proper tip and pressure gets paint into those stucco nooks and crannies. Back rolling in different patterns works the bulk of the material into the textured grooves.

When painting is done right you can change the color of your stucco to any of the thousands of color options! You will never see the old color again with the proper application and process.

After painting you can expect your once rough and bumpy stucco to be filled with paint and softer to the touch. Stucco that once absorbed water and showed water stains, is now beading water off and stain free. Stucco cracks that once ran across your wall from settling are now filled and painted over. Unsightly hairline cracks from weathering and time are similarly filled, blended in and painted to secure from weathering and once painted look like a new wall.

LIFE EXPECTANCY

Your stucco should last about 10 years. The color will fade over time and darker colors fade faster than lighter colors, but the right prep and product can add years to your stucco paint job. Stucco will not peel for a decade when done following the tips in this article.

COLORS OF THIS JOB

The picture above & below shows a house that is grey, dry, and faded. The after picture has a deep yellow with a hint of gold and wheat color. We provided a color consultation and a digital rendering of what this new yellow would look like on an actual picture of this customer’s home. They approved that color scheme, we painted and the whole house is completely transformed!

TIMELINE

You can expect a job like this to take about 3-5 days.

ESTIMATED COST

A project like this costs around $4,500 for all labor and materials.

About the Author: Joseph Steele

Hi, I’m Joseph Steele, with Sharper Impressions Painting. We proudly offer high-quality interior and exterior painting services for homes and businesses in Atlanta, Columbus, Orlando, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Nashville. From cabinet painting to deck and fence staining, we’re here to enhance your space. Learn more about us here.