We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Best Tips for Painting Stucco?

By Susan Grindstaff
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,773
Share

Preparation is considered one of the most important steps when painting stucco or any other surface. The surface should be clean and free of any debris or grit that might adhere to the paint. In addition, it is a good idea to make any needed repairs to the stucco before applying fresh paint. Weather and temperature should also be considered before painting, especially if the paint is for an exterior surface. Ideally, painting should be done during times of low humidity and mild temperatures, because this type of weather usually leads to faster and more even drying.

Pressure washing is a good way to prepare an exterior stucco surface for painting. Pressure washing is typically done by washing the surface using water sprayed at very high pressure. It is considered faster than hand washing and more efficient than using a regular garden hose. In addition, because the water is dispensed at such high pressure, it will likely expose loose pieces of damaged stucco that might otherwise go undetected. The surface should be allowed to dry completely before attempting repairs or applying paint.

It is important to repair cracks or other damages prior to painting stucco. Gaps or cracks in stucco can result in water seepage, which may severely limit the life of the paint job. This type of water seepage commonly causes surface discoloration, so careful attention to repair work may help achieve even-toned, long-lasting coverage.

Most experts advise using a primer before painting stucco. Primers are applied in much the same way as regular paint, but are designed to deliver maximum coverage. Primer is especially helpful when the new paint is a different color that the original. Though some people choose to paint without first using a primer, this can sometimes result in the need for additional coats of paint, and the new color could possibly be altered by bleed through from the original surface.

Stucco is generally considered a masonry type surface, and paint and primer used for painted stucco should be of the type specifically designed for masonry. These products are usually available at most home improvements retailers or paint centers, and are comparable in cost to most other types of paint. Most experts generally recommend acrylic-based products for painting stucco. Painting can be applied by spraying or hand-held brush, but should not begin until windows and trim are covered.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-painting-stucco.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.