Stucco siding is one of the most common exteriors of homes, businesses and utility building throughout the United States, especially in regions around Florida. Stucco is also a great insulator against both cold and heat. Another great perk is that stucco exterior is relatively inexpensive, and is an economical way to maintain a constant temperature in a structure.
Stucco is also able to be re-painted periodically in order to refresh the finish or change the look of your home.
Let’s take a look at the what and how of painting stucco siding:
Why Paint Stucco Siding
There are several reasons for giving your stucco siding a fresh coat of paint aside from the pure aesthetics of it. A proper paint finish can make your stucco siding weather resistant as well as seal out moisture. If you weren’t aware, moisture is the number one enemy of stucco materials so being able to seal out moisture is very important. There are modern special exterior painting systems for stucco developed to achieve this end.
Another advantage to painting your old stucco is by covering over the various stains that might have developed over time. These stains might be caused by rust or water from gutter systems or sprinklers. An expert paint job will keep these stains from reappearing for years.
One more reason for adding a new paint job to your existing stucco finish will also help protect it from the cumulative damage caused by UV light exposure. Surfaces like concrete, masonry, stucco, and other forms can be damaged by UV rays, although not as quickly as wood structures.
What You Use to Paint Stucco Siding
Knowing what types of paint work best on your stucco is important to know:
Acrylic latex products perform the best on stucco. Latex products are the easiest to use because they are easy to apply, and they clean up with soap and water. Acrylic latex paints also offer good gloss and color retention as well as good coverage that dries fast. However, this is just for the final coat.
Now if the siding has been around for a lot of years then you may need to do some minor repairs first. This could be a few patches or just filling in hairline cracks. Using elastomeric patching material or sealant works well for this.
Having visible patches and touch-ups, however, will likely mean a need for a coat of primer to cover these up while providing a smooth, clean and consistent base for your final paint job.
How to Paint Stucco Siding
The simplest method for painting stucco siding is to hire a professional painting contractor to do it for you!
Depending on the age of the siding and the location, the first step will be to clean the stucco surface. For most exterior stucco, this simply requires a good sweeping with a stiff brush or push broom. If the stucco has dirt or mildew build-up, you should use an appropriate cleaner first. In some cases, using a power washer might be beneficial, but you’ll need to let the walls dry for a day or so before making any repairs.
Next you will need to patch up and fill any cracks, chips and holes are the next steps in the painting process.
Once the cleaning and repairs are completed, your stucco surfaces should be ready for primer.
You will need to prime with a high quality acrylic primer, using a synthetic brush to cut in, and a large napped roller to roll it on. Acrylic primers and paints are preferred because their binders mean better adherence to the uneven stucco finish. A large napped roller makes for easier application into all the nooks and crannies.
Depending on the original color and the extent of repairs, you may need more than one coat to achieve complete coverage. With primer as with paint, it’s often better to apply two thinner coats than one thick coat. This will help avoid paint pooling in crevices and minimize drips.
After applying your primer and allowing sufficient drying time, you can now put on your actual paint.
Exterior painting requires dry weather and moderate temperatures. As with your primer, you will likely need twice the amount of paint you would use on a smooth exterior surface. For example, if your paint manufacturer claims 400 square feet of coverage, plan on getting about 800. Stucco’s deep texture can be deceptive when it comes to “how much is enough.”
Done properly, a quality exterior paint job should last 5 to 10 years depending again on your location. Unfortunately, states with more stringent Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) laws with find their paint, adhesives and sealants less effective and this will cause your maintenance schedule to increase both in time and overall costs.
Cracked Brick and Stucco Repair from CDP Stucco
CDP Stucco has repaired cracked stucco for homeowners throughout Florida. If you are unsure if the cracks indicate foundation failure, a representative from CDP Stucco can provide an inspection to give you back peace of mind.
Contact us today for an inspection of your cracked stucco repair! If you are interested in Stucco Installation or Stucco Repair, call the experts at CDP Stucco now at 850-259-2283
