Refreshing the color of your stucco home not only changes its overall look but also adds to its potential resale value. However, painting stucco involves more attention to detail and added effort compared to painting regular walls. Proper surface preparation and the use of enduring materials that can survive harsh weather are the keys to success. Here are eight crucial steps to achieve a pleasing and durable stucco finish.
What Exactly is Stucco?
Stucco is a versatile plaster used widely in residential and commercial buildings. It’s created from cement, sand, lime and water to form a sturdy and weather-resistant material suitable for both exterior and interior applications.
Stucco, apart from serving as a decorative coating for walls and ceilings, is adaptable and can be manipulated to create different textures, from smooth to coarse. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice among architects and designers.
Apart from its aesthetic appeal, stucco is also practical. It’s resistant to fire for extra safety to buildings, and thanks to its composition, stucco has excellent insulation properties that help in maintaining interior temperatures and contributing to energy efficiency.
In addition to these features, stucco is renowned for its durability. When applied correctly, it can weather harsh conditions and resist degradation, which makes it a reliable long-term investment.
8 Tips for Success When Painting Stucco
1. Research Local Building Codes and Regulations
Before embarking on your painting project, familiarize yourself with local building codes and regulations. Different areas may have specific requirements for paint types, and the preparation and application processes for painting stucco. Non-adherence may result in penalties or can negatively affect your property’s resale value.
2. Prepare the Surface
Proper surface preparation is crucial. The stucco should be clean and free from dust, dirt, mold or mildew. Using a pressure washer can be effective for cleaning your stucco surface. Allow ample drying time after cleaning.
3. Check for Efflorescence and Remove if Present
Efflorescence is a common issue with masonry and concrete surfaces. It’s a white, powdery deposit of salts caused by moisture exposure. While it doesn’t affect the masonry’s structural integrity, efflorescence can be unsightly and affect the adhesion of paints and coatings.
DRYLOK® Etch is specifically designed to combat efflorescence. It’s a safer alternative to muriatic acid and it prepares smooth, dense surfaces to receive a coating while removing efflorescence and excess mortar.
Using DRYLOK Etch is simple:
Wet the surface with water.
Apply DRYLOK Etch to cover the efflorescence completely.
Apply with a brush or sprayer, but remember to wear protective clothing and eyewear, as it’s a potent substance.
Leave the product on the surface for 20 – 30 minutes before rinsing it off with clean water.
By eliminating efflorescence and providing an excellent surface for paint, DRYLOK Etch guarantees effective paint or sealant adhesion for a professional, durable finish.
4. Repair Any Cracks and Other Damage
Address any stucco cracks or damage before painting. DRYLOK Fast Plug® and DRYLOK Masonry Crack Filler are excellent solutions. DRYLOK Fast Plug is a quick-setting hydraulic cement that stops leaks, and the DRYLOK Masonry Crack Filler is a non-flammable, elastomeric formulation for filling cracks in horizontal masonry surfaces.
5. Sand the Stucco
Sanding the stucco can help remove loose fragments and create a smoother surface for painting. Be gentle to avoid damaging the stucco surface.
6. Prime the Stucco
After cleaning and making necessary repairs, prime the surface. DRYLOK Extreme Masonry Waterproofer is a good option as it primes the surface and also creates a waterproof barrier. It creates a smooth, non-gritty finish while providing high water resistance. This product completely seals the pores of the masonry to prevent water intrusion.
The application of DRYLOK Extreme Masonry Waterproofer is straightforward:
Make sure that the stucco surface is clean, dry and free from any efflorescence or loose particles.
Allow new masonry to cure for at least 30 days before proceeding.
Apply the first coat of DRYLOK Extreme Masonry Waterproofer with a high-quality bristle brush, roller or sprayer. Be sure to work the product into the masonry’s pores.
After the first coat dries, apply a second coat for a smoother finish. Always follow safety guidelines when using this product.
7. Paint the Stucco
Choose a top-quality, acrylic latex paint and apply it with a roller designed for textured surfaces. Depending on your stucco’s condition, you may need two coats.
8. Allow the Paint to Dry Completely
Ensure that the paint is completely dry. The drying time will depend on the paint, local climate and stucco condition.
Work with DRYLOK for the Best Masonry Repair and Waterproofing to Paint Stucco the Right Way
When it comes to painting stucco, there’s no doubt that DRYLOK products can make the job easier and more effective. Our waterproofing protection for masonry surfaces is guaranteed to last and keep your stucco looking great for years. DRYLOK offers a range of products that can be used for masonry repair, efflorescence removal and priming.
No matter the project, you can trust DRYLOK to provide the best protection available for your stucco surfaces. So take advantage of our top-quality products and get the job done right the first time.
Visit our website today to learn more about our products, find a retail outlet near you or explore our technical resources for more information.
