How to Paint Exterior Stucco House: A Simple and Effective Method

January 05, 2024 Post a Comment

Stucco is a popular exterior finish for many houses, especially in warm and dry climates. It is durable, fire-resistant, and versatile, as it can be applied in various textures and colors. However, over time, stucco can fade, crack, or stain, making your house look dull and outdated. That’s why painting stucco can be a great way to refresh and enhance the appearance of your home.

In this article, we will show you how to paint exterior stucco house in six easy steps. We will also share some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results. Whether you want to change the color of your stucco, cover up some imperfections, or simply protect it from the elements, this guide will help you get the job done.

Why paint stucco?

Painting stucco can have many benefits for your house, such as:

Improving the curb appeal and value of your property
Extending the lifespan and durability of your stucco
Preventing moisture and mold problems
Repairing minor cracks and damage
Creating a uniform and consistent look
Adding a layer of insulation and UV protection

Benefits of painting stucco

Painting stucco can also have some drawbacks, such as:

Increasing the maintenance and upkeep costs
Altering the original texture and character of your stucco
Requiring special tools and techniques
Exposing you to potential health and environmental hazards

Therefore, before you decide to paint your stucco, you should weigh the pros and cons and consider your budget, time, and preferences.

What you need to know before painting stucco

Painting stucco is not a simple DIY project. It requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. Here are some things you need to know before you start painting your stucco:

The age and condition of your stucco. If your stucco is new, you should wait at least six months before painting it, to allow it to cure and dry properly. If your stucco is old, you should inspect it for any signs of damage, deterioration, or mold.
The type and quality of your paint. Not all paints are suitable for stucco. You should choose a high-quality, 100% exterior acrylic paint that is specially formulated for masonry surfaces. You should also pick a color that complements your house and the surrounding environment. Avoid dark colors that can absorb heat and cause cracking or fading.
The weather and season. The best time to paint stucco is when the temperature is between 50°F and 90°F, and the humidity is low. Avoid painting stucco in extreme weather conditions, such as cold, hot, humid, or windy days, as they can affect the drying and curing process of the paint.
The tools and equipment. Painting stucco requires some specific tools and equipment, such as a pressure washer, a paint sprayer, a brush, a roller, a ladder, a drop cloth, a masking tape, a caulk gun, a sandpaper, a primer, a paint, and a protective gear. You should have all these items ready before you start painting your stucco.

Step 1: Inspect the House

The first step to paint exterior stucco house is to inspect the house and assess the condition of the stucco. You should look for any cracks, holes, chips, stains, or other defects that need to be fixed before painting. You should also check the structural integrity and stability of the stucco, and make sure there are no loose or crumbling areas.

Check the condition of the stucco

To check the condition of the stucco, you can use a screwdriver or a hammer to tap on the surface and listen for any hollow or soft sounds. You can also use a moisture meter to measure the moisture level of the stucco and detect any water damage or leakage. If you find any problems, you should mark them with a chalk or a tape for later repair.

Identify cracks and damage

The next step is to identify the size and severity of the cracks and damage on the stucco. You can use a ruler or a tape measure to measure the width and depth of the cracks and categorize them into small, medium, or large. Small cracks are less than 1/8 inch wide, medium cracks are between 1/8 and 1/4 inch wide, and large cracks are more than 1/4 inch wide. You should also note the location and direction of the cracks and damage, as they can indicate the cause and extent of the problem.

Determine if a stucco contractor is needed

Depending on the condition of your stucco, you may need to hire a professional stucco contractor to repair it before painting. If your stucco has large cracks, holes, or damage that affect the structure or appearance of your house, you should contact a stucco contractor as soon as possible. A stucco contractor can evaluate the situation and provide you with the best solution and estimate. However, if your stucco has only minor cracks, holes, or damage that do not compromise the integrity or aesthetics of your house, you can fix them yourself with some basic tools and materials.

Step 2: Pressure Wash the House

The second step to paint exterior stucco house is to pressure wash the house and clean the stucco surface. This step is essential to remove any dirt, dust, grease, mold, mildew, or other contaminants that can prevent the paint from adhering properly. It also helps to prepare the stucco for the next steps of repair and painting.

Clean the stucco surface

To clean the stucco surface, you should use a garden hose to wet the entire house and loosen any debris. Then, you should use a pressure washer to spray the stucco with a high-pressure stream of water and detergent. You should start from the top and work your way down, covering one section at a time. You should also pay attention to the corners, edges, and crevices, where dirt and mold can accumulate. You should avoid spraying the windows, doors, vents, or electrical outlets, as they can be damaged by the water pressure.

Rent a pressure washer

If you do not own a pressure washer, you can rent one from a local hardware store or a home improvement center. You should choose a pressure washer that has a PSI (pounds per square inch) rating of at least 1500 and a GPM (gallons per minute) rating of at least 2. You should also get a nozzle attachment that has a 25-degree angle, which is ideal for cleaning stucco. You should follow the instructions and safety precautions of the pressure washer manufacturer and operator.

Use eco-friendly detergent

When pressure washing your stucco, you should use an eco-friendly detergent that is safe for the environment and your health. You should avoid using bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals that can damage your stucco, your plants, or your pets. You should also dilute the detergent with water according to the label directions and add it to the detergent tank of the pressure washer. You should rinse the stucco thoroughly with clean water after applying the detergent.

Step 3: Prep the Stucco

The third step to paint exterior stucco house is to prep the stucco and repair any cracks, holes, or damage that you found in the first step. This step is important to restore the smoothness and uniformity of the stucco surface and to prevent any moisture or air infiltration that can cause further problems.

Repair small cracks and holes with exterior acrylic caulk

To repair small cracks and holes that are less than 1/8 inch wide, you can use exterior acrylic caulk, which is a flexible and waterproof sealant that can fill the gaps and match the color of your stucco. You should use a caulk gun to apply a thin bead of caulk along the crack or hole and smooth it with your finger or a putty knife. You should wipe off any excess caulk with a damp cloth and let it dry completely before painting.

Fill larger cracks with stucco patch

To fill larger cracks that are between 1/8 and 1/4 inch wide, you can use stucco patch, which is a premixed or powdered compound that can mimic the texture and appearance of your stucco. You should use a putty knife to apply a thin layer of stucco patch over the crack and press it firmly into the gap. You should scrape off any excess stucco patch with the edge of the knife and let it dry slightly. Then, you should use a sponge or a brush to dab the stucco patch and create a similar texture to your stucco. You should let the stucco patch cure completely before painting.

Sand rough areas

To sand rough areas that are caused by uneven stucco patching or peeling paint, you can use a sandpaper or a sanding block with a medium-grit (80 to 120) to smooth the surface and remove any bumps or ridges. You should sand lightly and gently, following the direction of the stucco texture. You should avoid sanding too much or too hard, as you can damage the stucco or expose the underlying layer. You should wipe off any dust or debris with a damp cloth after sanding.

Apply block fill primer (optional)

To apply block fill primer, which is an optional step that can help the paint adhere better and last longer, you can use a paint sprayer, a brush, or a roller to apply a thin and even coat of block fill primer over the entire stucco surface. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for the application and drying time of the primer. You should also cover any areas that you do not want to paint, such as the windows, doors, trim, or fixtures, with a masking tape and a drop cloth.

Step 4: Choose Your Paint

The fourth step to paint exterior stucco house is to choose your paint and select the color, sheen, and quantity that you need for your project. This step is crucial to achieve the desired look and quality of your stucco painting.

Select high-quality, 100% exterior acrylic paint

To select the best paint for your stucco, you should choose a high-quality, 100% exterior acrylic paint that is designed for masonry surfaces. This type of paint has excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to weather, UV, and mildew. It also allows the stucco to breathe and release moisture, preventing cracking or peeling. You should avoid using oil-based or latex paints, as they can trap moisture and cause damage to your stucco.

Choose the right color

To choose the right color for your stucco, you should consider several factors, such as:

The style and architecture of your house
The color of your roof, trim, doors, and windows
The color of your landscaping and neighborhood
The mood and atmosphere you want to create
The climate and lighting conditions

You should also test the color on a small area of your stucco and observe how it looks in different times of the day and weather conditions. You should pick a color that complements your house and the surrounding environment, and that suits your personal taste and preference.

Opt for a flat sheen

To opt for the best sheen for your stucco, you should choose a flat sheen, which is the most common and recommended sheen for stucco. A flat sheen has a matte and non-reflective finish that hides imperfections and creates a smooth and uniform look. It also reduces glare and heat absorption, which can be beneficial for stucco. You should avoid using glossy or semi-glossy sheens, as they can highlight flaws and create a shiny and artificial look.

Step 5: Prime the Stucco, if Needed

The fifth step to paint exterior stucco house is to prime the stucco, if needed, and prepare it for the final coat of paint. This step is optional, as you may have already applied a block fill primer in the previous step. However, priming the stucco can have some advantages, such as:

Improving the adhesion and coverage of the paint
Enhancing the color and appearance of the paint
Sealing and protecting the stucco from moisture and stains
Reducing the number of paint coats and saving money

When to prime

You should prime the stucco if:

Your stucco is new or unpainted
Your stucco is old or stained
Your stucco has been repaired or patched
Your stucco is a dark or bright color
Your paint is a light or different color

How to prime

To prime the stucco, you should use the same type of paint that you will use for the final coat, which is a high-quality, 100% exterior acrylic paint. You should use a paint sprayer, a brush, or a roller to apply a thin and even coat of primer over the entire stucco surface. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for the application and drying time of the primer. You should also cover any areas that you do not want to paint, such as the windows, doors, trim, or fixtures, with a masking tape and a drop cloth.

Step 6: Apply the Paint

The sixth and final step to paint exterior stucco house is to apply the paint and give your stucco a fresh and new look. This step is the most rewarding and satisfying part of the project, as you can see the transformation of your house.

Paint the trim before or after the walls

To paint the trim, which is the decorative or functional element that borders the stucco, such as the window frames, door frames, fascia boards, or gutters, you can choose to paint it before or after the walls, depending on your preference and convenience. If you paint the trim before the walls, you can save time and effort by not having to mask or cover the trim when painting the walls. However, you may have to touch up the trim if you accidentally get some paint on it when painting the walls. If you paint the trim after the walls, you can avoid this problem, but you will have to mask or cover the walls when painting the trim, which can be tedious and time-consuming.

Use a paint sprayer, brush, or roller

To apply the paint, you can use a paint sprayer, a brush, or a roller, depending on the size and shape of your stucco surface. A paint sprayer is the fastest and easiest way to paint stucco, as it can cover large and uneven areas with a smooth and consistent coat of paint. However, a paint sprayer can also be messy and wasteful, as it can overspray and create a lot of paint mist. A brush is the most precise and accurate way to paint stucco, as it can reach the corners, edges, and crevices that a paint sprayer or a roller cannot. However, a brush can also be slow and laborious, as it can leave brush marks and require multiple strokes. A roller is the most common and versatile way to paint stucco, as it can cover medium and flat areas with a uniform and textured coat of paint. However, a roller can also be difficult and inefficient, as it can skip or drag on the stucco surface and require multiple passes.

Apply two coats of paint

To achieve the best results, you should apply two coats of paint over the stucco surface. The first coat of paint is the base coat, which provides the foundation and coverage for the second coat. The second coat of paint is the finish coat, which provides the color and appearance for the final look. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for the application and drying time of the paint. You should also use the same type of tool and technique for both coats of paint, and make sure to cover the entire stucco surface evenly and thoroughly.

Tips and Tricks

To help you paint exterior stucco house more easily and effectively, here are some tips and tricks that you can follow:

How to paint stucco in cold weather

Check the weather forecast and avoid painting stucco when the temperature is below 50°F or when there is a chance of rain, snow, or frost.
Use a paint that is formulated for cold weather and has a faster drying and curing time.
Start painting in the morning and finish by the afternoon, to avoid the temperature drop at night.
Keep the paint warm and stir it frequently, to prevent it from thickening or freezing.
Apply thin and light coats of paint and allow enough time for each coat to dry, to prevent cracking or peeling.

How to paint stucco in hot weather

Check the weather forecast and avoid painting stucco when the temperature is above 90°F or when there is direct sunlight or strong wind.
Use a paint that is formulated for hot weather and has a slower drying and curing time.
Start painting in the afternoon and finish by the evening, to avoid the heat and glare of the sun.
Keep the paint cool and add some water to it, to prevent it from drying or clumping.
Apply thick and heavy coats of paint and work quickly, to prevent lap marks or blisters.

How to paint stucco in humid weather

Check the weather forecast and avoid painting stucco when the humidity is above 85% or when there is fog, mist, or dew.
Use a paint that is formulated for humid weather and has a higher resistance to moisture and mildew.
Start painting in the late morning and finish by the early evening, to avoid the condensation and evaporation of the water.
Keep the paint dry and seal it tightly, to prevent it from absorbing or losing moisture.
Apply moderate and even coats of paint and wait longer for each coat to dry, to prevent sagging or bubbling.

How to paint stucco in windy weather

Check the weather forecast and avoid painting stucco when the wind speed is above 15 mph or when there is dust, dirt, or debris in the air.
Use a paint that is formulated for windy weather and has a higher viscosity and adhesion.
Start painting in the direction of the wind and finish in the opposite direction, to avoid the wind blowing the paint away or onto other surfaces.
Keep the paint covered and protected, to prevent it from being contaminated or spilled by the wind.
Apply low and smooth coats of paint and use a paint sprayer or a brush, to prevent the wind from creating streaks or splatters.

How to paint stucco on a two-story house

Use a ladder, a scaffold, or a lift to reach the higher areas of the stucco surface, and make sure they are stable and secure.
Use a paint sprayer or a roller with an extension pole to apply the paint, and make sure they are long and flexible enough to cover the entire stucco surface.
Use a brush to paint the trim, the corners, and the edges of the stucco surface, and make sure they are small and precise enough to avoid dripping or smudging the paint.
Use a masking tape and a drop cloth to cover the lower areas of the house, such as the windows, doors, roof, or ground, and make sure they are tight and neat enough to prevent the paint from falling or splashing on them.

How to paint stucco on a one-story house

Use a step stool, a bench, or a chair to reach the lower areas of the stucco surface, and make sure they are sturdy and comfortable.
Use a roller or a brush to apply the paint, and make sure they are wide and soft enough to cover the entire stucco surface.
Use a paint sprayer to paint the trim, the corners, and the edges of the stucco surface, and make sure they are fine and accurate enough to create a smooth and consistent finish.
Use a masking tape and a drop cloth to cover the adjacent areas of the house, such as the fence, the driveway, or the plants, and make sure they are clean and clear enough to prevent the paint from staining or damaging them.

How to paint stucco on a textured surface

Use a paint sprayer or a roller to apply the paint, and make sure they are powerful and dense enough to penetrate the grooves and crevices of the stucco surface.
Use a brush to paint the trim, the corners, and the edges of the stucco surface, and make sure they are stiff and angled enough to reach the curves and contours of the stucco surface.
Use a sponge or a rag to dab the paint and create a similar texture to the stucco surface, and make sure they are damp and rough enough to blend the paint and the stucco surface.

How to paint stucco on a smooth surface

Use a roller or a brush to apply the paint, and make sure they are smooth and even enough to spread the paint uniformly over the stucco surface.
Use a paint sprayer to paint the trim, the corners, and the edges of the stucco surface, and make sure they are thin and steady enough to spray the paint evenly over the stucco surface.
Use a sandpaper or a scraper to sand or scrape the paint and create a slight texture to the stucco surface, and make sure they are fine and gentle enough to avoid damaging the stucco surface.

Conclusion

Painting exterior stucco house is a rewarding and satisfying project that can improve the curb appeal and value of your property, extend the lifespan and durability of your stucco, and prevent moisture and mold problems. By following the six steps we outlined in this article, you can paint your stucco house in a simple and effective method. You can also use the tips and tricks we shared to help you paint your stucco house more easily and effectively. Whether you want to change the color of your stucco, cover up some imperfections, or simply protect it from the elements, this guide will help you get the job done. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new. Happy painting!