4 Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Stucco
In hot, dry areas, homes with stucco exteriors are pretty standard. The advantage of stucco construction is that it may survive for decades with appropriate care and upkeep. Cement, water, and sand are used to make stucco. Stucco solidifies into a thick solid after being applied wet. It's used in architecture as a sculptural and attractive material and is mainly used for wall and ceiling coating and exterior building siding.
Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Stucco
If your home’s stucco exterior is beginning to fade or crack, it might be time to repaint. To obtain the most exemplary results when painting stucco, it’s important to use the correct technique and equipment and avoid common painting mistakes. Discover these four mistakes to avoid when painting stucco:
1. Ignoring Necessary Repairs
Overtime, stucco will crack and old paint will peel. Before applying a fresh coat of paint, it is important to fill all cracks and holes and remove peeling or flaking paint. Otherwise, water can seep in between the cracks in the paint, causing further damage and perhaps allowing mold to develop under the surface.
2. Incomplete Cleaning
This is a common blunder in stucco painting. In order to ensure proper paint adhesion, it is essential to thoroughly clean stucco to remove any dirt and grime. One thing to keep in mind: If you’ve recently patched the stucco, be sure to let it cure for at least 15 to 30 days before cleaning.
3. Painting on a Wet Stucco Surface
Stucco is extremely porous, which means it will take longer to dry. To avoid uneven paint and potential cracks, be sure to allow each coat of paint to dry fully before applying another.
4. Improper Painting Techniques
When painting stucco, it is best to use an airless sprayer or paint roller for best results. Brushes are typically only recommended for detail work. Larger stucco projects are made easier with the airless sprayer but a paint roller will also suffice.
For Expert Stucco Painting, Rely on Major Painting
Painting stucco can be tricky and often requires specific equipment and expertise to achieve the best results. At Major Painting, our skilled exterior painters have the knowledge and experience needed to expertly paint your stucco exterior. To learn more about our residential exterior painting services, contact us today!
About the author
Chase DeRousse is the Vice President of Painting at Major Painting and strives to deliver quality craftsmanship coupled with superior customer service, creating a unique and pleasant experience for all Major Painting customers, no matter the size of the project. Chase also holds an active Class A General Contracting License.
Chase has won multiple accolades recognizing his leadership and excellence in the painting industry including awards from the Painting Contractor Association (PCA), Business Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), and Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).