Mardis: 3 tips for painting your stucco surface home

Kelly Mardis

Marcel Painting

Throughout Arizona stucco is a popular home design material that makes houses fit in with the desert surroundings. It is recognizable by its rough exterior and natural paint colors. Stucco is known for its durability against the weather in the area but its porous nature can become a headache when it comes to painting. Stucco surfaces require painting every eight to 10 years due to its natural cracks and roughness. Applying a new layer of paint to a stucco home may seem daunting but doesn’t need to be.

Here are a few steps to take if you decide to paint your stucco home yourself:

Prepping the surface

Preparing the stucco surface is a key aspect in making the paint stick during the project. The first thing that needs done when it comes to painting stucco is to inspect the surface for any cracks or damage. These imperfections must be repaired prior to any painting. Cleaning the surface of the stucco is just as important to get rid of any dust or dirt that has accumulated on the walls of the home. Consider doing a good power washing before any painting processes start.

After cleaning, allow the surface to dry completely. Typically allow the surface to dry overnight. Once the cleaning process is done and any repairs are finished apply a masonry or stucco primer to the surface. This will help the paint bind to the surface and increase the longevity of the paint. If you don’t do this step in the process, it can cause the paint to peel or flake, especially in high temperatures.

Use the right tools

When it comes to painting tools for stucco, homeowners can use any of the typical painting tools on the market. Rollers, brushes, sprayers all work well. The best to use is a durable quality roller with a thick nap of at least ¾ to 1 inch on the flat surfaces. You may need to use a brush in the smaller areas. For larger areas a sprayer may be best as it covers more area at a quicker pace and provides a smooth, even finish.

When choosing the paint to put on the home it is best to use a premium latex acrylic paint. This paint will dry correctly on the stucco finish providing a great look for the home and help prevent any future cracking.

Applying the paint

Once the surface of the home is prepped and the materials are in place painting can start. Ensure that all windows, doors and any other edges are taped properly. Then slowly paint the edges around these areas. Imagine you are using a coloring book. Start with the edges and move inwards. After painting these areas, use the roller or sprayer to apply the paint to the larger surfaces. When using a roller always work in small sections and apply the paint in a consistent and overlapping pattern for best coverage.

When using a sprayer, keep the nozzle at a consistent distance from the surface and use consistent wide sweeping motions. To get the best results it is always best to apply at least two coats to the surface of the home. Be sure to allow adequate drying time between painting. Check your paint can to see the actual drying time but typically expect at least 24 to 48 hours. Doing this double painting process will provide a more durable and long-lasting painted surface on the home.

Properly painting the stucco surface not only makes it aesthetically pleasing but it protects the home from strong winds and monsoon weather. Taking your time and applying the paint correctly on your stucco surface will provide you with a complete and refined look that will last for years to come. When it comes to painting a home, it is always best to speak with a professional beforehand and especially if you get into the job and are not sure what to do.

Marcel Painting, https://www.marcelpainting.com/, has been serving the greater Phoenix area for almost two decades with residential and commercial painting services.