What Not To Do When Painting Your Home’s Stucco Exterior
Homes built with stucco siding are very popular in hot, dry climates. They are very common in the Southwest, including Arizona because of that. The advantage of building with stucco is that it can last for decades with the proper care and maintenance.
Stucco is a material made of cement, water, and sand. Stucco is applied wet and hardens to a very dense solid. It is used as a decorative coating for walls and ceilings, external building siding, and as a sculptural and artistic material in architecture.
Stucco must be kept in good repair in order for it to remain aesthetically pleasing and prevent it from deteriorating. But stucco needs special attention and care to make sure you don’t ruin the surface.
Stucco Needs Special Care
In order to get the best results when painting stucco, it requires specific knowledge of the process, patience, and the right tools. Making the wrong choices and ignoring important steps will wind up costing you in the long run.
Insufficient Curing
When stucco is initially applied, it needs time to dry and cure. Curing extracts the excess lime in the stucco. If this process is rushed, the surface will begin to crumble and deteriorate quickly. Allow at least 60 days for this step; more if the weather is unusually wet.
Ignoring Necessary Repairs
Stucco will crack and the paint will peel. The cracks and holes must be filled before painting. Otherwise, water can enter, even through paint, causing more damage and even mold to grow behind the surface.
Incomplete Cleaning
This mistake is true of most surface painting. Paint won’t adhere properly to dirty surfaces, the painting will quickly begin to flake and peel. Pressure washing will remove most of the dirt and grime. One important note: If you’ve patched the stucco, allow it to dry for at least 15 – 30 days before washing.
Painting On Wet Stucco
Again, you shouldn’t paint any wet surface, but stucco is incredibly porous. That means it takes longer to dry, so make sure to wait until then to apply your first coat of paint. It’s also important to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one.
Improper Painting Techniques
Stucco can be painted using a roller or with an airless sprayer. Brushes are usually not recommended except for detail work. The airless sprayer makes larger projects easier. A roller works fine for smaller jobs
Advantages Of Painting Stucco
Painting your home’s stucco exterior is one of the most inexpensive ways to update its look. But there are additional benefits you’ll enjoy as well.
Keeps Surface Dry
Although Arizona weather is usually dry, we do get some wet spells. Keeping your stucco exterior painted will help seal the surface to protect it from moisture. This will make it less susceptible to mold growth.
Hides Stains
Some stains form on stucco that cannot be easily removed. Painting over them can help to hide them and make them hardly noticeable.
Fills Cracks
Although it’s very important to fill larger cracks with putty, caulk, or other material before painting stucco, hairline cracks can be covered with the paint itself.
Protects The Home
The blazing UV rays of the sun in Arizona can cause your home’s exterior to fade. When the paint starts to flake or peel, it lets in moisture. This can cause structural damage and allow mold to grow. Keeping your home painted can seal it from the elements.
Curb Appeal
If you’re putting your house on the market, its exterior is the first thing home buyers notice. Having a fresh coat of paint is an economical way to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Even if you don’t plan to sell, your newly painted home will look great and impress visitors.
Trust ACP Painting For Expert Stucco Painting
Painting stucco requires skills that most do-it-yourself painters don’t have. Even some professional painting contractors don’t know the special attention that stucco needs for the best results.
ACP Painting has been repairing and painting stucco in the South Phoenix and Ahwatukee areas since 2005. We have the training, knowledge, and tools needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently. We know the importance of prep, repair, and special treatment that stucco requires, and don’t skip any steps.
Contact us today for a free consultation on your exterior stucco painting project.
ACP Painting, LLC.
20987 N John Wayne Pkwy
Maricopa, AZ 85139
Phone: 480-785-6323
