Stucco remains a popular finish for home exteriors, especially those in warmer climates, due to its durability outdoors and inexpensive cost to homeowners. While stucco can be long-lasting, it requires regular maintenance and upkeep. Like most homeowners, you may wonder when should stucco be painted and, if so, the frequency of when it should occur. At Stucco & Beyond Inc., we’ve created this guide to answer that and many other questions regarding your stucco exterior.
Why Should Stucco Be Painted?
The answer to the question, “Should stucco be painted?” is almost always yes. However, stucco introduces a few obstacles, which we will discuss further.
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A Fresh Look and Enhanced Curb Appeal
Over time, severe and ever-changing weather conditions deteriorate your home’s exterior. Rain, snow, sleet, sunlight, wind, and other natural elements wash out your stucco, causing discoloration and general dullness. When determining when should stucco be painted, look for severe signs of wear on your home’s exterior.
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Increased Protection Against Moisture
Stucco, while durable, is considered a porous material, meaning that water can seep through it. When wondering should stucco be painted on my home, regular repainting maintenance is required to protect your stucco from trapping moisture. Choose paint specifically for stucco to allow it to breathe and release any moisture trapped inside it.
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Improved Durability and Longevity
Increased longevity and durability with regular upkeep of your stucco extends the overall lifetime of it. When considering, “Should stucco be painted?” for your home exterior, you should be mindful of how well the paint was applied. Poorly applied stucco paint leads to peels and cracks that let moisture in and damage your foundation.
When Should Stucco Not Be Painted?
While painting stucco has benefits, it may not be an ideal solution in all situations when considering when should stucco be painted.
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New Stucco Surfaces
Recently installed stucco needs a minimum of 90 days to fully cure. When determining when should stucco be painted, you’ll need to wait until the minimum curing time to prevent peeling, blisters, or even cracks in your walls. Discuss your stucco’s condition with your expert installer to determine when you can paint without issue. -
Existing Damage or Cracks
Exteriors facing significant signs of deterioration with damage and cracks should first be repaired when deciding, “Should stucco be painted on my home?” Repainting over damaged stucco can cause damages to get even worse. The uneven surface allows moisture to be trapped due to its ineffectiveness in filling all areas. -
Potential for Color Fading
Stucco paints tend to fade quickly, especially in areas exposed to excessive sunlight. If you’re wondering should stucco be painted, it’s important to consider that stucco maintains its natural color much better than most other exterior materials. Painting your stucco exterior with a color closely matching its natural color won’t fade as quickly.
How to Paint Stucco Correctly
While painting can be beneficial when deciding should stucco be painted, it requires accuracy and precision from an expert. Improperly painting stucco can cause more damage to your home than benefit it. Here are some of our proper installation tips.
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Clean the Surface Thoroughly
While deciding should stucco be painted, remember the importance of a clean stucco surface before painting it. Rigorously cleaning your stucco with a power washer to remove all dirt and grime, such as mold and mildew, ensures your paint adheres properly.
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Address Repairs First
Do a thorough examination of your home exterior to check for any severe damage or noticeable cracks, even hairline cracks. Patching these is important when deciding should stucco be painted on the exterior of your home.
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Choose the Right Paint
Stucco requires specific paints, with the most used being elastomeric paint, offering the resilience and ease needed to prevent the possibility of peeling or cracks. If you don’t have access to the correct paint, the answer is “No,” when deciding should stucco be painted.
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Apply Paint Evenly
Paint should be applied evenly using a sprayer or roller to ensure a smooth finish. Two or more coats may be necessary for maximum coverage and protection.
The Risks of DIY Stucco Painting
When deciding should stucco be painted and whether you should plan to move forward with doing it depends on whether you plan to hire a professional or perform a DIY project. Stucco requires specific experience and knowledge of the necessary materials and techniques to complete the job properly. Inexperienced hands working the job may ruin your exterior, causing significant chips, cracks, and other damage. Letting professionals such as Stucco & Beyond Inc. paint your stucco will ensure a lasting job for years.
Final Thoughts: Should Stucco Be Painted?
Your specific situation is heavily influential when deciding on should stucco be painted or not. If your project goals include extending the life of your stucco and home exterior, adding protection against the elements, or enhancing your curb appeal, you may benefit from stucco repainting. It’s imperative to examine the current state of your stucco first to ensure it is in proper condition.
Painting the exterior of your home can be daunting, but you’re not alone. Contact our professional stucco contractors at Stucco & Beyond Inc. to help determine should stucco be painted on your home!