How To Paint A Stucco Home

Painting stucco can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a rewarding project that can enhance the beauty and durability of your home's exterior. Stucco is a popular material for homes in areas with hot and dry climates, but it can also be found in other regions. Stucco is made of cement, sand, and water, and is applied in a series of coats over a wire mesh or other support structure. The stucco is usually textured, which gives it a unique and attractive appearance. However, stucco can also be prone to cracking, which can be unsightly and can lead to water damage if left untreated. Painting your stucco can help to protect the surface from cracking and water damage, while also giving it a fresh and updated look. In this blog, we'll provide you with the information you need to successfully paint your stucco.

Tools and Equipment

Before starting your stucco painting project, you'll need to gather the necessary tools and equipment. Here are the essential items you'll need:

• A pressure washer or hose with a high-pressure nozzle: This will be used to clean the stucco before painting.
• A scraper and wire brush: These will be used to remove any loose or peeling paint or debris from the stucco.
• An airless sprayer or paint roller: This will be used to apply the coating to the stucco walls.
• A painting tray or bucket: This will be used to hold the paint for use with a roller.
• A paintbrush: This will be used to apply the paint to any areas that cannot be reached with a roller or sprayer.
• Painter's tape: This will be used to mask off any areas that you don't want to paint, such as windows and doors.
• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting: These will be used to protect any surrounding surfaces or landscaping from splatters and overspray.
• Elastomeric caulk: This will be used to fill any gaps or cracks in the stucco before painting.
• Elastomeric paint: This is a specialized type of coating that is designed for use on stucco and other masonry surfaces. We'll cover more about this type of product later in this blog.

Types of Paints and Finishes

When it comes to painting stucco, there are several types of exterior paints and finishes to choose from. Here are some of the most common options:

• Latex paint: This is a popular choice for stucco because it dries quickly, is easy to clean up and is available in a wide range of colors. Latex paint is also relatively inexpensive and can provide good coverage with a single layer. However, it may not be as durable as other types of paint and may not hold up well in extreme weather conditions.
• Acrylic latex paint: This type of paint is similar to latex paint but is more durable and can better withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions. Acrylic paint is also resistant to fading and cracking and can provide good coverage with a single coat. However, it can be more expensive than latex paint.
• Elastomeric paint: This is a specialized type of paint that is designed specifically for use on stucco and other masonry surfaces. Elastomeric paint is highly flexible and can stretch and contract with the stucco, which can help to prevent larger cracks, minor cracking, hairline cracks, and other types of damage. Elastomeric paint is also highly resistant to fading, chalking, and water damage, making it a great choice for homes in areas with extreme weather conditions. However, it can be more expensive than other types of paint.

In addition to the types of paint, there are also different finishes to choose from, including:

• Matte: This finish has no sheen and provides a flat, non-reflective surface. Matte finishes can be great for hiding imperfections in the stucco.
• Eggshell: This finish has a slight sheen and provides a subtle, low-luster appearance. Eggshell finishes can be a good choice for stucco surfaces that have some texture or are slightly uneven.
• Satin: This finish has a higher sheen than eggshell and provides a smooth, glossy appearance. Satin finishes can be a good choice for stucco that is in good condition and have a smooth texture.

Choosing the right type of paint and finish for your stucco will depend on several factors, including the condition of the surface, the climate in your area, and your personal preferences. For most stucco homes, an elastomeric with a matte or eggshell finish will provide the best combination of durability and appearance.

Applying the Paint

Once you've gathered your tools and chosen your paint and finish, it's time to start painting your stucco. Here are the steps you'll need to follow:

Preparation Work

1. Clean the stucco: Before painting, it's important to clean the stucco thoroughly. Use a pressure washer to remove any dirt, debris, or loose paint from the surface. Be sure to let the surface dry completely before proceeding.
2. Prepare the surface: If there are any cracks in the stucco, use elastomeric caulk to fill them in. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time.
3. Mask off any areas that you don't want to paint: Use painter's tape to cover any areas that you don't want to paint, such as windows, doors, and trim.
4. Apply the paint: Use a paint sprayer or roller to apply the paint to the stucco. Be sure to apply the paint evenly and cover the entire surface. If using a roller, it's important to back-roll the stucco after the initial application to ensure that the paint is evenly distributed and that any bubbles or streaks are eliminated. If using a paint sprayer, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application.
5. Apply additional coats: Depending on the type of paint you're using and the condition of the stucco, you may need to apply more paint to achieve full coverage. Be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
6. Remove the masking tape: Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the tape from the areas you masked off.

Considering a Professional Painting Contractor

Painting can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive project, especially if you're not experienced with painting. While it can be a rewarding DIY project, it's important to consider hiring a professional painting contractor if you're unsure of your abilities or if the stucco is in poor condition. A professional painting contractor will have the expertise and equipment needed to properly prepare and paint the stucco. A professional contractor can also help you choose the right type of product and finish for your specific needs and can guide color selection and other important decisions.

When choosing a painting contractor, be sure to research several options and read online reviews from previous customers. Look for a contractor who has experience with painting stucco and who can provide references and examples of their work. Be sure to get a detailed estimate that includes all of the work to be done, the materials to be used, and the timeline for completion. Most importantly, make sure that you hire a contractor who is licensed and insured for your protection.  Painting companies who offer painting services in your area are required by law to have a C33 License and you can easily verify the status of their license on the contractor's license boards website at www.cslb.ca.gov

With the right preparation and materials, painting can be a rewarding DIY project or an excellent opportunity to work with a professional painter. By following these tips and taking the time to make informed decisions, you can ensure that your stucco house painting project is successful and results in a beautiful, durable finish. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to prime the stucco before painting? 

When painting new stucco, it is important to prime before applying paint. Priming helps the coating to adhere properly. Additionally, you must let the stucco cure for at least 30 days before priming or painting for it to become ph neutral. This process allows moisture from within the wall to escape and ensures that your paint will last longer. Once the stucco has cured, use a high-quality primer specifically designed for masonry surfaces such as stucco to get maximum adhesion of your topcoat. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions carefully when applying primer and always test on an inconspicuous area first if possible. With proper preparation and materials, you can create a beautiful finish on your new stucco home!

Where Can I Buy Elastomeric Paint For Stucco?

Sherwin-Williams' ShurLastic is an elastomeric coating designed for use on masonry surfaces such as stucco, concrete, and block. Elastomeric coatings are highly flexible, stretchable, and resistant to cracking, making them an excellent choice for areas that are prone to movement, such as stucco walls. ShurLastic is specifically formulated to bridge hairline cracks and to provide a weather-resistant barrier that protects the underlying surface from water damage and other environmental factors.

Some of the key features and benefits of Sherwin-Williams' ShurLastic include:

1. Excellent Flexibility: ShurLastic's high elastomeric content provides excellent flexibility, which allows it to expand and contract with the substrate without cracking.
2. Excellent Coverage: ShurLastic is highly pigmented, and it provides excellent coverage, which means fewer coats are required, saving both time and money.
3. Long-Lasting Protection: ShurLastic is highly resistant to UV rays, moisture, and extreme weather conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for long-lasting protection of masonry surfaces.
4. Easy Application: ShurLastic can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray, and it's easy to clean up with soap and water.

Overall, Sherwin-Williams' ShurLastic is a high-quality elastomeric coating that provides long-lasting protection to masonry surfaces. It's an excellent choice for stucco houses, and it's available in a wide range of colors to match your home's exterior. However, as with any coating product, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application to ensure the best possible results.

How hard is it to use an airless sprayer?

Using an airless sprayer to paint stucco can be a bit challenging, as stucco has a textured surface that can make it difficult to achieve an even finish. However, with the right technique and equipment, it is doable. It's important to use a sprayer with enough power to handle the thickness of the stucco and to use the right tip size to achieve the desired finish.

Most painting contractors will use a gas airless that can deliver as least one gallon per minute through the airless tip. Our goto pump is the Graco 5900

When spraying elastomeric coatings, it's important to use a larger tip size to accommodate the thickness of the material. A tip size of at least 0.021 inches is recommended for spraying elastomeric coatings.

Safety First  

Airless spray guns are widely used in various industries for painting, coating, and other applications. While they are effective and efficient tools, they also pose certain hazards and dangers that users should be aware of.

One of the main dangers of using an airless spray gun is the risk of injection injury. Injection injuries occur when paint or coating material is forced into the skin, causing serious damage. The high pressure of the spray can force the material deep into the tissue, making it difficult to remove and increasing the risk of infection.

Symptoms of injection injuries can include pain, swelling, and discoloration around the injection site, as well as numbness or tingling in the affected area. In severe cases, injection injuries can lead to tissue damage, nerve damage, and even amputation.

If you or someone else experiences an injection injury from an airless spray gun, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to remove the material yourself, as this can make the injury worse. Instead, cover the area with a clean, dry cloth, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Treatment for injection injuries may include surgical removal of the material, antibiotics to prevent infection, and wound care to promote healing. In some cases, physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation may be necessary to restore function to the affected area.

In addition to the risk of injection injuries, airless spray guns also pose other hazards, such as the risk of respiratory irritation or inhalation of fumes. Users should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as respirators and eye protection, and follow all safety guidelines and manufacturer instructions to reduce the risk of injury.

Important Considerations

Considering professional house painters for your exterior paint job might be the better option for your project. Keep in mind that painting contractors have all of the tools and expertise when it comes to painting homes.  Professional painters are familiar with products, trending paint colors, and prep work and are more efficient at applying a fresh coat of paint to your home.