First-Time Stucco Painting with Professional Priming in Boulder County
a Case Study by CertaPro Painters® of Boulder and Longmont
A High-Performance Stucco Finish Built for Colorado Weather
This comprehensive stucco home painting project in Boulder demonstrates the importance of proper priming when painting stucco for the first time. Located in Boulder County’s established neighborhoods, this complete exterior refresh showcased our expertise in stucco preparation, California Cut window trim techniques, and Benjamin Moore’s premium Element Guard coating system designed for Colorado’s challenging climate.
Discover how our team brought this home’s exterior back to life while ensuring it’s protected for the seasons ahead, in this case study.
Scope of the Project:
This comprehensive Boulder stucco painting project included:
- Complete Stucco Priming and Painting: Since this was the first time painting the stucco, we applied high-performance masonry primer/sealer to all stucco surfaces. This crucial step seals the stucco, reduces flashing of the topcoat, and evens out absorption rates for a uniform final appearance.
- California Cut Window Trim: We maintained the existing “California Cut” style on the stucco window trim throughout the main house – a distinctive technique that creates clean, precise lines on stucco window surrounds.
- Premium Weather-Resistant Coatings: The home was painted with Benjamin Moore Element Guard featuring patented GENNEX Zero VOC colorant systems for improved color retention and maximum durability in Colorado’s intense sun and weather conditions.
- Outbuilding Coordination: The shed received matching paint colors coordinated with the main house scheme, creating a cohesive property appearance.
Challenges & Technical Approach:
Painting previously uncoated stucco required specialized prep to ensure proper adhesion and a uniform finish. Our team power washed, repaired weathered areas, applied a professional masonry sealer, and used Benjamin Moore Element Guard with GENNEX colorants for maximum durability in Colorado’s harsh climate.
We also preserved the home’s signature California Cut window trim, using precise masking and controlled application for clean lines on textured stucco. Working across multiple materials—stucco, brick, wood, and metal—required careful protection and material-specific prep.
Minor squirrel damage was restored with epoxy, and all remaining surfaces received targeted scraping, spot priming, climate-appropriate caulking, and detailed masking. Together, these methods and materials ensured a cohesive, long-lasting finish throughout the property.
Local Boulder County Advantages
This Boulder stucco painting project benefited from our established presence in Boulder County:
- Stucco Expertise: Deep understanding of proper stucco preparation and priming requirements common to Boulder homes
- Climate Knowledge: Experience with Colorado’s intense UV exposure and temperature extremes affecting stucco
- Architectural Sensitivity: Familiarity with Boulder’s distinctive architectural styles including California Cut trim
- Material Selection: Knowledge of premium coatings providing maximum protection for Boulder County conditions
Technical Specifications
- Stucco Surfaces: Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec Masonry Sealer primer + Element Guard 100% Acrylic topcoat, Flat finish
- Trim Elements: Benjamin Moore Element Guard 100% Acrylic, Low Lustre finish
- Accent Elements: Benjamin Moore Element Guard 100% Acrylic, Low Lustre finish (gutters, downspouts, foundation)
- Railings: Benjamin Moore Element Guard 100% Acrylic, Low Lustre finish (black)
- Application Method: Guaranteed Coverage with professional masonry priming system
Before Photos
Below is what the home exterior looked like prior to painting. Click on any image to zoom in.
In-progress Photos
The photos below show the work in progress. Click on any photo to zoom in.
Project Results
The completed stucco painting transformed this Boulder home with professional results built to last:
- Proper Foundation: Professional masonry primer providing proper base for long-term topcoat performance
- Uniform Appearance: Even absorption rates creating consistent, professional-looking finish across all stucco surfaces
- Preserved Character: California Cut window trim technique maintaining home’s distinctive architectural details
- Maximum Protection: Element Guard coating system providing superior fade resistance and weather protection
- Coordinated Appearance: Matching shed colors creating cohesive property presentation
After Photos
Check out the final transformation below! Click on any image to zoom in.
Why Choose CertaPro Painters for Boulder Stucco Painting
This Boulder stucco painting project demonstrates our expertise in specialized exterior painting throughout Boulder County. Whether you’re painting stucco for the first time in Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, or throughout the region, our experienced teams understand the unique requirements of stucco homes and deliver professional results using premium materials.
Our approach combines technical expertise with attention to architectural details – ensuring your stucco home receives the specialized preparation and application techniques that create lasting beauty.
Specializations: First-time stucco painting, masonry priming and sealing, California Cut window trim techniques, premium weather-resistant coatings, and comprehensive stucco home transformations.
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