Is Stucco Painting a Good Idea?
Posted on October 4, 2020
Stucco is a great option for exterior surfaces because it is a durable material that can be left as is. It can give your home a more traditional look, and allows moisture in the air to pass freely through its porous surface, and not become trapped inside the building. Unfortunately it only comes in limited shades of white, neutrals and earth tones, so stucco painting is an option many homeowners resort to.
Is Stucco Painting a Good Idea?
Stucco painting can be a costly and time consuming ordeal due to the nature of its rough and uneven surface. The porous surface of the cement mixture can suck up a lot of paint very quickly if not applied adequately. Additionally, atmospheric moisture locked between the layers of paint, especially in humid climates, can result in blistering paint and hidden mold.
The inexperienced painting of such a finicky material can be made even worse if the paint used does not meet the quality grades necessary, making it more difficult to apply now, and requiring more frequent upgrades in the future.
What Kind of Paint Should You Use on Stucco?
Acrylic paint is the most widely recommended for stucco because it has a higher permeability, or breathability, when compared to other products. If you’re looking to paint the stucco of an exterior surface, you’ll also want to make sure the paint has moisture repellant technology, like the Resilience® Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint from Sherwin-Williams.
Other options exist, including elastomeric or masonry specific paints, but generally they have limited color selections, lower permeability ratings, and can be on the higher end of cost.
Do You Need to Prime Stucco Before Painting?
Using an acrylic primer before painting stucco will usually yield better results because it will allow for a uniform application of the color and help the paint to adhere more efficiently. It can also improve the look of the wall, particularly if there’s any minimal cracks or imperfections.
Simply put, primer acts as an intermediary between the stucco and final coating. It will stop stucco from drawing dreaded moisture that can cause mold, create blisters, and discolor the final coating.
How Often Should You Paint Stucco?
Ideally, stucco should be repainted every five to ten years, but this timeline may be skewed, and cost you more money in the end, if it’s not properly done each time. Exterior paint is generally more expensive than interior mixes due to the additives included for better performance outdoors. An untrained hand can make this price go up even higher if the surface is not properly primed and the paint not efficiently applied, calling for more periodic retouches to keep it in optimal conditions.
Stucco may be a delicate medium, but one that can create elegant results for any home. Schedule an estimate today and talk to the professionals for recommendations on products that are well suited to your climate and any previous finishes that may exist on the stucco.
