How to Paint a Stucco

Stucco, a masonry product, is a mixture of cement, sand and water. It is a smooth-textured plaster. Most of the times, two or three coats of stucco are applied over a masonry or metal lath. It is primarily used on the outside surface of the walls i.e., painting exterior stucco, but these days, it is also used to paint the interior of the house. Stucco gives a charming look to your house. This article dwells on how to paint a stucco.

Steps to Paint a Stucco

Repairing
Before painting the walls with stucco, repair the damaged areas consisting of cracks and holes. Clean the dirt and debris present on the surface of the stucco. For repairing, you need a trowel and a good quality stucco repair product. The crevices in the stucco can be cleaned thoroughly with the force of a power washer. It also helps in cleaning a wider area. If the stucco surface is affected with mold or mildew, then scrub it off with a mixture of chlorine and water. After scrubbing, rinse off the excess water present on the surface of the stucco. If the stucco surface is affected with deep cracks, fill in the cracks with elastomeric wall coatings. For filling the cracks, you can also use 'acrylic latex caulk'. This will help in filling the gaps easily and efficiently.

Repainting
For stucco repainting, you will have to make a little extra effort. With the help of a power washer, power brush or wire brush, you will have to remove all the dirt and sand present on the surface. If you want to remove the stucco, then spray some hot water on it. The hot water will relax the stucco from the wall. After that, with the help of a knife, chisel or hammer, you can remove the stucco from the wall. After cleaning and repairing the stucco, dry completely and thoroughly. Water or dampness present on the surface might interfere with the adhesive, hence it is advised to keep it dry.

Painting
Materials
Acrylic latex caulk, paint sprayer, power washer and acrylic based paint.

Procedure
For painting purpose, use acrylic based paints. This paint will avoid the likelihood of moisture accumulating in the stucco paint. Choose the color of acrylic based paint, fill the paint in the sprayer and spray it on the stucco. Spray a layer on the stucco. After a layer is dried, spray another layer. You can also use a sponge roller or paint brush instead of a paint sprayer. Usage of paint brush and sponge roller for painting is a tedious and time consuming job since you have to check if all crevices are painted well or not. If the stucco is applied recently, do not paint as it might damage the paint and will also lead to peeling of the paint. After applying the stucco, do not paint it for at least three months because the stucco needs that much time to harden. Before applying the paint, apply a water-based primer. An alkali-based primer should be used for a masonry surface so that the surface becomes resistant against alkalinity.

With the above mentioned information, you can surely advise people on 'how to paint a stucco'. You can also paint stucco yourself.