How to Paint Stucco
6 things to consider before painting stucco siding
Exterior painting is essential to maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of your home. Paint protects your property from the elements, and helps to prevent the development and spread of mold, meaning it is essential in areas that experience plenty of rain, sleet, and snow.
If you live in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland, there is a good chance that painting your home means painting stucco siding. Stucco is common on Vancouver homes, but can also be difficult to paint. As with any exterior painting project, it is important to plan before you begin so that all of your bases are covered.
Here are 10 things our professional painting company recommends you consider before painting your home’s stucco siding:
When was the stucco applied?
Stucco requires ample time to set before it can be painted. If your stucco is brand new, you should wait at least 60 days before painting to avoid loose texture falling off the surface. Once the stucco has properly cured, you can get to work!
If your stucco is older, there is no need to wait. However, as a general rule exterior painting should be done every 3-5 years.
Are there cracks or damages in the siding?
While paint can drastically improve the appearance of your home, you need to ensure that the surface is prepared for painting. Failing to do so will result in uneven, patchy results that will stick out like a sore thumb.
The first thing you want to check for is any cracks (even small ones) in the stucco. Once you have identified any areas of concern, you can fill the cracks with an acrylic caulking gun. Then, wait 7 days for the caulking to harden before painting.
Stucco is also prone to flaking over time. For very small areas that require repairs, prefabricated stucco can be purchased from a hardware store and easily applied to fill patches. However, for any significant flaking or cracks, it is a good idea to hire a professional to ensure your home looks amazing once painting is complete!
The last type of damage you will want to look out for is mold. Mold grows quickly in wet environments, and needs to be removed before painting. Mold on the surface can also indicate decay in the structure of your property which can have serious repercussions over time.
How will you apply the paint?
When it comes to painting stucco, there are two main application methods that you can choose from: spraying and rolling.
Spraying is typically the best way to get a beautiful finish on any stucco, but on highly textured stucco spraying is absolutely necessary. Rollers simply cannot reach all of the deep crevasses created by the stucco material.
Sprayers can be purchased or rented, but can be expensive. If you choose to use a roller instead, make sure to get a thick nap roller. This type of roller should be able to reach most of the detail in the stucco. Even with the right roller, a high attention to detail will be required to achieve the results you want.
Is the stucco siding clean?
Over the years, your home is subjected to extensive dust, dirt, and grime. Before painting, make sure to pressure watch the entire surface of the home. Pressure washers can be purchased or rented, and many professional painters offer pressure washing services, giving you a variety of options depending on your budget.
What is the weather in your area like?
Exterior painting can only be done in good weather. Rain and snow can quickly ruin your paint job until the paint has dried completely. Make sure to take a look at the forecast to ensure you have a window of sunshine to get your project done. Summer is the perfect time to get outside and paint your home!
How will hard-to-reach areas be accessed?
Painting often involves working at heights – something not everyone thinks about beforehand. Before you begin painting, make sure you have ladders that are in good condition and high enough for your project. When working at heights, never work alone and make sure to practice proper ladder safety.
If your home is two storeys or higher, you will likely need scaffolding to complete the job.
When it comes to exterior painting, it is easy to bite off more than you can chew. Having the right equipment, materials, and knowledge will prevent your painting project from turning into a nightmare.
Hiring a professional painter for your exterior project will ensure your home looks beautiful and takes the stress off of you. If you are considering painting the stucco siding on your home, give Even Better Painting a call!
