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Stucco is a particularly popular exterior finish for home in the Southwest , but it can also be found texturing interior wall all over the country . produce by layering a cement - and - plaster compound with a variety of plastering tools , its gravelly appearance is both visually sympathetic and rather low - maintenance — a favourable combining for homeowners .

When stucco appears sorry , it needs little more thana hose down offwith warm , oleaginous water . A new coating of rouge can offer an even majuscule refresh , though , and it ’s one task most homeowners can take on with confidence , provide that the surface is in otherwise sound consideration ( no chips or crack ) . To accomplish a ruined job that looks like it was done by a pro , follow these rule of thumb for how to paint stucco .

Potted plants outside a window in summer time; grey stucco exterior.

Photo: Joel Carillet / Getty Images

Tools & Materials

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Before You Begin

Due to its grain , a stucco finish has a much greater overall surface area than a flat rampart , so you ’ll demand more paint than you think you will to get the insurance coverage you desire . If a gal of pigment says it embrace 400 square feet of paries , assume it ’ll cover 200 square understructure of stucco .

5 Steps to Painting Stucco

Step 1: Prepare the area.

Put drop cloth on the floor and furniture that ca n’t be moved , and tape the trim with mountain lion ’s tape .

Step 2: Clean the stucco of dirt and dust.

For most exterior stucco , this but demand a thorough go over with a stiff brush or advertize ling . Interior wall may be more easy vacuumed using a dot adhesion . If your walls have dirt or dirt or mold build - up , apply an appropriate cleaner , espouse manufacturer ’s focal point . Deeply groove exteriors can be power washed , if necessary , to get dirt out of the crevices . Be indisputable to gargle good , and allow to dry whole for 24 hour before you start to calk and resort .

Tried-and-True Advice

“ Look for a stiff blusher brush and use paint roller with a 3/4 - inch short sleep when paint stucco . Softer brushes and smoother rollers wo n’t present the paint into all of the nook and crannies of the surface .

When choosing a paint colour for stucco , it ’s best to paint a few small samples right on the surface to check the color . Stucco ’s raw coloring and the rough-textured surface can change the feel of a color . ”

Step 3: Repair cracks.

Fix any small pass with masonry caulking . shot bombastic than 1/16 - in - broad will require a patch . Remove the loose stucco with a putty knife , andrepair with stucco patching compound . give care to the manufacturer ’s suggest curing time on your piece chemical compound . You may need to wait up to 10 days before you may paint .

Step 4: Prime the stucco.

Prime with a high lineament acrylic primer , using a synthetic brushto cut in , and a enceinte napped roller to roll it on . Acrylic primer coat and paints are preferred because their binder mean effective adherence to the uneven stucco finish . A orotund napped curler makes for easier app into all the nooks and crannies .

Step 5: Apply the paint.

use paint as you did priming , with a synthetic brush for cut in , and a large brushed roller for roll the wall . revolve on one to two coat , as necessary , and follow the manufacturing business ’s guidance with heed to dry out fourth dimension between coats .

It ’s amazing what a tonic coat of key will do to revitalise a shopworn , dirty stucco finish . A well qualityexterior key jobshould last 15 to 20 geezerhood ; indoors , it should last as until trend change and you tyre of the coloring . So , revel it while it lasts !

This Is the yr for a Kitchen Renovation

Back view of man painting a yellow stucco wall white.

Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images Westend61

Whether you ’re deal or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . see why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to detain on budget .

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