Stucco is one of the most popular exterior wall finishes used in residential, multi-family, and commercial projects. That’s not only because it can last longer than other finishes, but it’s easy to install, and is versatile. It also provides an ideal finish for any construction job, including concrete, brick, and wood. If that didn’t already sound amazing– stucco paint is available in a wide variety of colors, tints, shades, and tones. These attributes all combined can turn buildings and homes into stunning artworks.

Exterior Stucco Paint: Maintenance and Repair

Now just like any other paint, stucco paint can fade and erode away due to weathering and aging. Without proper paint maintenance, your stucco will become more prone to water seepage, a frequent cause of extensive structural damage.

By following the next seven tips, you can keep exterior stucco in good condition and avoid costly repairs:

  1. Check for paint cracking, bubbling, and peeling: Freshly applied paint has a tendency to crack, bubble, and peel within days. You will want to keep an eye on all painted surfaces for a couple of weeks after a paint job has been completed. Then additionally you will want to check on the exterior walls twice a year for any defects. This is critical as detecting early paint failure can help to implement corrective measures in an expeditious manner.
  2. Inspect exterior walls under different weather conditions: While stucco paint can last for many years, you will want to perform regular inspections in hot and cold weather conditions. This will allow you to detect any unexpected problems. Since walls expand and contract according to changes in temperature, a small, superficial crack observed on a hot day may reveal a wider, deep crack when inspecting the surface in colder weather.
  3. Repair cracks and holes: Whereas minor cracking in stucco and paint may occur as a result of thermal expansion and contraction during seasonal temperature variations, holes are typically caused by direct impact. To fill cracks and holes, use a high-quality waterproof and paintable acrylic caulk. You can also use elastomeric paint, which is thick enough to cover fine cracks.
  4. Prevent stucco paint failure: To prevent premature paint failure, painters must apply the right painting techniques and follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations regarding temperature and relative humidity ranges. As a general rule, paint should never be applied to hot, damp, and dirty surfaces, or during very hot, cold, dry, humid, and/or windy weather.
  5. Choose the right product: As stucco is more prone to water and moisture absorption than other wall finishes, opting for a good-quality waterproofing primer and paint is critical to extend the life of your exterior walls. Acrylic latex paint performs best on stucco, offering excellent coverage and superior color retention.
  6. Wash your walls: To prevent dust and dirt buildup, you will need to wash your home’s exterior twice a year. Using fan-type sprayers have been specifically developed to allow property owners wash stucco without any risk of deterioration. Warm water, scrub brushes, mild detergent, and commercial cleaning solutions can be used to remove persistent dirt and stains from exterior stucco.
  7. Remove mold: Mold can grow within weeks after the application of a fresh coat of stucco paint. If you see signs of mold, use a soft brush or sponge to apply an anti-mold solution to the area. Allow it to soak properly into the wall for about 30 minutes, rinse it, and check the area after 24 hours. To ensure the best results, reapply the solution, following the same procedure. Once the treated area has fully dried, you can repaint the entire wall for the best possible appearance.

Cracked Brick and Stucco Repair from CDP Stucco

CDP Stucco has repaired cracked stucco for homeowners throughout Florida. If you are unsure if the cracks indicate foundation failure, a representative from CDP Stucco can provide an inspection to give you back peace of mind.

Contact us today for an inspection of your cracked stucco repair! If you are interested in Stucco Installation or Stucco Repair, call the experts at CDP Stucco now at 850-259-2283