Stucco is a type of wall cladding used often in exterior construction; it uses sand, cement, water, and lime. It has a good appearance and is long-lasting and resistant to weather and other changing conditions of homes and structures. Stucco is an exterior surface that may also deteriorate via wearing out or cracks or develop a different color. This makes many homeowners seek the services of professionals to paint the stucco walls or any other stucco surface.
Pros of Painting Stucco
Improved Curb Appeal
Repainting, especially of the stucco that has developed a dull or off-color finish, can bring a new look and life to the outside of a building. Fresh paint on stucco just looks better than damaged, chipped, or faded stucco, so it should be done regularly. Painting process will give it a new look as it will cover all the uneven surfaces and give it that nice neat look. The option to alter the color of the stucco with paint adds another route to achieving a more contemporary appearance. This can give new aesthetics to the home, changing the overall appearance if desired.
Protection from Weathering
It provides a layer of protection to stucco which prevents water from penetrating through and in the long run, cracks the substance further. It prevents air, moisture from the rain or snow, and ultraviolet light from the sun from getting to the stucco, which in turn increases the life span of the stucco.
Easier Than Stucco Repair
When the peel is not that severe and is mostly in terms of cracking or fading, painting is relatively cheaper than stucco patching, repair, and replacement. Even preparing and painting stucco is a task that any energetic and determined homeowner who wants to increase his skills in home repair can take on as well.
Cons of Painting Stucco
Hides Underlying Issues
Just applying a new coat of stucco can help in camouflaging the problem since painting over stucco hides everyday problems like crackling, disintegrating corners, and chinks that require proper repair. The issues related to moisture that may be present behind the stucco can also begin to deteriorate as well.
Short-term Solution
New paint is not a solution for damaged stucco; it only disguises the problem. It will only last a few years, with the paint peeling or chalking off the surface. In that stage, one may require more extensive stucco repairs since the exterior walls are most prone to water damage. Thus, painting is a kind of solution that is more limited in time and is not an ideal, permanent option.
When You Should Paint Stucco
Your stucco could be repainted if it has minor fading, chalking, or discoloration. The stucco will restore the appearance and provide the much-needed protection without necessarily having to undergo stucco repairs or get a new stucco put in place.
Concentrate painting efforts on those walls that receive the most direct sunlight and wear and tear from the weather, which may be the southern and the western ones. Some parts of a building may remain structurally sound and may not require painting at the moment. This generalization is particularly useful as it takes your dollar further.
Choose superior 100% acrylic latex exterior paint and does not crack or peel. There are here some tips that one has to follow when applying the coat to the item; it is advisable to stick to the recommended drying time.
Stucco repair vs painting
If you notice heavier cracking, spalling, holes, or pieces that are pulling away from the building, repair work should precede painting. Water leaks also require immediate attention to curb any additional damage to the walls of buildings and other structures.
However, where the stucco has been seriously damaged, it may be possible to complete the removal of the stucco cladding and to replace it with a new stucco. This not only saves a great deal of money in terms of repainting and repair costs, but also eliminates the never-ending cycle of having to fix up the house.
The earlier we seek the services of a professional, the better the results. They can tell if it is more effective to paint over an area or do major repairs. Other benefits include the fact that professionals check whether work done complies with building codes.
The Bottom Line
Painting stucco can extend the exterior wall’s lifespan to a few years before extensive repair or replacement is required. It can be used to slightly alter the aesthetic of a structure and even enhance the exterior appearance considerably. However, painting cannot correct structural problems or when the structure has significantly degraded.
One of the most significant things to consider when dealing with stucco is that it requires constant maintenance to provide it with its most extended life. It is crucial to fix problems like cracks, leaks, and any other damages as soon as you can. Then, you can repaint as and when necessary to ensure the outer walls appear as they are meant to. In this regard, it is possible to conclude that painting stucco remains a relevant method for protecting this holistic exterior material in 2024 and beyond.
