Does Stucco Need To Be Painted, or Can You Leave It Bare?

Residents throughout the Las Cruces region rely on Engel Coatings Inc. for stucco and exterior painting solutions. Those who inquire about both services often ask, “Does stucco need to be painted?”

Below, our experts answer this question and explain the basics of exterior stucco painting. Learn about the benefits of a painted exterior and how to maintain it.

Do You Have To Paint a Stucco Exterior?

When contractors install stucco, painting it isn’t always necessary at first. They can add pigment to the mixture before applying the final coat to the exterior. But if you’re not happy with the result, painting stucco is an option. 

You’ll be able to enhance your curb appeal with a fresh coat of paint on the outside of your property. Just make sure you wait the appropriate amount of time before adding paint to a brand-new stucco surface. Experts recommend waiting at least six weeks to paint, as this allows the final coat enough time to cure. 

Does stucco need to be painted at all? While you can leave it bare at first, painting is often a key part of maintaining it. Leaving it bare could make the surface more vulnerable to cracks, mold growth, and other types of damage. 

How To Properly Paint Stucco Surfaces

It’s 100% safe to paint a home or business with stucco siding. However, you may run into problems if you don’t follow these recommended tips:

• Clean the surface: You won’t get a smooth finish if you paint over a grimy exterior. Use a mild detergent and a gentle brush to remove caked-on dirt, rinse the wall, and wait 24 hours for it to dry. 
• Inspect the stucco: It’s not smart to paint over stucco with visible cracks or holes. Apply caulk to minor cracks and contact a licensed contractor to address serious damage. 
• Apply a primer: Whether you’re painting an interior or exterior wall, it’s wise to use primer as an underlying coat. It offers extra stucco surface protection and enhances the paint’s strength. 
• Invest in high-quality paints: Acrylic latex and elastomeric formulas are ideal when painting over stucco. Each option is durable, though many people prefer acrylic formulas because of their cost-effectiveness.

Four Factors That Impact Whether You Need To Paint Stucco

How often does stucco need to be painted to keep up appearances? Experts recommend repainting stucco every five to 10 years, though you may have to adjust this schedule based on a few key factors. Check out some issues that impact stucco paint lifespans and use the information below to create a personalized maintenance schedule. 

1. Outdoor Humidity Levels

Stucco siding is predominantly found in hot, dry climates, like the Southwestern U.S. The material, which consists of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water, can face costly damage when exposed to excessive moisture.

If you live in an area that receives a lot of precipitation or has high humidity, it doesn’t mean you can’t have stucco siding. However, you’ll likely have to perform more frequent maintenance. This includes painting the surface to protect it from moisture damage. 

2. Mold Growth

Dark patches of mold on the siding can turn your property into an eyesore. Not only does stucco need to be painted if mold or blisters appear on the surface, but you should also conduct a thorough investigation. A new coat of paint could hide the blemishes, but they’ll continue to fester unless you address the underlying problem. 

You may have to take steps to alleviate water damage before you break out the primer and rollers. Consult a reputable contractor to figure out the best course of action. 

3. White, Powdery Streaks

Stucco is extremely durable, but trace amounts of water can seep into the surface, dissolve salts within the mixture, and evaporate to leave the salts behind. This results in a white, powdery substance called efflorescence. 

You might not spot efflorescence from far away, especially if the exterior is a lighter color. Inspect the siding up close to detect any white streaks. Finding a good amount of streaks means there could be water damage beneath the surface. 

Reach out to a professional stucco repair specialist for personalized solutions. Experts can assess the scope of the damage and treat it before you paint over the streaky residue. 

4. Cracked Surfaces

When does stucco need to be painted? If your surface is prone to hairline cracks, grab yourself some caulk and a paint brush right away. The material can crack for several reasons, including:

• Foundation shifts
• Environmental stressors
• Water intrusion

Water damage could worsen, and the cracks could expand if you don’t seal them as soon as possible. Get some caulk from a local hardware store to patch the material back together. Once the caulk sets, you can paint over the surface to eliminate the eyesore. 

Does Stucco Need To Be Painted by Professionals?

Property owners view painting as a fairly simple DIY project. It’s possible to revitalize your exterior without hiring licensed contractors. However, it’s in your best interest to let experts tackle this project. 

DIY home improvement projects usually take longer than expected. Unless you recruit friends or family to help, the task will likely take several days to complete. Busy homeowners don’t always have the free time to devote to an exterior transformation, so it’s better to let professionals take over. 

Even if you have the time and determination to finish this project on your own, do you fully understand the process? A simple mistake like failing to clean the surface or choosing the wrong type of paint could have disastrous results. Enjoy peace of mind when you hire trusted crews to apply a fresh coat to your exterior. 

Rely On Engel Coatings Inc. for Stucco Painting Expertise

If you’re still wondering, “When does stucco need to be painted?” or have other questions on the topic, our stucco painting guide can help. Turn to Engel Coatings Inc. for personalized solutions for your residential or commercial property. We’re the region’s trusted contractor for stucco installation, interior and exterior painting, roof coatings, and more. 

Call (575) 642-5481 to request a free quote today.