How to Paint & Repair Stucco

Repair

• 1

  Chip away loose stucco from small damaged areas using a wire brush or chisel. Rinse the area with water and a wire brush.

• 2

  Pressure wash the entire surface of the house to remove dirt, grime and mildew. Use low pressure, 1,200 to 1,500 psi, and a wide spray tip to avoid damage to the delicate surface. Begin spraying at the top and work your way down. Keep the spray tip 12 or more inches from the wall.

• 3

  Add a masonry cleaner to the pressure washer if your surface has heavy rust or mildew stains.

• 4

  Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

• 5

  Caulk small cracks, ¼ inch or smaller, in the stucco surface. Apply elastomeric sealant to larger cracks. Blend the caulk or sealant to the surrounding surface with your finger, wiping away excess with a rag. Apply two coats, drying completely between coats.

• 6

  Prepare a patching compound according to the package directions. Apply the compound to any chipped areas to smooth the surface. Level the compound to the stucco surface. Allow the compound to dry before applying a second coat.

• 7

  Apply the second coat of the patching compound working it to achieve a texture similar to the surrounding stucco surface.

Painting

• 8

  Place blue painter's tape around windows, doors and small surfaces that you want to protect from paint and spatters.

• 9

  Protect shrubs and plantings with a drop cloth.

• 10

  Apply an acrylic masonry primer to the repaired surfaces. The entire house can be primed if needed.

• 11

  Apply two coats of elastomeric paint, using a lamb's wool roller cover with a 1 ½-inch nap.