First impressions mean everything.  Whether your home is for sale or you take enormous pride in an immaculate, clean look, the feeling when you pull in the driveway cannot be understated.

If your home exterior has a stucco surface, there is a strong likelihood that your family, guests, and prospective buyers don’t get that feeling.

Did you know that painting professionals recommend that stucco surfaces be resurfaced or painted every five to six years?  Stucco painting may be the best option for you as it is considerably cheaper than resurfacing.

What is the Story Behind the Stucco Craze?

Stucco surfaces were a popular choice for home exteriors in the 1980s and 1990s. Previous to the earth tone colors that are popular today, colors like salmon, baby blue, and yellow were all the rage back then.

Not only could homeowners select trendy colors, but stucco was advertised to be more durable than other siding options. It was not uncommon for housing professionals to market stucco surfaces as a product that would last 20 years or longer.

Decades later, we now know that stucco fades and is vulnerable to cracks, which exposes the house to moisture. In five to six years, homeowners should consider resurfacing stucco or painting over it.

What’s the Difference Between Stucco Painting and Resurfacing?

Resurfacing stucco involves removing the existing surface and then applying a fresh layer.  The primary benefit is that it allows you to change the style of stucco that you have.

Another huge benefit is that resurfacing should guarantee that it is as durable as the original stucco. Meanwhile, stucco painting may need to be redone more frequently if new cracks emerge or quality paint was not used.

The biggest drawback is the cost. Depending on the size of your home, resurfacing stucco could cost approximately $40,000.

For this reason, many homeowners prefer stucco painting.  The primary cost variables are the size of the home, the material used, the time required to prep the surface, and scope of the warranty program.

Altogether, stucco painting could result in savings of $25,000 to $37,000, depending on these variables.

Stucco Painting Tips and Tricks

A primer may or may not be needed, depending on the condition of the stucco.  If there are many cracks and other physical deformities, applying a primer comes highly recommended.

Painting professionals recommend using acrylic latex products because the color lasts longer and it’s easier to apply and clean.

With regards to preparation, it’s imperative that sealants or patches be applied to all cracks in the stucco prior to painting.

Another important preparation step is to power wash the existing stucco surface. This ensures that the paint is applied to a clean surface and adequately sticks.

If you’re interested in stucco painting, don’t hesitate to contact us and find out how we can help you today!