Exterior Stucco Painting

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Painting exterior stucco is one of our core residential painting services. We can bring new life to worn out and faded stucco siding on your house! Stucco siding can be found across many neighbourhoods in the cities we service across the Greater Toronto Area and the Golden Horseshoe.

We are also able to rejuvenate large commercial buildings with our stucco spray painting service. We’ve completed stucco, concrete and similar projects on plazas, storefronts, hotels, warehouses and factories. 

Read on to learn more about the specifics of this kind of work and how it differs from other substrates like aluminum or vinyl siding.

very worn and faded stucco house exterior before painting. very bright white stucco house exterior after painting.

An Impactful Exterior Refurbishment

Painting over stucco is quite different from other substrates for a variety of reasons. And unlike most surfaces, stucco siding can actually be better than new once it’s been coated!

A Thick and Even Paint Coating

Stucco is originally troweled on and then not coated. This means there is always some variation to the original finish and look of stucco, which is part of the allure of it. But over time as the weather wears down the material, uneven spots, trowel marks, and uneven fading can become more apparent.

Properly repainting stucco means applying a very thick coating over this substrate to hide all of these imperfections and actually add a uniformity and durability that is superior to the original top finish. This process does require a lot of paint, which adds to the expense of properly painting stucco.

Stucco Colour Coverage Versus Full Coating Build

Many times when undertaking a stucco painting job, the client will be looking to change paint colours. But when it comes to painting a stucco house, it’s possible to completely cover the previous colour of the stucco surfaces without improving the actual exterior stucco finish. Even applying two coats by either roller or paint sprayer can leave the finish looking patchy and ‘flashing’ (where you can see imperfections in the finish).

Although no trace of the previous colour will be noticeable, and ‘full coverage’ has technically been achieved, we learned years ago that this result is not usually what the client wants for their home’s exterior. Stucco tends to be very porous and in order to get a more consistent and uniform finish, a lot more paint is necessary than many people, even professional painting companies, realize.

And so when we’re applying the paint on a stucco home, we always make sure that we use the kind of paint that can be built up into a thick coating that still allows the stucco to breathe. This usually means a high quality flat paint. Using a combination of spraying and back-rolling, we can build up a coat of paint that not only provides a new paint colour, but also brings a more uniform and consistent finish all across your home’s stucco. This finish is often even more uniform than the original finish of the stucco.

This process does have a few implications to keep in mind for painting your stucco:

  • it requires the right type of paint products
  • a lot of product is required
  • it takes some extra labour to achieve the ‘full coating build’
  • the exterior paint job will last a very long time
  • most painting contractors do not apply the coating in this manner
very worn out stucco and trim on a house in St. Catharines before being painted. after image of a house that had exterior painters repair and refinish the stucco.

Pressure Washing, Filling Cracks, and Preparation of Stucco Walls

Stucco is a popular exterior substrate and it definitely falls under our specialized exterior painting services at We Paint Siding. Our process is comprehensive and designed to ensure the best results for your stucco walls. Here’s how we approach the preparation and refinishing of stucco surfaces:

Cleaning and Repairing Stucco

  1. Thoroughly Wash the Stucco: The first step in our process involves a comprehensive wash of the stucco. This step is crucial for removing dirt and loose paint, ensuring the new finish adheres correctly. Stucco is porous in nature and always requires a few days before painting can begin in order for the stucco to dry.

     

  2. Removal of Peeling Paint: Any existing loose paint is likely to cause a problem for your new stucco paint job, and so we will scrape or wire brush any existing peeling paint away before we begin painting.

     

  3. Repairing Cracks: To address any cracks or damages, we use high-quality and flexible caulking or stucco patching compound as required. This step is essential to prevent future peeling and to create a smooth surface for painting.

     

  4. Caulking for Sealing: We employ durable caulk to seal any gaps around windows and doors, which prevents moisture intrusion under the new paint layer.

Serving the Greater Toronto Area and the Golden Horseshoe


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Application Methods to Paint Stucco Exterior Surfaces

When it comes to stucco, one of the most durable and popular exterior surfaces, the application method can significantly impact the final outcome. At We Paint Siding, we’ve honed our approach to ensure that every layer of stucco receives the attention it needs for both aesthetic appeal and longevity.

Spray and Back-Roll Strategy

At We Paint Siding, we’ve developed a specialized approach for painting stucco exteriors, combining the best of modern techniques to ensure a superior finish. Our method focuses on not just covering the surface, but ensuring deep penetration and lasting adherence of the paint to the stucco. Here’s a breakdown of our unique strategy:

  • Thorough Masking: Before any application, we meticulously mask the surrounding areas to protect them from overspray and ensure clean, precise lines.
  • Initial Spray Application: Starts with a thorough spray of the stucco surface to provide a uniform base coat.
  • Use of Paint Roller: Following the spray, a paint roller is used to deepen the paint’s penetration into the stucco’s porous texture.
  • Type of Paint: Choice of either acrylic paint or specialized latex paint designed for stucco surfaces.
  • Back-Rolling Process: After spraying, back-rolling is performed to work the paint into every crevice and pore of the stucco.
  • Stronger Paint-Substrate Bond: This method creates a more robust bond between the paint and the stucco substrate.
  • Prevention of Peeling: The spray and back-roll technique effectively prevent peeling, ensuring durability even in varying weather conditions.

This approach underscores our commitment to delivering not just an aesthetically pleasing result, but also a long-lasting one. By combining spraying and back-rolling, we ensure that every stucco painting project we undertake at We Paint Siding meets our high standards of quality and durability. Our clients can trust that their stucco exteriors will be beautifully transformed and well-protected for years to come.

Commercial job painted

Best Exterior Paint for Stucco

For stucco exteriors, the choice of paint is an important consideration. While elastomeric paint can be a popular stucco option, especially if it has been used previously, we prefer flat acrylic latex paint. This type of paint allows the stucco to breathe, reducing the risk of trapped moisture – a common issue with stucco. Quality paint is key, and our supplier Sherwin Williams makes top-quality acrylic latex paints that offer the resilience and durability stucco needs, ensuring that the finish remains intact and vibrant for years. When it comes to stucco, using the best paint is not just about appearance; it’s about providing lasting protection.

Another advantage of using a product with a flat finish is that it really accentuates the natural texture of the stucco. Stucco is a masonry surface that is not meant to have a sheen, but rather have a rough and natural look. This is a big reason why we prefer to stay away from elastomeric stucco coatings, which will always form more of a film or sheen, even if labeled as a ‘matte’ finish. Many painters have used elastomeric paints because of their ability to bridge gaps and cracks in the stucco and reduce the necessity for preparation work.

We prefer to do the necessary gap and crack filling work with proper fillers and then get the paint that best accentuates the natural look of the stucco. Putting on a high build coating as discussed above will already give the stucco a different and more robust look than before, and we’ve found that the last thing people want is a shining or artificial look of a rubberized paint.

We’ve had tremendous success on both residential and commercial projects using an ultra high quality exterior acrylic paint in a flat or matte finish, and applied in a very thick coating using our spray and back-roll techniques.

The Best Stucco Paint Colours

Choosing the right colour for stucco can be as important as the painting process itself. While the trend for stucco colours may vary, we recommend colours that complement the texture and style of your home. Neutral tones and earthy hues are the most popular for stucco, enhancing its natural charm. However, the beauty of paint on stucco is its versatility – almost any colour can be used to create the desired effect. From warm, inviting tones to bold, statement colours, the best stucco paint colours are those that reflect your personal style and the character of your home.

We recommend talking to the experts at your local Sherwin Williams paint store for advice on the latest trends and colour coordination. As painting contractors, our main concern is to apply the paint to prevent degeneration and to protect your surfaces, but getting the colour and look you want is extremely important as well. We’ve seen everything when it comes to design and colour combinations and there’s truly no accounting for taste. So this is an important part of the process that you need to consider with care and talking to the experts at the paint store or possibly even hire a professional designer.

Contact Us Today for A Free Quote for Exterior Painting of Your Stucco Walls

At We Paint Siding, our dedicated approach to painting stucco exteriors demonstrates our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence. From meticulous masking to ensure clean lines, to the detailed back-rolling technique for superior paint adherence, each step is executed with precision. Our use of high-quality paints ensures a finish that enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal and provides lasting protection.

Proudly serving a wide range of areas from Toronto to Niagara, including Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford, Hamilton, Burlington, Etobicoke, Milton, St. Catharines, and Niagara Falls and all their surrounding towns and cities, we are dedicated to transforming the exteriors of homes with our expertise. If you’re in one of these cities and considering a stucco exterior makeover, we invite you to contact We Paint Siding. Allow us to enhance the beauty and longevity of your home with our specialized painting services.

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