How To Paint New Stucco
Painting new stucco is an essential task to enhance the appearance and longevity of your home's exterior. However, it involves specific considerations to ensure the best results. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about painting new stucco, including curing time, pH levels, primers, and paint types.
Understanding New Stucco: High pH and Alkalinity
New stucco has high alkalinity due to the lime in the cement mix. This high pH can cause issues such as paint discoloration or "stucco burn." To avoid this, it is crucial to let the stucco cure properly and test the pH level before painting. Typically, stucco needs a minimum of 7 days to begin curing, but the ideal cure time is 30 days to ensure it has achieved sufficient tensile strength and most shrinkage cracks have occurred and been repaired. (Stucco guy) (Today's Home Owner)
Testing for High pH
Before painting, test the pH level of the stucco. pH test kits are available online and are easy to use. Aim for a pH level below 10 for optimal paint adhesion and performance (Stucco Guy).
Choosing the Right Primer
Using the correct primer is crucial to prevent issues related to high pH. Some recommended primers include:
- Omega's Rapid Prime: Trusted for its performance with acrylic paints.
- Dunn Edwards EFF-Stop: Designed specifically for cement-based finishes.
- Sherwin Williams LOXON Primer: Known for its ability to handle high pH levels and provide excellent adhesion for masonry surfaces () (JLC Online).
In Roseville, CA, you can find these primers at local paint stores such as Sherwin-Williams, Home Depot, and Lowe's.
How to Apply Primer to New Stucco
- Clean the Surface: Use a pressure washer to clean the stucco, removing any dirt, debris, or efflorescence.
- Repair Cracks: Fill any cracks with a suitable caulk and let it cure.
- Apply Primer: Use a roller or sprayer to apply a uniform coat of primer. Make sure to back-roll if you use a sprayer to ensure even coverage.
Paint with Primer: A Good Choice?
While paint with primer can be convenient, it might not be the best choice for new stucco. Separate primer and paint applications allow for better control over the preparation and finishing process, especially given the high pH and porous nature of stucco (Today's Homeowner).
Best Paints for New Stucco
- Acrylic Paint: Highly permeable and quick-drying, making it a popular choice.
- Elastomeric Paint: Offers excellent flexibility and can bridge hairline cracks, providing superior protection against the elements. However, it is thicker and may require more effort to apply (Benjamin Moore) (JLC Online).
Does TRICO PAINTING Recommend Elastomeric Paint?
TRICO PAINTING recommends elastomeric paint for its durability and crack-bridging properties. However, ensure that the stucco is properly cured and primed before application to achieve the best results.
Manufacturers generally recommend waiting for the stucco to cure for at least 30 days and using primers that can handle high pH levels. Always follow the specific guidelines provided by the paint and primer manufacturers to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the paint job (Stucco Guy) (Benjamin Moore).
Common Questions About Painting New Stucco
Q: How long should I wait before painting new stucco?
A: The ideal cure time for new stucco is 30 days to ensure it has reached sufficient tensile strength and most shrinkage cracks have occurred and been repaired
Q: How can I test the pH level of new stucco?
A: Use a pH test kit, available online, to measure the pH level. Aim for a pH level below 10 for optimal paint adhesion.
Q: What type of primer should I use on new stucco?
A: Use primers specifically designed for high pH levels, such as Sherwin Williams LOXON Primer, Omega's Rapid Prime, or Dunn Edwards EFF-Stop
Q: Is paint with primer a good choice for new stucco?
A: While convenient, separate primer and paint applications allow for better control over the preparation and finishing process, especially given the high pH and porous nature of stucco
Q: What are the best paints for new stucco?
A: Acrylic paints and elastomeric paints are popular choices. Acrylic paints are highly permeable and quick-drying, while elastomeric paints offer excellent flexibility and protection against the elements
Q: Does TRICO PAINTING recommend elastomeric paint for new stucco?
A: Yes, TRICO PAINTING recommends elastomeric paint for its durability and crack-bridging properties, provided the stucco is properly cured and primed
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a beautiful, long-lasting finish for your new stucco. For more expert advice or to schedule a professional paint job, contact TRICO PAINTING today!