Is It Better To Spray Or Roll Paint On Stucco?

Stucco is a surface made of a unique structure, and it’s important to maintain it properly, so it lasts long and looks great. Part of proper maintenance is painting, but using a brush is not recommended. So, is it better to spray or roll paint on stucco walls?

You can use a roller or airless sprayer to paint your stucco walls, but a roller by itself is best for small jobs. The ideal way to paint large jobs is to use a sprayer to paint stucco walls, then work it in with a deep nap roller. Before starting to paint, make sure to prepare the wall by filling any cracks and cleaning the wall thoroughly.

Below, we will be getting into a step-by-step process that you can use to ensure your stucco walls receive a high-quality paint job. We will also get into the best paint for stucco and some additional notes.

If you want to paint interior stucco, all of the same rules mentioned in this article apply. However, we do heavily recommend that you choose a roller over a sprayer when working inside.

Spraying interior walls requires you to have great control over your paint sprayer. Splattering is pretty standard with spraying, which is why you removed the fixtures in the earlier example.

You will also want to stick with the same eggshell finish with acrylic-latex paint. It will act as a natural moisture sealant for your color. It will also reduce the chance of any chips in your paint.

After you have purchased all of the equipment above, check on the condition of your walls. Check to see if there are any cracks on the stucco wall. If you see them, you will need to fill them out using any stucco patch paste.

Follow the instructions on your stucco patch kit so that they have an ample amount of dry time. Schedule a time for this around a week that would be best for painting, so try not to apply it during wet days.

If you see any dirt, you can use your ladder, a mild cleanser, and a washcloth or scrubber to get these out. In extreme cases, you may want to consider renting a pressure washer.

Next, you will need to remove all outside fixtures and apply painter’s tape to areas you cannot handle. These include lights, electrical outlets, and anything easily removable.

Anything you cannot remove needs covering with painter’s tape. With windows, you can choose to cover them up with some paper in addition to the painter’s tape. This process will be incredibly important if you are using spray-on paint. Less control of the spray means a higher chance of you covering your windows with color.

The next step you will want to follow will be applying your chosen primer. Primer ensures that your paint will have protection over the long term.

Before applying primer, place your drop cloths in a location that will protect your grass from getting unwanted chemicals on them. If you wish to spray your primer, you will need to locate primer made for this. If you cannot find pre-thinned primer, many cans will contain thinning instructions that you can follow.

The key is to add thinner in small doses until your primer sprays easily. It is the same process you would follow while thinning out the paint.

If you are having difficulting thinning this out, use a roller to apply your primer. There is no harm in rolling on primer and spraying on paint.

Depending on your chosen painting technique, the time you spend on this step can vary heavily.

If you have chosen to spray your paint on, a portion of the time it takes to paint will include adding thinner to your paint. For the best results, you will want to apply multiple thin coats of paint to your wall. In warmer, dryer temperatures, your paint will dry within 24 hours at most. Avoid using spray paint in humid or cooler temperatures. Apply coats of paint with a five-minute gap.

If you are rolling on paint, expect the job to take multiple days. Multiple coats will have to be applied to ensure that the color remains on the surface. If you want to save some time, invite some friends over who are willing to pay attention to detail.

Paintbrushes can be for smaller details, but do not use them for an entire project. Their bristles tend to be pretty inconsistent, which is a big deal when painting on a rough surface like stucco.

This process will require multiple paint rollers, but it will save you a tremendous amount of time.

A primary step in ensuring you get a professional-looking paint job is how well you do your prep work. When it comes to painting stucco, whether you spray or roll paint on stucco, you need to seal and fill cracks properly.

Repairing cracks can be the most challenging part of painting stucco, but the key is not to go overboard. First off, if you see any hairline cracks, using high-quality paint should take care of those. Don’t try to patch these minuscule cracks with any compound; it can make it look worse.

For larger cracks, use an exterior-grade acrylic latex caulk. Fill the crack with the caulk, then have a damp sponge handy to wipe any excess. Wipe in all directions to ensure you get any caulk that worked its way into the stucco’s texture.

Another trick of the trade is to blow a fine texturing sand into the wet caulk. This added texture helps minimize the look of a patch job and will keep it less noticeable when you’ve finished the job.

Related Questions

What is the best kind of paint to use on stucco?

Sherwin Williams suggests their line of Acrylic latex paints due to their easy application. The standard color for stucco is eggshell, which you can find easily at most hardware stores.Behr also offers a line of Elastometric stucco paint, which also works for masonry and brick. These paints are usable on hairline cracks and are dirt-resistant.

Should you wet stucco before painting it?

Before painting, you should have your stucco reach a pH level of 9 or 10. It is achieved through daily sprays of water on your stucco until it is adequately hydrated.Continue spraying the water on the surface of your stucco until it runs off. After this, check your walls using a pH pencil. If done correctly, the pH pencil should read 8 or 9.

Do I need to wait for the stucco to cure before painting it?

If your stucco is still wet, do not paint the stucco. It will lead to an inconsistent paint job with your paint falling off.It can also lead to your color fading out quickly. Typically you need to wait up to six weeks for your stucco to cure fully. For further instructions, please consult the instruction manual of your stucco product.