We currently have unpainted stucco on our home and would like to change the color. Which is the best, most cost effective way to achieve this, painting or re-finishing?
A. Re-finishing stucco is the recommended way to change the color of existing unpainted stucco. Properly installed stucco is designed to draw water in and then breathe the water back out. By painting the stucco you will have sealed the walls from breathing properly and now have a maintence issue. Painted stucco must have proper caulking along all termination points (windows, trim, doors, etc.) to keep water out, now that the walls have been sealed. Caulking manufacturer’s have unrealistic claims of 20-50 year life expectancy, in reality no caulking is 100% effective for these terms. You will need to check the caulking yearly and maintain it as needed. Properly installed stucco with a new finish coat does not require caulking of any kind and is virtually maintenance free. Previously painted stucco needs to be pressure cleaned and all loose paint removed prior to applying a new coat of exterior paint. We apply top quality paints designed specifically for stucco as well as proper caulking
