Can I Paint Over a Stucco Ceiling With a Regular Brush?

What is Stucco?

• Stucco is a texturing style where concrete or plaster are layered on a wooden, concrete or sheetrock surface. Methods and materials vary based on the location of the stucco. Color is added to the mixture before application, which makes a layer of paint unnecessary.

  Concrete-based stucco is used on exterior walls. The mixture is blown onto the surface with a gun-like tool and texture is added. Plaster-based stucco is frequently used on interior walls and ceilings, and based on the size of a room, the materials are applied by hand or blown.

Properties of Stucco

• Ceiling stucco is highly absorbent, and if paint has never been applied, tends to crumble or flake. If your ceiling stucco has never been painted, ReliableRemodeler.com recommends that you apply a primer coat. The primer coat forms a seal over the stucco, prevents it from absorbing the paint topcoat and acts like an adhesive, which prevents the stucco from crumbling.

  Stucco applied in homes built within the last 10 years is usually done by machine. The result is a fragile, crumbly thin layer. In older homes, the plaster composite has been applied by hand and the surface is more resilient.

Tools and Paint

• A soft, long-nap roller is the best application tool for ceiling stucco. Before you buy paint, Canadian House and Home recommends you apply a primer. Primer acts as a glue and sets the composite-plaster stucco so it doesn't crumble during paint application. An oil-based primer should be used on machine-blown stucco ceilings. In older homes with hand-applied stucco, a latex-based primer is usually suitable. Once the primer dries for 24 to 48 hours, a topcoat can be applied with the roller.

Method of Paint Application

• If the ceiling has a mounted light, apply the topcoat from the light and move out in strips. Apply a light coat of paint with a light pressure. Focus on even coverage and allow the coat to dry completely for 24 to 48 hours if the ceiling needs more than one coat.