How to Change Stucco Walls

Stucco finishes add texture to otherwise plain, exterior walls. Over time, however, the look of a stucco finish can grow outdated. Update a stucco wall by grinding down the current texture then replacing it with a new finish. A formula that includes cement makes it necessary to use a grinder to sand stucco. After sufficiently grinding the surface of the stucco, choose from variety of options to refinish the wall.

Tarp
Concrete surfacing grinder
Dust mask
Safety goggles
Paint scraper
High-pressure sprayer
Concrete stain and sealer (optional)
Concrete paint (optional)
Stucco, trowel and plasterer's rake (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the ground below the wall with a tarp to catch as much debris as possible.
- 2
  Grind the wall to remove and smooth out the stucco texture. Hold the top handle of the grinder in one hand and the bottom handle in the other hand. Apply pressure and work the grinder back and forth, in arcing motions, slowly across the wall. Grind down the bumps, any paint layers and just enough below the surface of the stucco letter to re-expose the concrete’s pores.
- 3
  Scrape the wall to remove any last stucco bits as well as any paint.
- 4
  Spray the concrete with a high-pressure sprayer to remove all sanding dust.
- 5
  Refinish the wall. Options include staining, painting or applying new stucco with a new texture. If staining, follow the stain with a penetrating concrete sealer. If painting or applying new stucco, first paint the concrete with the appropriate bonding primer or bonding agent. To apply new stucco, start by filling any concavities with a thin layer, using a trowel. Smooth the first layer then apply a new texture finish.

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