How Often Should Stucco Be Painted?

Time

• There is no exact schedule for how often a house needs repainting. Factors such as your local climate and the quality of the paint on your home play a part in determining when you should repaint. For instance, if you live in a climate with harsh weather, you might need to repaint every three to four years, while those in milder climates can avoid repainting for as much as eight to 12 years.

Fade

• If you remain happy about the color and condition of your paint job, there is no reason to repaint until the color starts to fade. Paint on stucco can fade significantly when consistently exposed to strong sunlight. To solve the problem, you can simply paint over the original finish with either the same color or a new color, depending on your preferences. However, remember that painting a lighter color over a darker color might require two coats of paint.

Curing and Priming

• New stucco needs curing before it will accept a coat of paint. If you have a home with new stucco, wait at least 90 days before painting, advises Tim Carter of Ask the Builder. This waiting period allows moisture in the original stucco application to leech out of the mix. If painted before curing, stucco can peel and blister. Always apply a primer before putting on the finish coat when painting stucco. You might need to apply the finish coat within a certain time frame after applying the primer.

Prepare

• Prepare the exterior carefully before you start to paint. Make any needed repairs to the stucco. Wash the stucco with either a garden hose or a pressure washer. If you decide to use a pressure washer, use a low pressure nozzle to avoid damaging the stucco. Remove any furniture or other items near the painting areas. For objects you cannot move, such as plants, cover them with a drop cloth.