Stucco Repair: Why You Shouldn't Repaint It

Stucco is a unique way to add an insulating, aesthetically pleasing outer layer to a building. It’s very easy to repair and should last a long time. If you need stucco repair, your first reaction may be to simply paint over the stucco with a new color. But stucco isn’t meant to be painted over, and the downsides can be very costly. If you need stucco repair, it can be inexpensive and will look great. 

Trapping Moisture 

If you paint directly onto stucco, you’re likely trapping moisture between the stucco and the layer of paint. Stucco is relatively porous, so in a way it ‘breathes’when it’s unpainted. Once you paint a layer on top, it can’t breathe and any moisture trapped underneath will cause problems. Most likely, the paint will soon begin to peel and flake off. Worse, mold and mildew may form underneath the paint. 

A Short-Term Fix 

Painting is really a short term fix, whether you’re painting wood or stucco. Paint is simply not a good option for stucco repair. Add to that the increased speed of paint deterioration on stucco and you’ll be forced to paint again very soon. That gets expensive very quickly. 

Let Stucco Do What it Does 

If you’re sick of the color of your stucco, your best bet is to actually re-stucco the building. Replacing stucco or simply adding another layer can be an affordable way to refresh the look of the building. If your stucco is dirty or discolored, you may simply need a good stucco wash job for the freshness to be returned. Stucco is easy to repair, so if it’s a small area that you’re unhappy with, you can have it repaired easily. 

Instead of a temporary fix, look for a long term fix for stucco repair problems.