Paint and primer are not applied just for aesthetics in your stucco siding. They serve an essential purpose in protecting the stucco from the elements, which can cause it to degrade over time. Here are some pointers regarding why you should prime and paint your stucco.
Primer for Stucco
Who needs primer if you already have paint? That’s common thinking, but primer is essential for stucco. The reason is that stucco is a very porous material. That means it has lots of nooks and crannies for the paint to seep into and not cover evenly. Contrary to misbeliefs, primers can add an extra layer of protection to your stucco by:
- Filling in any cracks or gaps on the surface
- Allowing the paint to adhere better
- Creating a smoother surface for painting will seal pores
- Helping the paint to last longer
- It creates an optimal surface with fewer coats of top coat paint needed.
Yes, you may think of this as optional. Still, a stucco professional often recommends applying primer to stucco before painting it as it will offer better protection in the long run and can save you money.
Painting Stucco
While primer is essential, don’t forget about the paint itself! You can get out most of your investment if you keep your stucco exterior in good condition. That said, one of the best ways to keep it from degrading is by painting it every five to seven years, but this would vary depending on the condition of your stucco, the climate, and even the quality of the paint job.
It is important to note that if you live in an area with high humidity, you should paint more often to keep mildew and algae from growing on the surface of your stucco. But proper preparation must be done before painting so as not to trap moisture in the stucco, which can cause it to deteriorate.
With proper preparation and by using the correct type of paint, painting stucco will spare you from more stucco repairs Orlando in the future by:
Sealing Out Moisture
Have you noticed (if you have stucco on your house) that water will bead up on the surface when it rains? It is because the paint acts as a barrier, keeping moisture out of the stucco that might cause it to deteriorate. Stucco is a moisture-absorbing substance that becomes increasingly brittle when saturated excessively. Paint manufacturers have developed a new technology that allows paints to “breathe,” which means they won’t trap moisture in the stucco.
Fills Hairline Cracks
Over time, stucco can develop hairline cracks due to settling, thermal expansion, contraction, wind damage, or other reasons. These cracks can be unsightly, lead to moisture infiltration, and further damage the stucco if left unrepaired. Professionals addressed more significant stucco crack repair by filling in with a stucco patch before painting to ensure a uniform appearance and avoid gaps that might allow moisture to penetrate.
Resist UV Rays
One of the most damaging elements to stucco siding is the sun. The sun’s UV rays can harm stucco siding by deteriorating over time. Painting your stucco deflects harmful UV radiation while ensuring that external walls are adequately insulated and protected.
When thinking of priming and painting stucco, many people cringe at all the work that goes into it. While it is true that painting stucco can be a lot of work, the result is always worth it as you add value and curb appeal to your home.
