- Q.We are working on a
cement-stuccoed house. The old paint is peeling in many
places where water leaked from old gutters or was
trapped by overgrown shrubbery. We have solved the
moisture problems. What is the best way to prepare the
stucco surface for new paint?
A. All of the existing paint
should be removed, preferably with a high-pressure
water blaster, with or without fine silica sand.
Coatings other than paint may require sandblasting
for removal. After stripping, repair any chipped
corners, spalls, and cracks with premixed mortar
that is troweled on and textured to match the
surrounding area. The patched area should be
prewetted before applying plaster.
A cement-based paint is probably the best finish
for stucco. You buy these products in powder form,
mix them with clean water to a brushable
consistency, and lay them on heavily enough to fill
and seal small cracks and holes. The surface should
be dampened immediately before application. Special
paints designed for alkaline surfaces are the next
choice, followed by latex paints.