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Q I've been told repeatedly that
we can't repaint our stucco
exterior unless the existing paint is
sandblasted off. Is that true?
Tom Edwards, Silver City, NM
A Whether you can repaint depends on the condition of the existing paint. If it has performed well without bubbling or peeling, then you can paint over it. First, clean the exterior with a power washer, then scrub any flaking areas with a wire brush. Paint the stucco with a 100 percent acrylic paint that's formulated for stucco. If your stucco has cracked (but the crack hasn't opened), ask for a special elastomeric acrylic paint that's designed to bridge and hide the cracks. Elastomerics are available at most paint stores and some stucco supply stores ($120 for 5 gallons) and will last 20 to 25 years. Apply it with a 3/4-in.-nap roller.
If your existing paint is chipping or peeling, a new coat probably won't last, even with thorough prep work. In this case, sandblasting away the old paint is the best solution. Then have pros apply a thin "dash coat" of stucco, tinted to the shade you want. Then the color will last as long as the stucco.
CAUTION:
If your stucco was painted before 1978,
check the paint for lead. Call your public
health department for instructions on
how to check it. Don't scrape the stucco
because doing so will release lead dust,
the primary cause of lead poisoning in
children. For more information on lead
paint, visit www.hud.gov/offices/lead
or call (800) 424-LEAD.
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