ArcaMax

You can’t help but notice a well-painted house finished in stucco. The handsome appeal and architectural interest can make it stand out. Stucco is a porous substance, so use paint like Behr’s masonry, stucco and brick paint designed for the job. The paint allows the surface to breathe so moisture doesn't get trapped and cause cracking and peeling.

A painting contractor will charge $830, which includes labor and material, to prepare and paint a small 1,000-square-foot one-story house. If you’re handy and have painting skills and equipment, you can buy the paint for $210, do the preparation and finishing work, and save 75% for your effort.

Before applying paint, clean the stucco with a mild wash down using a power washer. If the surface is dirty, use a siding cleaner to remove dirt and mildew. Don't blast it with high pressure; give the textured surface a gentle cleaning.

The second phase is repairing the surface, if needed. Use a stucco mix or acrylic latex caulk designed to seal the openings to patch any holes or dents. Let the repairs thoroughly dry before painting.

Apply the paint with a paint sprayer or use a good-quality bristle brush or thick nap masonry roller.

A bright sun can make painting difficult in direct sunlight, so schedule the job when the sun won’t cast sharp shadows. An overcast sky is ideal for exterior painting so you can see how the paint covers the surface.

Pro Cost: $830 — DIY Cost: $210 — Pro time: 12.0
DIY Time: 27.5 — DIY Savings: $620 — Percent Saved: 75%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2024 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.