Robin has color coat stucco on their house and wants to know if it’s possible to re-stucco over the original stucco without removing it. Here's some advice on how to handle the situation if someone else is doing the work.
Question from Robin: Hello, my house has color coat stucco, and I want to re-stucco the same color. Can this be done going over the original stucco? Thank you for your help, Robin.
Answer: If you’re having a professional do the work (or you plan on doing it yourself), here’s how to make sure it’s done right:
- Surface Preparation: The existing stucco should be cleaned thoroughly, which includes power washing to remove dirt, dust, and any peeling paint or algae from the walls. Any loose or damaged stucco should also be scraped off and repaired, if necessary.
- Color Matching: If the stucco has faded over time, the new color may not match perfectly, but if you are having all of the walls recoated, this isn't really that big of a deal. It’s a good idea to test a small area first though to make sure the color you chose is close enough for you before the material is ordered and applied to all the walls.
- Covering: Since this will be done on an existing home that has been lived in, the amount of covering will be more in-depth, compared to a new construction project. Take the time to cover all windows and doors like you normally would, but also any plants or furniture that is up against the house to prevent any possibility of damaging them.
Cement-Based Finishes vs. Acrylic Finishes
When it comes to re-stuccoing with the same color, using the same type of material is highly recommended for the best results. Cement-based finishes, such as traditional stucco, and acrylic finishes are both common choices, but they have different characteristics and will have different requirements when apply another coat on top of them.
- Cement-Based Finishes: These are highly durable and have a more natural, matte appearance. They bond well with the original cement-based stucco when applied correctly and the surface is cleaned thoroughly.
- Acrylic Finishes: Acrylic finishes are more flexible and offer better weather resistance overall, which can be great for areas with extreme temperature changes. They bond extremely well when applied to clean surfaces and provide a more sealed finish.
For the best results, it's important to use the same material as the original. Cement-based stucco will bond excellently with another cement-based finish, while acrylic stucco will adhere best to previously acrylic surfaces. This compatibility ensures a seamless, long-lasting result after the wall is thoroughly cleaned and prepped.
You can go over any type of finish with a different type of material, but the prep work involved will be different and without knowing the details of your project it is harder to answer.
Changing the Texture
Since you’re re-coating your stucco, it’s a great opportunity to explore a new texture if you're interested in a completely fresh look! Re-stuccoing gives you the flexibility to modify the texture and achieve a different aesthetic, in addition to freshening up the color.
- Smooth Finish: If you prefer a sleek, modern look, a smoother finish can be applied to the new stucco layer. This finish is minimalistic and is often used for contemporary homes. It’s also easier to clean and maintain, which could be a bonus.
- Textured Finishes: If you're looking to keep the classic stucco appearance, textured finishes such as a sand, dash, or knockdown finish can be applied. These provide more character to your home’s exterior and can be customized for a subtle or bold look, depending on your style preferences.
Since the existing stucco will already be getting a new coat, this is a perfect chance to switch up the texture and give your home an updated, unique appearance. Just keep in mind that certain textures/finishes may require more than one coat, so it's always worth discussing this possibility with the contractor ahead of time (if using one).
By following these steps, your house should look as good as new with a fresh layer of stucco!
