Welcome to our stucco Q&A, where we dive into the nitty-gritty of stucco applications and color concerns. Today, we're responding to Griselda, who's facing a common predicament that some homeowners may encounter after a fresh coat of stucco has been applied to the walls.
Griselda writes:
"I had new stucco put on my house yesterday and the color is supposed to be white with a 1.0 finish and no yellow tint. The contractor says it’s the right color, but I see a beige or yellowish tint to it. Will the color match the manufacturer chart after the stucco cures?
They have only done the back of the house, and I would rather not continue if they will need to sandblast or redo the job, as stated in the contract. Do you think it will eventually lose the yellow tint once it cures? I was expecting White 840 and not Linen 609, please see attached. Thank you for your expertise."
** For reference, we are talking about MasterWall's color chart and the 1.0 finish, which is basically just a fine sand finish.
Her question touches on an issue that resonates with many: the accuracy of stucco color compared to the color chart, especially when the material is freshly applied. Let's address Griselda's concerns and provide some clarity on what one can expect during the stucco curing process and how to ensure the finished color meets your expectations.
Griselda,
Colors In General: Regarding the color of your newly applied stucco, it's essential to first start with the basics and understand that traditional cement-based finishes typically lighten as they cure, and acrylic or synthetic finishes tend to darken slightly. The curing process affects the final appearance, so the color change you’re noticing now may be part of this process. It’s also not uncommon for freshly applied stucco to appear different under various lighting conditions or when it's still wet.
With that said though, if there's a strong beige or yellowish tint and you were expecting a white finish, it's less likely that the color will shift enough to match the White 840 shade as the stucco dries.
Color Chart's Samples: It's important to keep in mind that the color chips provided by manufacturers in their color charts are intended for referencing the color and can give you a close idea of the color, but they are not an exact representation. There can be variations in hue between the chip and the actual stucco due to factors like mixing techniques, applied texture variations, different light reflections, and application methods.
Samples Are Great: To be absolutely sure of the final color choice, I always advise having a sample mixed up and applied to a small area on your walls, that way you get an idea of the true color for your specific job conditions. When doing this, be sure to allow it to fully cure before approving the color for the entire project.
If There are Still Issues: If the color still doesn't seem right, have a talk with your contractor immediately, especially since they've only completed the back of your house. It’s far easier to make any necessary adjustments now than after the color is applied to the entire house. Refer to your contract for guidelines on color corrections, and don't hesitate to ask questions, if something is unclear. Ask to verify the color that is being used, to make sure that it is correct.
Remember, you deserve to have your home look the way you envisioned, so your contractor should be willing to work with you to achieve the right color, even if it takes a little longer to do so. I do want to point out that there may be some additional charges associated with this, if you happen to change the color or want to make adjustments that were out of the contractor's control.
Your Stucco Specialist,
Ryan
