Stucco is one of the most durable exterior surfaces available, but it's not maintenance-free. Utah's extreme climate takes a toll on stucco homes: freeze-thaw cycles cause hairline cracks that expand over time, UV exposure fades color unevenly, particularly on south and west walls, efflorescence (white mineral deposits) appears as water moves through the material, and dirt and pollution darken surfaces, especially in urban areas like Salt Lake County. Left untreated, minor issues become major problems—water infiltrates cracks, saturates walls, and causes structural damage, mold growth, and interior moisture problems.
Professional stucco painting in Utah does more than refresh color—it provides a protective barrier that extends stucco life for decades. But stucco requires specialized products and techniques that differ completely from painting siding or trim. Standard house paint will fail on stucco within 2-3 years because it can't bridge cracks or handle the substrate's constant movement. Successful stucco coating requires elastomeric products that stretch up to 600%, breathable formulas that let moisture escape, and application techniques that fill texture without creating a plastic-looking shell.
What Makes This Service Different
Crack Bridging Technology
We use elastomeric coatings specifically formulated for masonry: they bridge hairline cracks up to 1/16 inch, stretch and contract with temperature changes, prevent water intrusion at vulnerable points, and maintain flexibility for years without cracking or peeling—critical in Utah's 100+ degree temperature swings.
Breathable Moisture Management
Stucco must breathe—trapped moisture causes catastrophic failure. We apply vapor-permeable coatings that let interior moisture escape, prevent water infiltration from outside, resist efflorescence that mars appearance, and allow proper drying after rain or snow.
Comprehensive Surface Restoration
Before coating, we address underlying issues: repair structural cracks wider than 1/8 inch, remove efflorescence and previous coatings if necessary, clean away dirt, mildew, and pollution, pressure wash at safe PSI that cleans without damage, and allow proper drying time before application.
Included With Every Project
Every Utah home we service receives the same concierge-level preparation, protection, and follow-through. Here's what you can expect for this specific service:
- Complete stucco inspection with moisture readings
- Crack and damage documentation
- Professional pressure washing
- Structural crack repair with elastomeric caulks
- Efflorescence treatment and removal
- Breathable masonry primer
- Two coats of elastomeric coating
- Trim and accent coordination
Proven Process
Stucco Condition Assessment
We inspect for structural damage, hollow areas, moisture intrusion, and coating failures. We use moisture meters to identify problem areas and determine if issues require repair before coating. We photograph damage for homeowner review.
Surface Preparation
Stucco prep is critical: pressure wash at 1500-2000 PSI to clean without damage, repair cracks wider than 1/8 inch with elastomeric compounds, remove efflorescence with acidic cleaners, treat mildew with professional solutions, and allow 3-5 days drying time.
Strategic Priming
We apply masonry primers that penetrate porous stucco, block efflorescence from reappearing, provide uniform base for topcoats, and improve elastomeric coating adhesion—especially important on smooth, hard-troweled stucco that can be less porous.
Professional Coating Application
We spray-apply elastomeric coatings in two coats, back-rolling to ensure penetration into texture, paying attention to cracks and details, masking all trim, windows, and doors, and coordinating with weather for optimal curing conditions.