• Stuccoblue stucco image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  Most of the time when stucco is applied, it is left natural in color, which is either brown or gray. Other times stucco may have been painted at some time in the past, but it just needs to be repainted. If either of these situations apply to you, whether your stucco is inside or outside, you can follow a few tried-and-true methods to paint your stucco, which will produce a successful project each time.
  
  

preparation

• Whether your stucco has been painted before and needs repainting or has never been painted, preparing the surface is essential. Flaking stucco will need to be removed and repaired. Stucco can be purchased premixed in dry powder at any building supply store. You simply to mix the powder with water. But first, use a wire brush to clean damaged or flaky stucco away. Then wet the area with a spray bottle will help the new stucco adhere. Try to make the patch match the old pattern.
  
  Removing flaking paint from old painted stucco also is recommended to provide for good adhesion of the new paint.
  
  

Correct Paint

• When choosing paint, pick exterior paint designated for mortar products and for interior stucco also choose paint designated for mortar products, Most of the time you can choose water- or oil-based paints. Water based paints will take longer to dry but will be less odorous. Your paint or building supply store will help you determine which paint is best for your application. However, remember to prime the surface first. This will help the new paint stick and will cover up any imperfections in the old stucco.
  
  

Application

• Applying the paint will be the most challenging part of the project, mostly because of the ruggedness of the stucco surface. It will be difficult to get paint into all of the individual textures. For this reason, it is best to spray the stucco surface with an electric sprayer that can be bought from a building supply store for around $100. However, when using a sprayer, you will need to make sure to tape up surrounding areas.
  
  If you must use a roller and brush, which can be done, then roll the stucco with a thick napped roller that is designated for rough surfaces and use your brush to fill in any voids.