Stucco

Relatively New and Unpainted/To Be Stained

if efflorescence is present, remove by hand wire brushing; wear eye protection and gloves; try to identify and eliminate any source of water from behind the stucco that could have caused the efflorescence
scrape out and widen any cracks; brush out dust, and seal with 100% acrylic or siliconized acrylic caulk; make second application in several hours if needed; wall and chimney caps must be sound and continuous; chimney flue should have rain cover
treat any mildew with a 3:1 water:household bleach mixture, leaving it on for 20 minutes and adding more as it dries; wear eye and skin protection; rinse thoroughly
remove dirt, chalk, dust, unbound sand, treated mildew, etc. by scrubbing with detergent and water, and rinse thoroughly; or power wash with plain water, taking care to not drive water into cracks or porous areas

priming is necessary to ensure maximum durability and resistance to efflorescence, alkalinity and mildew
use quality exterior latex primer that is recommended for masonry or stucco
do not leave a primer unstained

Staining:
- use top quality exterior 100% acrylic solid color stain that is recommended for masonry or stucco surfaces
- some solvent based acrylic masonry or concrete stains may be applied to stucco without priming… consult manufacturer’s directions