Assess the wall and the existing coating
Look for staining, recurring cracks, loose or bulging areas and water near openings. Have suspicious areas assessed before washing or coating. A hollow sound can be one observation, but it does not by itself establish the depth, cause or correct repair.
Fresh cementitious stucco needs to meet the coating system’s curing, moisture and alkalinity requirements. The acceptable conditions depend on the material and coating; a universal 28-day rule cannot replace testing and product instructions. Identify existing finishes and previous repairs as well.
Repair before choosing a finish coat
Address the source of water entry and any damaged or detached material. Moving cracks, system joints and localized surface cracks are different conditions. A rigid filler or paint over every crack is not a universal repair, and one millimetre is not a universal dividing line between acceptable and unacceptable damage.
Use cleaning and repair methods compatible with the wall system. For EIFS, preserve its reinforcing and drainage details and consult the system maker’s restoration guidance. For cementitious stucco, use an appropriate repair and coating specification for the actual substrate and finish.
Specify the coating and application method
An alkali-resistant masonry primer may be part of the system; it should not be described as universally neutralizing the wall. Some systems have different priming requirements. Verify adhesion, moisture suitability and vapour permeability rather than select elastomeric paint simply because it is thicker.
Follow the specified coverage, film build, texture application and recoat conditions. A roller or spray method must reach the recesses without leaving voids, runs or excessive buildup. Keep joints and drainage functional and inspect repaired areas before the coating hides them. Retain the system and colour records for future work.
Technical references
- Sherwin-Williams: Alkali resistance on new masonry — Fresh masonry alkalinity and coating-specific curing/primer requirements.
- Dryvit: Architectural coatings — Compatible EIFS and textured-wall architectural coatings.
- Benjamin Moore: Coating specification and surface preparation — Substrate moisture, alkalinity and preparation specifications.
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Discuss your exterior project
Select the exterior work and note the current material and repair or replacement needs.
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