Stucco and Plaster Painting and Repair in Santa Barbara

Stucco, Plaster and Masonry Finishes

Stucco is one of the most common exterior finishes in Santa Barbara County — and for good reason. It’s durable, fire-resistant, and well-suited to Mediterranean-style architecture.

• Stucco and plaster: expert priming and finishing for stucco, masonry, and plaster—strong, seamless, and beautiful.
• Plaster patching: seamless repair and blending of damaged plaster surfaces for a smooth, paint-ready finish.
• Brick and CMU walls: experienced in using block fillers and high build paints to finish porous red bricks and CMU walls.

New Stucco and Plaster

If you’re working with new stucco or plaster, the PH level may be too alkaline to apply paint coatings right away. In this case, it’s important to let the surface go through a curing process to bring the PH level down to a safe range of around 8 or 9. Failing to do so could result in "burning," which is when the paint coating does not adhere properly.

We know how to test PH levels, which primers and patching compounds to use, and why.

Stucco Crack Repair and Patching

To ensure stucco cracks don’t reappear, it’s best to use an elastomeric bridging compound rather than a standard masonry patching compound. These caulking materials may settle slightly and leave some of the crack visible, but they’re less likely to re-crack as quickly as other materials.

The proper maintenance starts similar to drywall repairs or skim coating. The crack must be opened a bit, loose or compromised material removed, then filled/patched with a compatible mixture. For appearance a good company will focus on texture blending and proper curing. Matching texture and color is often the most delicate part of the process, and poor patchwork can remain visible even after repainting.

If cracks are not resolved, you may be at risk of efflorescence (salt deposits on the surface), delamination (the solid surface separating into layers), and interior staining or mold. Larger breaks happen when stucco was improperly cured during installation, or with moisture intrusion and improper flashing or drainage.

On the historic Santa Barbara Courthouse, damaged historical plaster top set was repaired using traditional lime, cement, and sand mixtures to match the original texture and composition of the 1929 construction.

What’s Included

• Testing the pH of new stucco and plaster, and letting it cure before painting
• The right primers and patching compounds for the surface
• Caulking existing stucco cracks with an elastomeric bridging compound
• A heavy pressure wash before any exterior painting, to expose areas where the paint is not sound
• Texture blending and proper curing of patches
• Plaster patching, blended for a smooth, paint-ready finish

Ideal For

• Stucco homes and Mediterranean-style architecture, where cracks have appeared as the house settles
• Brick and block walls that need breathable, vapor-permeable coatings
• Plaster walls and ceilings that are damaged or need a smooth, paint-ready finish
• Coastal properties: for standard buildings, 5-7 years is sufficient for touch-up jobs, and with consistent upkeep exterior paint can last 15+ years

Mineral Finishes on Plaster

Limewash is a thin, mineral-based coating made from crushed limestone and water. Most often applied on top plaster, it creates a matte and velvety finish. Integral plaster has pigment mixed directly into the plaster itself, so it is both the surface preparation and final finish.

On one Noleta project we primed a bathroom for pre-colored integral plaster.

Frequently asked questions

How does Santa Barbara’s coastal climate affect paint, and how often should I repaint?

Salt air, marine layer mornings and the daily swing between fog and inland heat make materials expand and contract. For a standard building, plan on touch-ups every 5 to 7 years, which doesn’t have to mean a full repaint; with consistent upkeep, exterior paint can last 15 years or more. Inspect every 2 to 3 years if your building gets heavy sun or weather, and re-coat transparent or semi-transparent wood stains every 1 to 3 years. Painted metal within five miles of the ocean should have marine coatings, re-coated every 3 to 5 years to keep rust away. Read Protection from Coastal Conditions.

What’s the difference between limewash, lime paint and integral plaster?

All three are breathable mineral finishes, which matters in older homes and near the coast because they let moisture evaporate instead of trapping it. Limewash is a thin coating of crushed limestone and water that gives masonry a soft, chalky patina and may need refreshing over time. Lime paint sits between paint and limewash, can go on primed drywall and is easier to spot-repair. Integral plaster has the color mixed into the plaster itself, so it is both the prep and the finish; it is very durable but should be checked for hairline cracks. Read our limewash guide.

What paint do you use?

Premium Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams and Dunn-Edwards paints. For metal railings we use Tnemec epoxy coatings. See our services.

How do I get an estimate?

Send the estimate request form on our contact page, call (805) 448-1241 or email estimates@purplepainting.net. We’ll meet to discuss your options and prepare a fair and transparent estimate, and once you accept it, we get started right away.