Can You Sand Stucco?

The process of sanding your stucco smooth can be a bit tricky, which is why many choose to hire a professional for the process. However, with the right materials and instructions, it is possible to DIY this process. To begin, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials, including high-grit sandpaper, primer, smoother filler, light-grain sandpaper, and a smoothing trowel. Using your high-grit sandpaper, you’ll begin by smoothing down the surface of your stucco as much as possible. This smoothing will need to be completed prior to moving on to any other steps. After smoothing the surface, you’ll need to wash the stucco siding using a hosepipe. Be sure to remove any dirt, debris, or residue from the initial sanding. Allow ample time to ensure the surface is completely dry after washing it. The next step will be applying primer to the surface of the stucco, which can be done using a roller. Apply a thick coat of primer to fill any cracks or uneven spots on the surface of the wall. Let the primer dry completely overnight. After the primer has dried completely, you can begin to apply the smoothing filler using a smoothing trowel. Use even strokes to create a flat and even appearance. Once the first coat is applied and dry, use a second coat to fill any gaps or cover any uneven surfaces. After the layers of primer and smoothing filler, you can use the light-grain sandpaper to sand the wall completely to achieve a smooth and polished look. After all else is done, you can give the wall a final thin application with the smoothing trowel to ensure it is complete and smooth. The cost of smoothing out your stucco will depend on your location and the size of your home. For areas in and around Arizona, rates to clean and retexture a 1,500-square-foot home can range from $4,500 to $7,000. These costs vary depending on the services needed and the amount of texture in the home. A professional can take anywhere from one to eight days to complete the process, depending on the size of your home. Cracking can occur in stucco, regardless of texture or finish. While textured stucco can generally hide cracks in the surface more than smooth stucco, it might be better for you to see and be aware of cracks. Seeing the cracks allows you to notice and fix them, which will lengthen the lifetime of your stucco and avoid further damage. If you have been thinking about giving your home a refresh and no longer like the look of your textured stucco, considering smoothing out your stucco is definitely worth it. Smooth stucco is the most popular among homeowners; it offers a finished look that is closest to a painted home. It has all the benefits of stucco while providing you with a simple and clean look. Bonus, it is easy to clean, which keeps maintenance simple and extends the longevity of your stucco siding. Smooth stucco, like all types of stucco, is known to stand the test of time. With proper care and maintenance, and in a good climate like the dryer climates of Arizona, smooth stucco can last anywhere from 50 to 80 years. This timeline far outlasts many other forms of siding.