How to Hang Christmas Lights on Stucco

Hot glue is an excellent method for applying lights and other decorations to stucco siding, since hot glue generally adheres very well to the cement-based siding. It’s worth noting that for homes that have painted stucco, the heat and adhesion from the hot glue may cause the paint to chip, and it may be worth exploring alternatives. At the end of the season, a heat gun can be used to easily melt and remove any hot glue from your home to take down the lights. Using the hot glue method follows a few simple steps: Before using hot glue, you can prepare your stucco surface by making small holes in the plaster. These holes will provide additional anchoring points for the glue and ensure your lights stay securely in place. It’s important to note that some stucco walls contain Styrofoam beneath the plaster layer. If your stucco has Styrofoam, take extra caution when using hot glue, as excessive heat can melt or deform the foam. It’s best to opt for alternative methods in this case. Once you’ve prepared the surface and determined that hot glue is a suitable option, you can start attaching your Christmas lights. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the back of each light socket and press it firmly against the stucco surface. To ensure extra security, consider applying a bead of glue around the base of each light bulb socket. This helps hold the lights in place, even in windy conditions. When applying glue to each light bulb socket, it may be worth the trouble to remove the light bulbs and screw them back on once glued down to avoid potentially breaking any bulbs. Double-sided tape is another very simple solution to applying holiday lights to a stucco home. Be sure to use outdoor-rated double-sided tape if you choose to go this route to ensure your lights will stay up even through any weather events, such as rain or snow. This process requires very little effort, and the only tools you’ll need, in addition to the outdoor-rated double-sided tape, will be a ladder and scissors. Putting lights up with tape can be completed using the following steps: Before attaching lights with double-sided tape, thoroughly clean the stucco surface to remove any dust, dirt, or debris. This will ensure better adhesion. You can use a mixture of bleach and water or Borax mixed with warm water and dish soap to clean the surface of your stucco and ensure any dirt or debris is removed from the surface. Stucco is porous, so it’s important to give the siding ample time to dry before applying the double-sided tape, as any moisture could interfere with the adhesion on the tape. Apply double-sided tape to the back of each light socket. Applying the tape directly to the light socket is the most secure way to ensure the lights will stay attached to the surface of your stucco. To attach, you can cut a 1-inch length of double-sided tape off the roll, leaving the protective film on one side of the tape. Press the tape firmly to the back of each light socket, ensuring it is sticking and feels secure. To install the lights onto your stucco, remove the protective layer of each piece of tape on the back of the light sockets and press the lights onto the stucco surface, making sure they adhere securely. Double-sided tape is a convenient and temporary solution, making it easy to remove the lights after the holiday season without causing damage. Plastic roof clips can also be used to hang lights on the exterior of your home, and they are a great option if you want to avoid using any adhesive materials on your stucco siding. These roof clips can be attached to your roofing material or the gutters, depending on the type of clip you purchase. They can make installation faster and help eliminate any worries about burning or damage from hot glue or adhesives from double-sided tape. Plastic roof clips are a convenient and non-invasive way to hang Christmas lights on stucco. Start by attaching screw hooks to your stucco and then positioning them where you want your lights to hang. Once the screw hooks are in place, use zip ties to secure your Christmas lights to the plastic roof clips. This method provides a stable and easy-to-maintain solution. Adhesive light clips provide a more permanent solution for hanging lights and will last from year to year, making your Christmas light installation a breeze next year. These clips will stay in place year-round in your home and can be used to install other seasonal decor in addition to your holiday lights. To use adhesive light clips, apply construction adhesive to the back of the clips. Make sure to use an adhesive suitable for outdoor use and stucco surfaces. Press the adhesive light clips firmly onto the stucco surface and allow the adhesive to set according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the adhesive is fully dry, attach your Christmas lights to the clips. This method offers a clean and secure display.