Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Stained Stucco

The stucco on my house has large stains caused by the previous owners. Other that that the stucco is in good condition. Can I paint the stucco or does it have to be replaced?

Do you have stucco made from cement and sand?

Or do you have a sythetic vinyl stucco product (EFIS)?

I'm not sure. I think it's made from sand but this house is only about 5 years old so it may be EFIS I suppose.

We have the same problem. Except our exterior would be more classified as "permastone". I am afraid to use a power washer for fear the siding will get eroded away from that. Is there a cleaner out there that works good, or is power washing ok? Also, if we decide to paint it, what is the best paint to use? I would assume it soaks in really quickly, being so pourous...

Any help would be appreciated!

As a rule, keep powerwashers away from masonry!

Powerwashers can "blast" the face off of brick and surface off a sealed mortar joint. The best way to clean masonry is the old fashion way... a brush and bucket. (There are different cleaners for different cleaning jobs... cleaning mortar, dirt, oil, etc.)

Presoak the masonry area with clean water first. Make it so the cleaner won't get absorbed into the masonry... but work on the surface. Obviously, absorbed stains will require repeated treatments.

Powerwashers, if used on masonry, must be used with the lowest pressure setting and the widest fan tip nozzles. Sharp points, and too much pressure will result with permanent wand marks being "cut" into the surfaces.

Good luck.

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