Traditional three-part, cement stucco is intended to be a water shedding system, tolerant of cracks and ground moisture due to its ability to easily release moisture (to breathe). Natural, cement stucco can be beautiful, soft, and reflective in addition to being UV resistant and long-lasting.
The primary problem with cement finishes is that they are vulnerable to staining and until recently, have been difficult to maintain. New, durable and color-fast repair and refinish (restoration) materials have changed the equation.
Repair of cracks and touch-up of staining can be done on a regular basis at a moderate cost. This color-matched process in which stucco is repaired, detailed, has stains removed and sealed where desirable, we call stucco restoration. Restoration materials are not a layer or coating and therefore are not subject to peeling.
Stucco Colormatch provides customer service on unpainted stucco, specializing in smooth finishes.
A word about paint, the dominant and expensive option for stucco maintenance.
Paint alters the nature of the system to be "waterproof" on the cement surface and at the building paper underneath This risks moisture getting trapped in between. Paint is a coating, a layer of dissimilar material, and is inherently vulnerable to peeling.
Commonly, this shows up where there is inadequate clearance at weep screeds. Water can easily "wick" up damp foundations, soils and off of plants to damage the stucco metal that protects against pests and water intrusion.
For diagrams and further information, see "The Case for Stucco Restoration".
Paint alters the soft, natural finish of stucco to be a monochrome, uniform color in place of the soft, reflective character of natural materials. Stucco Colormatch specializes in fine finishes that blend with existing stucco.
Window was installed in the wrong location for custom cabinets that were designed off of the plans. Stucco was removed, window moved, stucco patched. Aside from the repair scar, and color, the repair was done leaving ridges (bumps) of stucco along the repair perimeter that did not match the flat, smooth plane of the original stucco installation.
Stucco ground down and depressions filled with refinishing stucco.
Five years later, still looking like new...
Uh-Oh, crayons and scrubbing of new, smooth stucco fireplace. Several spots were abraded down to sand aggregate.
Restored to near-new condition using color-matched, fine cement plaster finish.
This process works for cracks, chips, voids, scaffold "tie-ins", staining and cosmetic touch-up such as scratches and "chatter".
"You guys make my life so much easier".
Mike Pace, M&M Plaster.
"I've been using Kap for over 20 years. Stucco Colormatch is the best option for dealing with difficult stucco repairs. I would't think of using anyone else."
Gordon Miller, General Pavement Management, Inc. - CEO
"I am happy to provide a reference for both the company, Stucco Colormatch and its staff.
I had never used their services before but when one of my HOA boards expressed an interest in painting their 13 buildings but did not have all of the money to do so, I provided them with a proposal from Stucco Colormatch. It was a good fit from day one.
Mark Bass does not hesitate to attend board meetings as needed and requested. His calm demeanor and knowledge of the stucco business went a long ways towards convincing the board that this process could be the perfect solution. I too learned a lot about ‘painting’ stucco vs. ‘coating’ stucco! When the board determined that the cost of this process was approximately 50% of painting, the deal was closed!
All of the staff was very kind and patient, even with the more troublesome residents. The project went smoothly and was finished on time and on budget. I encourage HOA boards to consider this company and this process if they are interested in rejuvenating their stucco at an affordable price."
Colleen Scott, Anchor Community Management. - Principal
"We regularly hire Stucco Colormatch for our most demanding stucco work. It is a pleasure to work with craftsmen who do such carefully detailed, finish work."
Marwan Kashou, Pacific Construction, a K & S Construction Company. - Principal
"I have known Kap Young and his work for more than 20 years. I have witnessed his commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. More recently, I have been closely following the technical advances made by Stucco Colormatch Corporation (SCC), and their understanding of the water shedding nature of traditional, color-integral stucco systems. I am in full agreement with SCC’s declaration that application of modest amounts of color-matched, polymer-modified cement materials is functionally superior to paint when caring for cement-based stucco exteriors.
The high initial cost of paint, recurring high cost in repaint every 8-10 years, with it's accompanying risk of peeling and/or blistering, (requiring sandblasting and/or re-stucco) does not appear to be justifiable when compared to the reduced cost, reduced environmental impact, and superior long-term performance achieved by maintaining the existing, cement character of stucco exteriors."
Bruce R Kimmel,
General Contractor, Certified Building Inspector, CSI (Construction Specialists Institute) Member, Adjunct Professor, Ventura Community College Construction Technology, Past President, CAI (Community Associations Institute) Channel Islands Chapter.
"Damn, I can't even tell where you were working. I wish I'd known about you guys when I was building."
Michael K,
Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, City of Fillmore, Ca.