Painting stucco, render, plaster, in-situ concrete and fibre cement

Resene Popular Paint Systems –
Concrete, plasters and cement-based substrates: training notes

This web page is an edited version of the Resene Best System Selling training notes provided to Resene staff and is provided to enable you to gain a greater understanding of the substrates and paint systems you may encounter in your decorating project. It is impossible to cover all decorating scenarios in a single document, so if you are in doubt about any aspect of your project please contact Resene for assistance.

Table of contents (concrete, plasters, cement-based substrates)

Select the substrate you will be painting from the list below to view how to prepare and finish the surface.

Preparation flowcharts

Topcoat systems flowcharts

How to paint stucco, render, plaster, in-situ concrete and fibre cement

Note: Refer to the PDF flowchart for a visual of the steps below:

Refer to appropriate preparation chart
Is waterproofing an issue?
1. If No:
  1. Apply 2 coats of Resene Sonyx 101 or Resene Lumbersider
  2. Alternatively, if the area is a small element of the house and there is no colour change - use the same waterborne system as the body of the house, such as Resene Hi-Glo
  3. Alternatively use Resene AquaShield for a classic Mediterranean look or Resene Sandtex Superfine
2. If Yes:
  1. Apply 2 coats of Resene X-200

How to paint

Things to consider

What is the condition of the substrate?
Is critical light an issue?
Do you have any waterproofing issues?
Will you be painting the rest of the house in the same colour?
What colour do you have in mind?
Are you doing the work yourself?

Stucco, render, plaster, in-situ concrete and fibre cement

Textured Monotek sheets

These substrates are very common on New Zealand and Australian homes. Mostly they will already be painted and either form part of the house’s exterior (most chimneys are masonry) or they will be the majority of the home’s cladding.
Even if a house or part of a home isn’t leaking, Resene X-200 makes an ideal topcoat for most masonry and stucco. It has a low sheen, durable finish, will fill any hairline cracks and has a wide colour range available in 10 litre pails.
You may have a small element, such as a chimney or the exposed concrete base of the house, to paint. Assuming you do not intend highlighting this with a different colour to the body of the house, such as weatherboards – then use the same topcoat system as the rest of the house.
Resene AquaShield or Resene Sandtex (particularly the Superfine version) could be used on an old chimney or concrete basement assuming they were to be painted a different colour to the rest of the house. It could be an attractive feature and will continue to look good years into the future.
Any gloss will accentuate joints and imperfections as is the case with these textured Monotek sheets, shown here under ‘critical light conditions‘ – a flat paint like Resene Sandtex or Resene AquaShield should be used to minimise this effect.

Textured Monotek sheets

Key accessories essential to complete the job

50-75mm Legend or Haydn Ultimate brush
Extension pole (depending on access)
Fillers as per schedule
PAL No.2 or No.3 roller sleeve
Resene Paint Prep and Housewash

Add-ons – to make the job easier or quicker

Dropsheet/s
Masking tape – for around windows etc

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