How long does German schmear last?

• <div><p>German schmear is a durable brick masonry coating. It should last at least a decade or two without flaking or fading, even with minimal maintenance. This makes it an economical option compared to the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-paint-house-exterior.htm">cost of painting your house exterior</a>, which usually needs to be repainted every five to 10 years to keep it looking its best—thus costing more over the same time period.</p></div>

What PSI should you use to clean stucco siding?

• <div><p>When cleaning stucco siding, it is recommended to use a pressure washer with a psi (pounds per square inch) between 1,500 and 2,000. This range provides sufficient power to remove dirt and grime without causing damage to the stucco surface. It's important to avoid using excessive psi as it can chip or crack the stucco. </p><p>Using a wider spray nozzle and keeping a safe distance of about seven to 10 feet from the siding helps ensure a gentle and effective cleaning process. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and adjust the psi accordingly based on the condition of your stucco and the specific requirements of your pressure washer.</p></div>

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Q: Is stucco hard to DIY?

• <div><p>Stucco is very challenging to DIY, so it&rsquo;s always best to leave the work to professional stucco contractors. The same recommendation applies to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-to-paint-stucco-house.htm">painting a stucco house</a>, which should be left in the reliable hands of a professional exterior painter. Inexperienced DIYers can make several critical mistakes during stucco application, such as:</p><ul><li><p>Failing to apply sufficiently thick layers for longevity and water resistance</p></li><li><p>Uneven application</p></li><li><p>Uneven texture across the exterior</p></li><li><p>Mixing the stucco improperly, leaving a weak structure</p></li><li><p>Failing to texture properly in between coats, leading to cracking and chipping</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What size drill bit should I use for stucco?

• <div><p>You can use small bits that are up to 3/8 inch in diameter, or larger bits that are 1/2 inch or more in diameter. Make sure the bits you use are coated with carbide or diamond; this information is usually visible on the package. You can also use hole saw bits to drill into stucco.</p></div>

Q: Do you need a hammer drill for stucco?

• <div><p>A standard drill will work just fine if you&rsquo;re drilling small holes, and only a few of them. But anything with a diameter larger than 3/8 inch is best done with a hammer drill, since it is stronger, faster, and also makes your drill bits last longer. While you don&rsquo;t absolutely need a hammer drill for stucco, it is a worthy investment if you think you might drill more holes down the road.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Stucco Service pros in Ferndale, CA

*The Angi rating for Stucco Service companies in Ferndale, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Stucco Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Stucco Service companies in Ferndale, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Stucco Service needs.

Last update on March 29, 2026

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Ocean Seven Builders

4.6(

)

Synthetic Stucco - Install or Completely ReplaceSynthetic Stucco - Install or Completely Replace- For BusinessSynthetic Stucco - Repair or Partially Replace- For Business+4 more

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We had a big kitchen remodel with layout changes, so we were a bit nervous at first. Ron made the process a lot easier than expected. He coordinated everything and made sure each step was done properly before moving on. The workmanship is solid, and the finishes look high-end. We?re really happy we chose Ocean Seven Builders!"

Recommended by59%of homeowners

Synthetic Stucco - Install or Completely ReplaceSynthetic Stucco - Install or Completely Replace- For BusinessSynthetic Stucco - Repair or Partially Replace- For Business+4 more

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Joshua is great! I purchased the toilets at Home Depot and arranged for Joshua to pick them up. Well HD Lancaster location only had two of the HE toilets that I wanted, so the 3rd toilet was picked up in the HD Palmdale store. Joshua did all this with pleasure. He was on time, work was completed superbly and cleanup was on point. I will always call on Joshua for my Handyman needs..."

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Mega Power Electric, Inc

5.0(

191

)

Synthetic Stucco - Install or Completely ReplaceSynthetic Stucco - Install or Completely Replace- For BusinessSynthetic Stucco - Repair or Partially Replace- For Business+4 more

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Mega Power Electric is an excellent company to work with. Gary and his team are knowledgeable, honest, and will go out of their way to get the job done right. We installed panels and solar battery storage unit in our home and we're reaping the benefits of being clean and green."

+32

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Synthetic Stucco - Install or Completely ReplaceSynthetic Stucco - Install or Completely Replace- For BusinessSynthetic Stucco - Repair or Partially Replace- For Business+4 more

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Stucco questions, answered by experts

German schmear is a durable brick masonry coating. It should last at least a decade or two without flaking or fading, even with minimal maintenance. This makes it an economical option compared to the cost of painting your house exterior, which usually needs to be repainted every five to 10 years to keep it looking its best—thus costing more over the same time period.

Stucco is very challenging to DIY, so it’s always best to leave the work to professional stucco contractors. The same recommendation applies to painting a stucco house, which should be left in the reliable hands of a professional exterior painter. Inexperienced DIYers can make several critical mistakes during stucco application, such as:

Failing to apply sufficiently thick layers for longevity and water resistance
Uneven application
Uneven texture across the exterior
Mixing the stucco improperly, leaving a weak structure
Failing to texture properly in between coats, leading to cracking and chipping

When cleaning stucco siding, it is recommended to use a pressure washer with a psi (pounds per square inch) between 1,500 and 2,000. This range provides sufficient power to remove dirt and grime without causing damage to the stucco surface. It's important to avoid using excessive psi as it can chip or crack the stucco.

Using a wider spray nozzle and keeping a safe distance of about seven to 10 feet from the siding helps ensure a gentle and effective cleaning process. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and adjust the psi accordingly based on the condition of your stucco and the specific requirements of your pressure washer.

You can use small bits that are up to 3/8 inch in diameter, or larger bits that are 1/2 inch or more in diameter. Make sure the bits you use are coated with carbide or diamond; this information is usually visible on the package. You can also use hole saw bits to drill into stucco.

A standard drill will work just fine if you’re drilling small holes, and only a few of them. But anything with a diameter larger than 3/8 inch is best done with a hammer drill, since it is stronger, faster, and also makes your drill bits last longer. While you don’t absolutely need a hammer drill for stucco, it is a worthy investment if you think you might drill more holes down the road.

The Ferndale, CA homeowners’ guide to stucco services

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