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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

The best exterior paint finish for stucco is a flat or low-gloss finish. A high-gloss finish will show imperfections in the stucco and give it a candy-coated look that many homeowners don’t like. The best types of exterior paint to use on stucco are acrylic, masonry, and elastomeric. However, acrylic is recommended because it is both durable and breathable.

The length of time shouldn’t matter much if you stick with lightweight Christmas lights and similar decorations. Those shouldn’t pose risks to your stucco. You should avoid attaching anything to your stucco that could fall because it’s too heavy, which may take part of the stucco with it. Some methods, like using double-sided tape or adhesive hooks, will naturally wear out over time and lead to falling lights, so don’t expect to leave these lights up year-round.

The Mediterranean style is unique in that it’s designed for homes in hotter climates and to maintain a connection with nature. The building materials include stucco siding, clay roofs, and interior tiling with tall ceilings and open floor plans. These all come together to keep the interior cool. The building materials are all natural and tend to have muted earth tones, and the architecture typically allows for easy, open access to the outdoors through large windows and arched doorways. The decor and architecture can range from simple and functional to opulent, depending on the type of Mediterranean home it is.