Get matched with top interior painters in Inverness, MS

Dirty or not, you should always clean the wall beforehand. Even if the wall looks sparkling clean to the naked eye, it’s good practice to wipe it down with a damp rag and mild detergent. Leftover dirt, dust, and residue can create unsightly textures or interfere with the paint’s adherence to the wall. You’ll never regret cleaning it, but you might regret skipping this step.

In all cases, it’s more affordable to DIY paint than hire a professional painter, as you’ll save on labor costs, which makes up the large majority of your total when you hire a pro. However, you get what you pay for. Professionals have the equipment and years of experience to tackle a job much more efficiently than most homeowners, and they typically provide better results. It’s often worth the expense to save time and secure a more professional appearance for your paint job.

While you can paint brick or concrete pavers, you shouldn’t. Even with a matte finishing paint, it still creates a reflective surface where sunlight bounces off. This increases heat during summer months, making the pavers hard to walk on. The reflection can also damage your eyes. Finally, paint seals the pavers in the least desirable way and makes them impermeable, trapping water and moisture inside, which can cause other problems. Paint layers also chip easily.

When choosing paint for stucco, it's recommended to use a high-quality exterior paint specifically formulated for masonry or stucco surfaces. Look for paints labeled as "masonry paint," "stucco paint," or "concrete paint." These paints are designed to adhere well to stucco surfaces and provide durability and weather resistance. 

Opt for paints with good breathability to allow moisture to escape and prevent potential issues with trapped moisture. You may also want to consider paints with UV resistance to protect the stucco from fading or discoloration due to sun exposure.