Stucco is a finishing element that is a mixture of water, lime, sand, and cement and can come with other possible additives. Its nature is almost the same as plaster except for the texture as stucco is rougher. Stucco is mixed to be applied wet and then left to harden.
With time, the wet components harden to form a hard and solid surface.
Stucco is brittle in nature hence you may not want to drill or make holes in it for hanging things or decorating. But there are ways to hang paintings and other decorative pieces on stucco without damaging it.
Do command strips work on stucco?
Command strips may work on stucco but they are not manufactured to be used on it. Since stucco is textured and prone to breaking or crumbling, it is wise to use things that won’t damage it to hang clocks, frames, or other objects. But command strips are designed for non-textured and even surfaces.
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There are ways to decorate stucco without damaging it. There are different types of command strips available designed for different purposes and objects.
3m command strips:
3m command strips are mostly used for indoor purposes. They come with double-sided adhesive power backed with peelable stickers. These strips work great for mounting paintings, frames, and similar light objects on walls.
Though this is not originally designed for stucco, you can still use it on stucco but the durability of the setup can’t be guaranteed as stucco has an uneven finish.
Outdoor command strips:
Outdoor command strips are best for exterior stucco. These strips come with an exceptionally strong adhesive that can withstand the change and roughness of nature.
Even though command strips are not planned to be used on stucco, if you must use them on your textured walls, it will be wise to go for the outdoor ones as they are more durable and sturdy.
3 reasons why command strips don’t work on stucco
While strong double-sided tapes can be used for stucco, command strips are not the best option for stucco for the following reasons.
Not designed for stucco:
Command manufacturer claims that the strips are not designed for stucco or similarly textured surfaces.
Since stucco is brittle and can damage easily when dealt with the wrong way, it is suggested to use hooks or tapes specially designed for stucco or other similar surfaces.
Require smooth surface:
Command strips are well suited for smooth surfaces. The strips can’t function well with unevenness hence they are not the right fit for stucco. You can still manage to hang light objects on stucco using command strips but the result won’t be that good.
Can’t guarantee longevity:
Since command strips are not built for stucco walls, they can’t guarantee the longevity that you’d expect. When you hang objects on stucco, you will like them to stay put for a long time. But command strips can’t guarantee that.
The adhesive back that stays in contact with the stucco can lose its power over time and may peel off. Therefore, if longevity is what you’re looking for, command strips may not be the right way to go.
You should go for something stronger designed for textured or cement walls.
How do you get command strips to stick to stucco?
The procedure can change according to the type of object you are trying to hang. Following is a general idea of how you can hang small objects like pictures, paintings, frames, and decorations on stucco using command strips.
Clean the surface:
Command strips are known for their amazing adhesive nature to stick onto the smooth surface for hanging objects. They work best on sealed surfaces. The area has to be spotlessly clean before placing the adhesive back of the strips.
It is suggested to clean the area with rubbing alcohol thoroughly. You can use a rag, cloth, sponge, or a brush for cleaning the surface.
Fully dry the surface:
Next, make sure that the area is completely dry. Command strips give the best results when applied on completely dry surfaces. If it is for outdoor projects, the area is likely to get lots of sunlight and be dry.
If it is for indoor use, dry the area beforehand after cleaning it with rubbing alcohol.
Mark the area:
Now you should take proper measurements of the area where you want to hang an object. Make sure that the area and object complement each other. You can also mark the area with a light pencil so you can place the object perfectly on the first attempt.
Attach the strips and hang the object:
In this step, peel one side off the strip and attach them to the object as many as needed. Then peel off the remaining side and place the object on the wall. Hold it in place for at least 10 seconds so the adhesive can bond perfectly.
How do you hang something on stucco without damaging it?
While using command strips is incredible and one of the easiest ways of hanging something on different surfaces, they are not the right choice for stucco. Stucco has uneven finishing that restricts command adhesives from bonding strongly.
You can opt for other things to achieve this without damaging stucco.
You can use adhesive hooks and wire hangers where drilling isn’t needed. Adhesive hooks work great for stucco since they are lightweight, strong, and easy to use. These hooks may not be suitable for heavy objects but they do a decent job of hanging light objects.
So if you don’t want to put a hole in your stucco, a great alternative to nails for you would be adhesive hooks.
Another great alternative can be wire hangers. These hangers are good for hanging heavy frames and objects. The hangers will poke a small hole in the stucco but won’t cause any other damage.
You have to pierce the surface slightly with the sharp end of the hanger and the wire will slide through. Then you have to push slowly so that the wire hanger settles in.
What are the best adhesive hooks for stucco?
The best adhesive hooks for stucco are those that are the most resistant to weather, water, and temperature change.
Command 3M outdoor hooks:
The command comes in various types of outdoor hooks for different purposes. They have outdoor small and large hooks for hanging both light and heavy objects. They also have windows hooks and small light clips that are easy to install can work on stucco surfaces.
The clear appearance of the hooks looks beautiful and seamless.
JINSHUNFA wall hooks:
These reusable adhesive hooks are perfect for both outdoor and indoor use. These are waterproof, oilproof, and resistant to weather change. The transparent and stylish appearance of the hooks looks good as they leave no trace at all.
The hooks are quite durable as they are made of polycarbonate and stainless steel.
Command small light clips:
Command small light clips can be an amazing addition to your outdoor garden or any space to create a cozy atmosphere. The clips are easy to install. These are water-resistant, UV resistant, and can deal well with heat.
They are more suitable for smooth and sealed surfaces, but you can try using them on stucco as well.
Arctic Eagle light clips:
These self-adhesive light clips are easy to install as they come with strong adhesives that require no tools. The clips are great for both outdoor and indoor applications. They are quite sturdy and durable.
The waterproof and weather-resistant nature of the clips makes them good for long-term use.
Final Thoughts
Command strips are not originally designed for stucco. You can still use command strips in stucco but the result won’t be as good as expected. Command strips are designed for smooth and even surfaces. Since stucco is textured, command strips are not the best hanging solution for stucco.