On Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:56:27 -0800 (PST), yo
wrote:

The paint on my stucco on concrete block house is chalky and peeling
and even cracking in a couple of places. Everyone here, in south
Florida, seems to pressure wash stucco before painting, but I am
wondering whether scraping then scrubbing with bleach and detergent
would be just as effective.

Here's a link, hopefully, that shows the cracking paint:
http://i51.tinypic.com/16hte2f.jpg

The stucco has what is referred to as a smooth finish, though I've
also heard it called a sand finish. But it's basically pretty smooth,
especially with several layers of old paint on it.

If a pressure wash is the way to go, what power of washer would be
necessary to clean it up?

If scrubbing would work, what kind of mixture would be best?

Thanks.

Use a diluted bleach, NOT a sudsy detergent. Power wash with a wide
fan spray. Soak the walls, apply the bleach solution, allow to set a
few moments / minutes if you have mildew or such. Then rinse from top
to bottom.

Keep in mind you are also rinsing dirt out of the stucco. Judge the
pressure of the water/ distance and back away, so you do not damage
the stucco. The idea is to wash and rinse. Let it dry before you
paint.

I believe stucco over block is pretty thin so be careful with the
power washer.