3/8

Glue It with Hot-Melt

Hot-melt glue comes in cylindrical sticks. To apply it, you need a corded or battery-powered glue gun. Both are inexpensive and easy to find at any hardware store.

Hot-melt glue is perfect for hanging lights and relatively lightweight objects like foam candy canes and small wreaths. Simply hold the object in place against the stucco, squeeze a little glue onto the siding and embed the object in the glue. Hold it in place until the glue hardens, which takes about 10 seconds.

One advantage of hot-melt glue: It isn’t permanent. Once the Christmas season ends, use a hairdryer or heat gun to soften it and scrape it off.

4/8

Stick on Adhesive Strips or Hooks

Adhesive strips and hooks don’t stick to textured surfaces, but often work on smooth stucco. Both come with adhesive pads that bond instantly, and have enough strength to hold wreaths and other lightweight decorations.

Be aware smooth stucco’s grainy surface may not hold the adhesive well. If so, spread a little contact cement on the wall and the adhesive pad, wait a minute for it to film over, then press pad firmly against the wall.

If you use contact cement, you may need a paint scraper to remove it when the time comes. Rub off residue from the wall with acetone or lacquer thinner and a rag.

5/8

Use Drywall Wire Hangers

Wire hangers are semicircular and normally used to hang things from drywall. They don’t look strong, but each can support 100 to 150 pounds. That’s because their shape allows one end to anchor against the back of the wall

When you use wire hangers with drywall, simply poke one end through the wall. Stucco is too hard for that, so you’ll probably need to drill a small hole with a masonry bit. For the hook to work, the hole must go all the way through the stucco and lath into the wall cavity. When you remove the hook, don’t forget to seal the hole with caulk to keep out moisture.