
Cracks, spalls, and failed sections aren't cosmetic problems — they're water intrusion waiting to happen. We don't just fill and paint over. We identify the root cause, remove compromised material, and rebuild with a properly bonded, matched patch that holds. Especially critical in Santa Fe's Historic District, where material compliance matters.

The traditional standard for New Mexico exteriors — scratch coat, brown coat, finish coat. Applied over properly installed lath with the cure time each layer demands. We don't rush the process. The result is a durable, breathable wall system that performs in New Mexico's freeze-thaw cycles and UV intensity.

Interior plaster finishes that add depth, warmth, and texture that paint simply can't replicate. Venetian plaster, microcement, and polished plaster are applied by hand in multiple thin layers — each burnished to a finish tuned to the room's light and the client's taste. A genuine Southwest signature for luxury interiors.

Traditional adobe plaster — mud plaster, lime plaster, and stabilized earthen finish — for historic properties and new builds seeking authentic New Mexico character. We source locally where possible and apply to both interior and exterior surfaces with the technique these materials require.
Santa Fe, NM, USA
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Please reach us at fredy@fhlsnm.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Hairline cracks and minor spalling are usually repairable. Large sections that sound hollow when tapped, stucco that's delaminated from the substrate, or walls with ongoing moisture intrusion typically need removal and reapplication. We assess on-site and give you a straight answer — we don't recommend more work than the surface actually needs.
In most cases, yes. Texture matching is a skill — we assess the existing finish and replicate it by hand. Color matching on pigmented stucco or painted surfaces is also standard. On older homes where the original finish has weathered significantly, we'll show you a sample patch before committing to the full repair.
Yes. We're familiar with the Santa Fe Historic Preservation Office requirements for materials and methods. We use lime-based and earth plasters appropriate for historic adobe construction and can provide documentation for HPO review when required.
Primarily thermal movement — New Mexico's extreme temperature swings between day and night cause stucco to expand and contract constantly. Inadequate control joints, poor substrate prep, and rushed cure times compound the problem. We address the root cause, not just the visible crack.
ARK
Paint & Restoration specialists serving all of New Mexico. Craft tat respects the land, the building and the client.
Brian@arknm.com | Fredy@arknm.com
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