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Stucco is a popular exterior finish known for its durability and distinctive texture, but it requires specific care when painting. This guide covers all essential steps for painting stucco, including choosing the right paint and tools, proper application methods, and maintenance tips.
Painting stucco every five to ten years helps maintain its appearance and protect against the elements. In hot, dry climates like the Southwest or colder regions, selecting the appropriate paint is crucial. Elastomeric and 100% acrylic house paints are popular choices, each with its pros and cons.
Follow this guide to ensure your stucco looks great and lasts for years.
Why We Use Stucco In Warmer Climates
Stucco is widely used in warmer climates for several key reasons:
Thermal Performance: Stucco acts as an effective thermal barrier, keeping homes cooler in hot weather by reflecting heat away. This reduces the reliance on air conditioning and contributes to energy efficiency.
Durability: Stucco is highly durable and can withstand harsh sun and heat without deteriorating quickly. Its composition of cement, sand, and lime makes it resistant to cracking and damage from temperature fluctuations.
Low Maintenance: In arid regions, stucco requires minimal maintenance. It does not warp or rot and is not prone to insect damage, making it a practical choice for long-term use.
Breathability: Stucco is a breathable material, which means it allows moisture to evaporate, preventing the buildup of mold and mildew. This is particularly important in climates where humidity and occasional rain can occur.
Aesthetic Appeal: Stucco provides a smooth, clean finish that can be easily colored and textured to fit various architectural styles, which is appealing in many warm-weather regions known for their distinctive aesthetic preferences.
These qualities make stucco an ideal exterior finish for homes in warm climates, combining functionality with aesthetic versatility.
Paint Types For Stucco
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right paint for your exterior. Here are the main paint options used for stucco:
Elastomeric Paint
You should use elastomeric paint for stucco or masonry when you want a protective, flexible barrier. However, you must ensure the surface is properly prepared, as trapped water inside the substrate can cause bubbling under thick coatings.
Acrylic Latex Paint
Many contractors and painting experts recommend high-quality, 100% acrylic latex paint. Acrylic latex paint is breathable, flexible, and durable, allowing moisture to escape from the stucco and preventing blistering and peeling.
Another big issue with stucco is cracking. Because acrylic-latex paint is flexible, it easily accommodates the stucco surface's natural expansion and contraction.
What Sheen to Choose for Stucco Paint
To achieve the best results when painting stucco, we recommend using a flat sheen.
Flat Sheen: Unlike gloss finishes, a flat sheen does not create a plastic appearance and better accentuates the natural texture of stucco walls. Being a porous and textured surface, stucco benefits from a flat sheen as it effectively conceals imperfections and irregularities in the pattern.
Satin Sheen: In contrast, a satin sheen can make the texture stand out more and highlight flaws such as cracks or dings, especially under direct sunlight.
Note on Elastomeric Paint: Elastomeric paint, while slightly shiny due to its composition, offers a matte finish that is preferable for stucco, though it may retain dirt more than other paints. Oil-based paints should be avoided altogether because they lack breathability.
Top Stucco Paint Products
The brand of paint for stucco depends on the contractor you ask, as every major brand has its line of masonry and stucco paint. Here are a few top-tier options for extreme weather:
1. Sherwin Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex
Duration is our company’s #1 choice for exterior painting. This product is 100% acrylic and built to last in extreme temperatures.
Expected Lifespan: Upwards of 12–15 years when applied correctly.
Key Feature: Formulated with PermaLast® technology; acts as a one-coat product for repaints.
2. Dunn Edwards EverShield
EverShield by Dunn Edwards is an outstanding top-of-the-line 100% acrylic product to use on the exterior of your home.
Expected Lifespan: 10–12 years.
Key Feature: Provides phenomenal durability in extreme conditions.
3. Latitude By Sherwin Williams
Latitude is a contractor-friendly product that allows you to paint in extreme conditions—ranging from 35°F to 120°F.
Expected Lifespan: Upwards of 8–10 years when applied correctly.
Key Feature: Fast curing time allows it to be applied within one hour of forecasted rain.
Color & Care Tip: Lighter shades (such as sandy beige or light gray) reflect sunlight and help keep homes cooler. Darker colors fade faster due to heat and UV ray absorption.
What Paint NOT to Use
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paints (alkyd or solvent-based) are completely unsuitable for stucco surfaces because they trap moisture, leading to blistering, peeling, and structural damage. Additionally, oil-based paints lack the flexibility needed for natural expansion and contraction, resulting in surface cracks.
Low-Quality Latex Paint
While high-quality acrylic latex paints are perfect for stucco, low-quality latex paints fall short in durability and flexibility. They do not adhere well to textured surfaces, leading to faster peeling, fading, and frequent repainting. Investing in premium options ensures proper adhesion and long-term protection.
Application Tips & Techniques
Proper technique is essential to get a stucco paint job right:
Equipment: Elastomeric paint is very thick, so you’ll need a heavy-duty commercial sprayer to apply it efficiently.
Roller Naps: Choose the right nap for your surface—lambskin naps are highly recommended for stucco exteriors.
Spray & Backroll: Use the largest spray tip possible without causing runs, then immediately backroll with a 1 ¾″ roller. If painting completely by hand, use the thickest roller cover available.
Volume: Cementitious stucco is highly absorbent. Be prepared to use a lot of paint—a standard stucco house can easily take 40 to 50 gallons of paint.
Overspray Protection: Painting stucco is messy, so lay down large cardboard sheets and drop cloths to catch drips and overspray.
Two Coats Required: Always spray and roll two coats (can be done on the same day). One coat of acrylic or elastomeric paint will not provide a watertight seal.
Prep & Prime: Always respect the recommended stucco cure time for new builds, and use a pH-appropriate primer before painting.