Can You Paint Stucco?

Posted on: August 19th, 2022

Because stucco is a porous surface made of cement, people often wonder, ”Can you paint stucco?” While you most definitely can paint stucco, there are certain paints you’ll want to avoid using and other things to consider. Choosing the right kind of paint will prevent blistering and peeling as well as prevent moisture from penetrating the material and causing damage. So let’s learn the ins and outs of painting stucco, what paint works best, as well as popular stucco color choices to consider.

How Long Does Paint Last?

What is Stucco?

Stucco is the thin, finish coat that goes on the outermost layer of homes or commercial business buildings. Many people think that stucco is the same thing as concrete. While concrete is made of water, cement, and sand, stucco also contains lime in the mix. Modern stucco has added polymers and other added agents that help improve its resilience and flexibility. One really nice thing about stucco is that once dry, it’s a very breathable surface. This allows for moisture to pass through or evaporate from behind which helps avoid damage and rot.

How to Paint Stucco?

When your stucco exterior starts to look dingy and run down, it may need more than a quick spray down with the hose. Homeowners can tend to shy away from attempting to repaint stucco but given the proper steps to follow, you should feel confident tackling this project. If you want to achieve professional-looking results, follow these steps on how to paint stucco:

Step 1

Start by cleaning the surface area of any dust or grime. Apply an appropriate cleaner. Go over the surface with a stiff brush to clean the deeply grooved exterior. If done properly, a power washer may be used. Allow your stucco to dry for at least 24 hours before you begin painting.

Step 2

Thoroughly inspect your stucco. Be sure you fill in any small cracks in your stucco with masonry caulk. Remove any loose stucco with a putty knife and repair it with stucco patching compound.

Step 3

Using a napped roller, apply an acrylic primer to your stucco. Cut in the corners with a synthetic paint brush. Acrylic primers are a good choice because they adhere well to the uneven, rough finish of the stucco. You may want to apply two coats for the best coverage. Just be cautious to allow enough drying time between coats to prevent the primer from dripping.

Step 4

Apply paint as you did the primer. It’s helpful to note that due to the texture of stucco, you’ll need more paint per square foot than normal. Plan on needing twice as much paint for full coverage of stucco. One coat may be sufficient if the surface has been primed well. Use your own judgment. If applying a second coat, follow the manufacturer guidelines for ample drying times.

How Long Should You Wait Between Coats Of Paint?

Best Stucco Paints

The amount of exterior paints on the market these days are endless. So many choices can be totally overwhelming. However, when it comes to painting stucco, there are really only two choices: acrylic latex or elastomeric paint.

Acrylic Paint

About 80% of the time you will want to go with acrylic latex exterior paint. This paint is likely your best option. It’s flexible, durable, and allows the stucco to breathe. They are also known for being easy to apply as well as low maintenance to clean up. Last but not least, acrylic paint is affordable which is always an added bonus.

Elastomeric Paint

It may be a good idea to speak to your neighbors that have painted their stucco exteriors with success. If they used elastomeric paint and were pleased with the finished product, it may be a good choice for your home. Known for its longevity and protective qualities, it has the potential to last 4-6 years longer than acrylic paint. Keep in mind that because of its thick nature, elastomeric paint does not breathe well which can lead to trapped moisture and rotting under the surface.

Best Stucco Paint Colors

Colors with a high light reflective value (LRV) are generally the best colors for exterior stucco. They reflect more UltraViolet radiation away from the paint’s surface, protecting the pigment which preserves color. This would include colors such as sandstone, gray, white, off-white, pink, peach, and tan. Rust, brown, and yellow are also popular colors for exterior stucco.