If your stucco is starting to look faded, it’s time to repaint. Because of stucco’s unique properties, many people wonder if stucco painting is possible. Luckily, you can. By using the right materials and types of paints, you can refresh your exterior stucco and make it last for years.
In our stucco painting guide, we’ll cover how to paint stucco, what tools you need, and the best types of stucco paint. Read on to learn more!
Can You Paint Stucco?
Yes, you can paint stucco. However, there are some important things to keep in mind with stucco painting. Stucco is a material similar to concrete that is made from water, cement, sand, and lime. Well-maintained stucco can last for upwards of 50 years while protecting your home from the elements.
When it dries, stucco is breathable, letting moisture evaporate. However, stucco’s breathability also presents certain challenges for painting. The wrong type of paint will trap moisture under the surface and may cause cracking and blistering. The key to stucco painting is to use the right types of paint.
How to Paint Stucco
When it’s time to repaint your stucco, you want to make sure you do the job well. Using the right tools and preparation will provide a long-lasting finish that helps your stucco to stay in good condition. If you want professional results, makes sure you follow these steps for stucco painting:
Clean dirt and grime from the surface. Use a pressure-washer and a stucco-safe cleaner for best results. Stand at least three feet from the house and make sure to keep the pressure under 1500 PSI so you don’t damage the stucco. Start from the top of the house and work your way down to the bottom. Let the stucco fully dry.
Inspect the stucco. Look for cracks and damage. Fill small cracks with masonry caulk. Remove loose stucco and patch it with stucco patching compound.
Tape off any areas you don’t want to get paint on. Use a primer made for stucco to fully cover the exterior. Work from the top down. You can use two coats of primer, if desired. Just make sure to let the primer fully dry. If using a paint sprayer, you’ll want to back roll the wall when the paint is still wet to push the paint into nooks and crannies in the stucco.
After the primer is dry, it’s time to paint. If you’re using a roller, make sure you use a nap length between ¾” to 1”. Because stucco is so porous, you’ll need more paint than you would on a smooth surface. Let the paint fully dry between coats. Work in small sections from top to bottom and side to side.
Clean up. Discard painter's tape and any drop cloths you don’t need. If you have leftover paint, seal it and store in a cool, dry place.
Tools Needed
Pressure washer
Stucco cleaner
Masonry caulk
Trowel
Primer
Exterior paint
Paint brush
Painter’s tape
Extension pole
Paint tray
Roller or paint sprayer
Ladder or scaffolding
Painting Stucco with a Roller
Stucco painting with a roller can be more difficult than painting a smooth surface. The bumps and pores make it harder to fully cover the stucco, meaning you’ll need more paint. Here are some tips for painting stucco with a roller:
Before rolling the paint on, you’ll want to cut in around windows and doors with a paint brush. Using painter’s tape will help you get a crisper line.
Dip your roller into the painter’s tray. Roll it back and forth to get rid of excess paint. Too much paint on your roller will cause the paint to drip.
Work in small sections so you can keep a wet edge. This helps the paint to have a smoother finish without brush lines.
Because stucco has so many bumps, you’ll want to roll it in multiple directions to get all the surfaces. Apply paint using an “M” or “W” pattern.
Don’t use too much pressure. This will squeeze out too much paint, causing it to drip.
Always let the paint fully dry before applying a second coat.
How to Paint a Stucco Ceiling
When painting a stucco ceiling, you’ll want to follow these steps:
Prepare the ceiling. Clean it and let it fully dry. Patch any damaged areas. Empty the room or cover any furniture to protect it from drips.
Prime the ceiling with a stucco-safe primer. Once dry, it’s time to paint.
Cut in around the edges with an angled brush.
Use a roller with a heavy nap. Apply gentle pressure as you roll the paint along the ceiling.
Let your paint dry fully between coats.
Use a paint with a flat or eggshell sheen. These shells help hide imperfections and unevenness.
Best Stucco Paints
When it comes to stucco painting, the right types of paint make all the difference. You want a paint that offers flexibility and breathability. Oil-based paints will trap moisture and should be avoided. Most painting contractors suggest acrylic paints. Elastomeric paint for stucco is another common choice.
If you’re repainting a stucco exterior, you’ll want to choose an acrylic or elastomeric paint meant for exteriors. These paints are typically more durable than interior paints. Some of them also have mildew, moisture, and UV-resistant properties.
Best Stucco Paint Primer
For stucco painting, the best primer is an acrylic primer. Acrylic primers are more flexible than other types, allowing them to reach all the bumps and valleys on your stucco. Plus, acrylic offers the breathability that your stucco needs for longevity.
Elastomeric Paint for Stucco
When stucco painting, some people like to use elastomeric paint for stucco. Elastomeric paint is up to ten times thicker than other types of paint, which makes it more durable. It can last between 4 to 6 years longer than acrylic paint, holding the color better. Elastomeric paint is also mildew resistant and resistant to chemicals.
Because it’s so thick, elastomeric paint is watertight. However, this also means that it can trap moisture behind it, which can lead to rot. Elastomeric paint also takes longer to cure than acrylic paint. Still, for many people, the paint’s longevity is worth it.
Best Stucco Paint Colors
Another important decision for stucco painting is which color to use. For interior stucco, the sky’s the limit. However, for exterior stucco painting, it’s important to pick colors with a high light reflective value (LRV). These types of colors reflect UV rays from the sun away from the stucco, which in turn helps the color to last longer. Colors such as beige, off-white, white, light brown, and light gray usually have a higher LRV, which makes them an ideal choice.
All exterior paint shades have a predefined LRV. Higher LRV means the paint will resist fading longer. So, for example, when comparing two colors, you might see one with an LRV of 10 and one with an LRV of 75. The paint shade with the LRV of 75 will hold up better under the sun’s rays than the paint with the LRV of 10.
Stucco Painting Guide Conclusion
Repainting your stucco exterior is a big job. With the right tools and paints, and plenty of preparation, you can repaint your exterior and breathe new life into your home. However, not everyone has the time or patience to take on such a big process.
That’s where Spahr’s Painting comes in. Let us take on your stucco painting project. Our professional team of painting contractors will refresh your home and help your stucco last for years to come. Contact us today for a free estimate.
Thank you for this detailed guide on stucco painting! I appreciate how you broke down the steps, especially the emphasis on prepping the surface with cleaning and repairs, as that seems crucial for ensuring a smooth, long-lasting finish. I also found the section on selecting the right type of paint for stucco helpful, particularly the recommendation to use elastomeric paint for added durability. It’s a great tip to consider the climate and weather conditions when choosing paint.
As a general contractor, I often work with homes that have stucco exteriors and septic systems. I'm curious—are there any precautions or considerations you recommend when painting stucco near septic tank areas, especially when it comes to runoff or drainage? It would be…