Whether your stucco is starting to fade or you just want to change up the color, you’re probably wondering about the best paint for stucco. Stucco is a type of exterior plaster used to cover walls and surfaces. It’s made from a mix of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water, and is known for its durability and distinctive texture.
Repainting stucco both refreshes its appearance and also helps it last longer, protecting it from moisture, UV exposure, and other environmental factors. However, it’s important to choose the right kind of stucco paint. The best paint for stucco depends on a number of factors, but you typically want to look for paints that are flexible and breathable. In this guide to painting stucco, we’ll talk about the best paint for stucco, types of stucco paint, and how to choose an exterior stucco paint color.
Best Paint for Stucco
Stucco has been used for centuries, particularly in Mediterranean, Spanish, and Southwestern architecture. Stucco can last for upwards of fifty years if well cared for, and repainting it can make it look brand new. In fact, repainting your stucco is particularly important in Sacramento. Over the years, heat and UV rays cause your exterior to fade and crack. Stucco paint acts as a barrier, helping prolong the life of the stucco.
Important considerations:
- Breathability: Choose stucco paint that lets the stucco breathe. This prevents moisture buildup beneath the paint.
- Flexibility: Choose paints that can expand and contract with the stucco.
The best paint for stucco will depend on several factors, including your climate, color choice, and drying time. Most people opt for acrylic latex to paint stucco. Acrylic latex paint is breathable enough to let moisture evaporate and flexible to cover the bumps and pits of the stucco surface. Plus, acrylic latex goes deeper into the stucco for lasting color. However, masonry paint and elastomeric paint are also options for stucco paint.
Types of Stucco Paint
The best paint for stucco includes acrylic latex paint, masonry paint, and elastomeric paint. Other types of paint will stick to stucco but may bubble or peel over time. For best results, opt for one of these types of exterior stucco paint for your project.
- Acrylic latex: Acrylic latex paint is a popular choice for painting stucco. It’s flexible, durable, and easy to apply. The flexibility means that it can expand and contract with the stucco rather than cracking or peeling. Because acrylic latex paint is so breathable, it allows moisture to escape so that it doesn’t pool beneath the paint and cause blistering. Finally, acrylic latex paint comes in a number of finishes and colors to choose from.
- Masonry paint: Masonry paint is formulated specifically for masonry surfaces like stucco. It’s breathable enough to allow moisture to escape so that the paint doesn’t blister and peel. Plus, masonry paint often contains mold and mildew inhibitors. However, masonry paint doesn’t usually come in as many colors as acrylic latex paint.
- Elastomeric paint: Elastomeric paint is a type of paint made from rubber that is very durable, flexible, and moisture-resistant. Elastomeric paint is ideal for areas with temperature fluctuations because the paint can expand and contract with the stucco without cracking. Elastomeric paint is thicker than other types of paint, which helps it fill in small cracks in your stucco. However, because it’s so thick, elastomeric paint doesn’t offer as much coverage per gallon and takes up to 72 hours to dry.
What Types of Paint Not to Use on Stucco
When choosing the best paint for stucco, there are some paint types you’ll want to avoid. Some don’t adhere well to the stucco, while others may lead to problems later on. Avoid these types of paint on stucco:
- Oil-based paints: Oil-based paints don’t adhere well on porous surfaces like stucco. Oil-based paints also trap moisture, which leads to peeling and blistering.
- Interior paint: While stucco is sometimes used inside to provide texture, it’s most commonly used outside. When painting stucco on outside walls, it’s important to choose exterior stucco paint. Interior paint is not designed to last through UV rays, rain, and temperature changes.
- High-gloss paint: Stucco has a rough texture, and high-gloss paints can highlight imperfections and irregularities. Plus, high-gloss finishes don’t adhere as well to textured surfaces.
How to Paint Exterior Stucco Walls
When painting exterior stucco walls, preparation and the right materials will help you have the best result. Here’s a breakdown of how to paint exterior stucco walls:
Materials needed:
- Pressure washer or garden hose
- Stucco repair mix
- Primer
- Exterior stucco paint
- Paint sprayer, roller with thick nap cover, or brushes
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
- Ladder or scaffolding
Steps:
- Repair cracks and damage: Inspect the stucco for cracks, holes, and other damage. Use a stucco repair mix to fill cracks and holes. Once cured (usually after 24 to 48 hours), you can sand the patches.
- Clean the surface: Before any primer or paint goes on the walls, take the time to clean the stucco with a garden hose or pressure washer. This will remove dirt, dust, and debris that prevent paint from adhering well.
- Protect surrounding areas: Use painter’s tape and drop clothes to mask off areas you don’t want paint to get on.
- Prime the surface: Using a roller with a thick nap cover, paint sprayer, or brush, apply primer made specifically for masonry or stucco. This will help the paint to adhere well. Let the primer completely dry.
- Paint the stucco: Starting from the top and working your way down to avoid drips, apply the paint in a consistent, even manner. If using a roller, work in small sections with a crosshatch pattern for thorough coverage. Let the first coat dry before applying a second coat
- Inspect the surface: Once dry, inspect the surface for any missed spots or thin areas. Touch up as needed.
- Clean up: After everything is painted, it’s time to clean up. Remove painter’s tape and drop cloths carefully. Clean up your tools before storing.
Tips:
- Paint on a dry, calm day with temperatures between 50°F and 90°F (10°C and 32°C) with low humidity.
- Test area: Consider painting a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure you’re happy with the color and finish.
- Maintenance: After the exterior is painted, make sure you regularly inspect the stucco for cracks and holes.
Best Exterior Stucco Paint Colors
The best exterior stucco paint color will depend on a number of factors, including your own taste, the style of your home, and the surrounding homes. Here are some popular color options for exterior stucco:
- Neutrals: You can almost never go wrong with neutrals. White is classic and can make your home look bright and elegant. Beige is warm and inviting and works with many different home styles. Gray is sophisticated and provides a backdrop that works with other accent colors.
- Earth tones: Colors like sandstone, terracotta, and olive green provide a timeless appeal that complements natural surroundings and landscapes. These colors often work well with rustic architecture.
- Blues: Blue stucco is a popular choice. Soft blues are calm and serene, giving your home a coastal charm. Slate blue is deeper and more muted for a touch of sophistication. Navy blue is both bold and timeless.
Additional considerations:
- Match the color to the architectural style of your home.
- Consider the surrounding landscape as well as your neighborhood to pick a cohesive color.
- Think about the environment. Lighter colors reflect heat, while darker colors absorb heat. In areas like Sacramento, lighter colors usually last longer.
If you need help choosing the best paint for stucco, our team can help. We offer an extensive palette of colors and can help you choose colors that work well together with your exterior.
Where to Buy Stucco Paint in Sacramento
As the 9th largest city in California, Sacramento has a number of stores where you can purchase stucco paint. Here are some of the top places to buy stucco paint in Sacramento:
- Home improvement stores: Sacramento has a number of home improvement stores, such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware, where you can buy stucco paint. Each of these stores has multiple locations, meaning you can find one that’s nearest to you.
- Paint specialty stores: Another great option for buying stucco paint is at a speciality paint store. Stores like Sherwin-Williams, Kelly-Moore Paints, and Dunn-Edwards Paints all have locations in Sacramento.
Before visiting one of these stores, you may want to call ahead or check online to make sure they carry the type of exterior stucco paint you’re looking for. When in the store, you can ask the staff for recommendations for the best paint for stucco. You may want to buy a small sample of stucco paint first before committing to a whole project.
Best Paint for Stucco Conclusion
When painting your exterior, it’s important to choose the best paint for stucco to ensure a long-lasting finish that looks good. Acrylic latex paint is the most popular for stucco painting, but masonry and elastomeric paints also work well.
Painting your stucco is a huge project. If you’re looking for experienced painters in Sacramento to handle the job for you, DL Painting is here to help. Our skilled painters will refresh your exterior with meticulous attention to detail to ensure that you’re happy with the results. Contact us today for a free estimate.
