Can You Paint Stucco? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Can you paint stucco? Yes, but only if you do it right. The textured appearance brings major curb appeal and a few potential issues. Luckily, they’re easily avoided with the right paint and a little know-how. Here’s what you need to know about painting your stucco house.

What Is Stucco?

When you picture Spanish or Mediterranean architecture, odds are you’re also picturing stucco. This type of siding has been used on homes for centuries. You’ll find it just about anywhere in the United States, though it’s particularly popular in the Southwest.

Stucco is traditionally made from a mixture of sand, lime, and water. Modern varieties also include cement and other additives like polymers, which help boost flexibility and durability. This type of siding is applied as a wet paste, which dries down into a hard-but-porous material with a classic textured appearance. 

When to Paint Stucco

You should paint your stucco every five to seven years, caulking hairline cracks as you go. This will help maintain the lifespan of your siding, staving off damaging UV rays and offering some protection against heavy rain.

Though you can paint your siding anytime you want to give your house a makeover, there are a few instances where you’ll want to avoid it. Paint can trap moisture, which leads to issues like rot. To avoid this:

• Don’t paint new stucco until it completely sets.

• Never paint wet siding.

• Do not paint on humid days.

Cost to Paint a Stucco House

For most homeowners, the cost to paint a stucco house is anywhere from $3,600 to $7,200 or $1.80 to $3.60 per square foot, though if you do the job yourself, you’ll only have to spring for the cost of paint, tools, and supplies. Painting stucco is almost twice as expensive as the average cost to paint a house exterior—but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from hiring a pro to save some cash.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Painting your home is a large undertaking requiring specialized equipment and experience. While many DIY-ers might be perfectly comfortable with the average painting job, stucco takes extra effort and time that professionals are ready to provide. For example, you’ll likely need to stay atop a ladder for an extended period, which poses not just a safety concern but requires patience, given the time it takes to ensure your stucco exterior's coverage is perfectly even all around the home. If you’re not fully confident in handling these aspects, hire an exterior painter near you to get the job done. 

Best Stucco Paint

You can use various paints on your home’s exterior. The best stucco paints are either acrylic latex paint or elastomeric paint. 

Acrylic Latex Paint

Acrylic latex paint is typically the go-to type of paint for stucco. It has a level of permeability that allows the naturally porous stucco to breathe. This helps prevent issues like wood rot underneath your siding. It’s also a more affordable option and relatively easy to apply.

Elastomeric Paint

Elastomeric paint, which is designed to protect masonry surfaces, is more durable and water-resistant than acrylic paint. Because it’s so thick, it can fill hairline cracks, so it’s a better choice for stucco that is starting to deteriorate.

Since elastomeric paint can trap moisture, it’s prone to blistering. It can also lead to issues with mold and mildew. Proceed with caution. If you use this type of paint, it’s best to hire a pro who can apply it properly.

Best Paint Colors and Finishes for Stucco

Most homeowners choose neutral colors and earth tones for stucco—like cream, beige, taupe, tan, white, gray, or pale pink. That said, you’re not limited. Take a look at the homes around your block, and choose a shade that fits your neighborhood. 

When it comes to finishes, flat-sheen finishes tend to be the most forgiving. They’ll hide imperfections in the texture of your stucco. Satin sheen finishes, which are another option, highlight the stucco’s texture. They’re less forgiving but make a bigger statement.

Tips and Tricks for Painting Stucco

Painting stucco is a similar process to painting other types of siding. You’ll just have to make considerations because of the texture. Here are some tips and tricks to help you paint your stucco siding like a pro.

Always Clean Before Painting

You’ll need to prep your home’s exterior before painting. This includes cleaning the siding to remove dust, grime, mold, and mildew. Paint won’t adhere well to a dirty house. Since stucco is porous, you’ll need to give it adequate time to dry. Wait at least 24 hours before you paint. 

Caulk the Cracks Before Painting

Before painting, use masonry caulk to fill in small cracks in your stucco. This is an essential part of maintenance that will prolong the lifespan of your siding.

Use an Exterior Paint Primer

A coat or two of paint primer will help paint adhere to stucco, lengthening the lifespan of your paint job and brightening your colors. An acrylic primer is a good option because it adheres well to uneven surfaces, but make sure whatever primer you choose works with your exterior paint.

Buy More Paint Than You Think You’ll Need

One gallon of paint typically covers 400 square feet, but expect it to cover 200 square feet of stucco. Because of its textured nature, stucco requires around twice as much paint. Don't forget to factor in multiple coats when calculating how much paint you need for your project.

Mariel Loveland contributed to this article.