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Neutral colors like white, tan, beige, and light brown are the most popular stucco colors. Natural stucco has a grayish color due to the high concentration of Portland cement in the material, but most homeowners have their contractors add pigments to create a more inviting appearance. Stucco is most popular in hotter climates, where it provides ample insulation to regulate interior temperatures and keep the solar heat out. Since lighter colors reflect more sunlight, lighter stucco is more prevalent.

Yes, you can apply stucco directly over brick, and the rough texture of the brick should be enough for the stucco to adhere to, even without a binding agent. Just be sure to clean the brick thoroughly before stuccoing, and allow 72 hours for the first coat of stucco to dry, even if it feels dry to the touch. The thicker portions that fill in the mortar joints will cure more slowly than the thinner portions over the brick faces.

Much like any new siding, stucco will increase home value and curb appeal. Stucco provides an average ROI of 70%. With the average cost to stucco a house sitting at $5,700, you can expect to see a value bump of close to $4,000. Opting for a high-end stucco texture can improve value even further.

Stucco is very challenging to DIY, so it’s always best to leave the work to professional stucco contractors. The same recommendation applies to painting a stucco house, which should be left in the reliable hands of a professional exterior painter. Inexperienced DIYers can make several critical mistakes during stucco application, such as:

• Failing to apply sufficiently thick layers for longevity and water resistance

• Uneven application

• Uneven texture across the exterior

• Mixing the stucco improperly, leaving a weak structure

• Failing to texture properly in between coats, leading to cracking and chipping