Painting stucco can refresh the look of your home’s exterior and protect the stucco from water damage. Properly preparing the surface and using high-quality paints designed for stucco application are key to achieving long-lasting results. Follow these steps for successfully painting stucco.

Choose the Right Paint

When selecting paint for stucco, consider:

Acrylic latex paint – Offers excellent adhesion and durability for stucco surfaces. Look for paints formulated specifically for masonry.
Elastomeric paint – Contains elastic properties to bridge minor cracks and expand and contract with temperature changes. Ideal for aging stucco.
Primer – Specialty primers allow topcoat paint to better adhere to stucco. Select an alkali-resistant primer.
Sheen – Flat or satin finishes help disguise stucco imperfections. Semi-gloss adds some shine and makes for easier cleaning.

Consider quality over cost when choosing paints. Higher quality paints have more durable binders and pigments, allowing for longer-lasting paint jobs.

Prep the Stucco Surface

Proper surface prep is crucial for paint adhesion and durability:

Clean – Use a pressure washer to remove loose paint, dirt, mildew and other contaminants. Allow to fully dry.
Scrape – Use a putty knife to scrape off any loose stucco or paint. Feather edges smooth.
Sand – Lightly sand glossy surfaces to dull the finish and allow for better paint adhesion.
Spot Prime – Prime any bare stucco spots with a masonry primer using a brush.
Caulk – Fill cracks and gaps with a paintable, siliconized acrylic caulk. Smooth with a wet finger.

Take time to properly prep stucco before painting for best results.

Painting Tips

Follow these tips when applying paint:

Paint in dry weather when temperatures are between 50-90°F.
Use high-quality brushes and rollers designed for stucco.
Apply primer first if painting bare stucco or making a drastic color change.
Paint from the top down and follow the shade to avoid lap marks.
Apply two finish coats for full coverage and durability.
Allow proper drying time between coats according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Work in manageable sections, maintaining a wet edge to prevent lap marks.

Be patient when painting stucco. Rushing the job can lead to problems with coverage and appearance.

Use Proper Painting Equipment

Having the right tools makes painting stucco faster and easier:

Brushes – Use high-quality nylon/polyester brushes in various sizes. Trim brushes work well for cutting in edges.
Rollers – Choose rollers with texture to match the stucco. 1/2″ nap is ideal for smooth stucco.
Sprayers – Airless sprayers allow for quick coverage but require backrolling to work paint into the texture.
Ladders/Scaffolding – Use ladders and scaffolding as needed to comfortably reach all surfaces.
Paint Trays – Metal or plastic trays with reservoirs prevent spills when loading rollers.
Drop Cloths – Canvas cloths protect plants and surfaces from paint drips and splatter.

Investing in quality tools makes painting easier, faster and cleaner. Take time to gather all needed supplies before starting.

Safety Tips

Practice safety when painting stucco:

Wear eye protection and gloves to avoid injury.
Use ladders safely by having spotters and stabilizing the base.
Check for overhead electrical lines before using long ladders or scaffolds.
Wear old clothes and shoes to avoid ruining good clothing with paint splatters.
Follow all label instructions for safe paint handling, use and disposal.
Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Work in ventilated areas and take frequent breaks when spraying or using oil-based paints.

Staying safe should be the top priority when taking on do-it-yourself painting projects.

Common Problems and Solutions

Issues sometimes arise when painting stucco. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Problem: Paint not adhering properly.

Solution: Ensure surface is clean and properly primed before painting.

Problem: Lap marks appear between paint coats.

Solution: Maintain a wet edge when painting and follow shade patterns.

Problem: Paint peeling or bubbling.

Solution: Let paint fully cure for 30 days before washing. Check for moisture issues.

Problem: Stucco cracking under paint.

Solution: Use elastomeric paint to bridge minor cracks. Repair major cracks before repainting.

Problem: Efflorescence appears as white powdery deposits under paint.

Solution: Remove efflorescence before priming and painting. Adjust landscape to prevent moisture issues.

With the right prep and application methods, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting paint results on stucco.

Maintaining Painted Stucco

Regular maintenance preserves the freshly painted surface:

Allow paint to fully cure for at least 30 days before washing
Gently spot clean soiled areas with mild soap and water
Reapply new paint coats as needed to refreshed faded or worn areas
Watch for new cracks or damage that require touch up painting
Clean gutters and direct drainage away from stucco to prevent moisture damage

With proper care and maintenance, painted stucco can look freshly applied for many years.

When to Hire a Professional

While do-it-yourself painting can save money, some situations call for hiring an experienced professional:

Multi-story homes requiring tall ladders or scaffolding
Homes with decaying stucco needing extensive repairs
Removal of multiple layers of old paint
Matching specialty texture finishes like knockdown
Painting over troublesome surfaces like heavy efflorescence
Waterproofing exterior walls before repainting
Applying intricate paint techniques like faux finishes

Consider your skill level and the specifics of the job when deciding between DIY vs professional.

How to Choose Paint Colors for Stucco Homes

Choosing exterior paint colors can be exciting yet intimidating. Follow these tips for selecting paint colors for stucco homes that enhance your home’s architecture and style.

Consider the Architecture

A home’s architectural style provides a great starting point for choosing colors:

Spanish style – Use terracotta, salmon or other warm earth tones that accent the red tile roofs
Contemporary – Opt for grays, fresh whites or neutral shades to complement modern clean lines
Victorian – Play up the ornamentation with deeper, richer colors like burgundy, deep green or navy
Ranch – Liven up the simple styling with brighter, cheerful hues like yellow, sky blue or sage green

Choose a color palette that flatters your home’s unique architectural aesthetics.

Select a Main Color

The main field color sets the tone for your home’s whole look:

Light colors – Open up smaller homes and reflect heat in hot climates
Dark colors – Visually minimize large or tall structures and define architectural details
Neutrals – Provide a classic, elegant backdrop for bolder trim colors
Saturated hues – Make a vibrant color statement when used judiciously
White or cream – Give homes a clean, fresh appearance against colorful landscaping

Pick a main color that complements your home’s size, style and surroundings.

Add Contrast with Trim

Strategically paint the trim and accents a contrasting color to add visual interest:

Use a darker color on the trim when the main color is light
Choose a lighter trim color for darker main color schemes
Black or dark gray trim adds a contemporary flair
Brightly colored trim makes a bold statement on neutral structures
Stick with three colors or less for a cohesive look

Creative trim, door and accent colors make exterior paint schemes stand out.

See Paint Swatches On Site

View paint colors samples right on the home before finalizing your picks:

Paint large swatches directly on the stucco
Move color boards around the yard to judge in different light
Observe colors at various times of day as light shifts
Evaluate against the color of the roof, landscape and hardscape

Seeing paint colors on the actual surface helps ensure you’ll be happy with the final look.

Consult Local Professionals

Talk to experts at paint stores and local painting companies:

Ask about current color trends and best practices for your region’s climate
Get recommendations on paint brands and finishes that work well on stucco
Have pros evaluate your home’s architecture and select colors tailored to its style
Hire a color consultant for help creating color schemes

Tapping into professional expertise takes the guesswork out of choosing exterior paint colors.

With some thoughtful planning, you can develop the perfect color scheme to give your stucco home exterior a beautiful new look that stays looking freshly painted for years to come.

Tips for Painting Different Areas of a Stucco House

When tackling a full exterior paint job, develop a strategic approach to painting the different areas of a stucco home for efficient, cohesive results.

Plan the Painting Order

Map out an optimal order for painting stucco house components:

Start with the upper surfaces, painting from top to bottom
Paint siding before trim to avoid splash onto finished trim
Leave gutters for last to avoid getting paint on newly painted siding
Group similar areas like windows and doors to maximize efficiency

Planning the sequence before starting helps the project go smoothly.

Prepare Surfaces

Do thorough prep work on each area before painting:

Use detail brushes to thoroughly clean crevices
Scuff sand glossy entry doors and metal fixtures
Caulk windows, flashing, fixtures and trim seams
Scrape loose paint and stucco from walls

Proper prep prevents problems like peeling or poor adhesion once painted.

Paint Siding Strategically

Use these tips when painting stucco walls:

Use extension poles to reach high areas without climbing
Apply two finish coats for full, even coverage on bare stucco
Maintain wet edge and follow shade pattern to prevent lap marks
Cut in edges first with trim and ceiling before rolling larger areas
Watch forecasts and avoid painting in direct sun or if rain is expected

Patience and proper technique ensures flawless results on stucco siding.

Finesse Trim and Accent Areas

Painting trim and accents takes extra care:

Use angled trim brushes for clean lines in corners and along edges
Tape off adjacent surfaces carefully to prevent bleeding
Apply primer and multiple thin topcoats for smooth finish on intricate railings
Use small foam rollers and brushes for hard to reach spaces

Steady hands and the right brush types allows perfectly painted trim.

Don’t Forget Hidden Spots

It’s easy to overlook less visible areas:

Remove cover plates on exterior electrical outlets and paint behind them
Paint the sides and tops of window trims often hidden by screens
Coat the backsides of railings, posts and balusters
Paint inner doorjambs and the inside lip of window sills

Painting hidden spots protects the entire exterior from the elements.

Thoroughly planning the painting order, properly prepping each surface and paying special attention to detail work helps ensure every part of a stucco house is protected with a uniform, professional-looking finish.

How to Estimate Paint Quantities for Exterior Stucco

Figuring out how much paint you need for painting a stucco exterior prevents having to make multiple trips to the store for more materials.

Calculate Total Square Footage

Measure the perimeter of each wall surface. Multiply length x height for area.
Add up the total square footage of all exterior walls.
For gables and uneven surfaces, break up into smaller areas to measure.

Accurately calculating the home’s square footage is key.

Factor in Texture

Stucco’s bumpy texture requires more paint than flat siding.
Very smooth finishes may only need 1-2 gallons per 300 square feet.
Typical rough stucco needs around 3-5 gallons per 300 square feet.

Bulk up paint estimates 25-50% more for textured stucco.

Account for Multiple Coats

Bare stucco requires a coat of primer and two finish coats.
Previously painted surfaces may only need one refreshing top coat.
Multiply the square footage amount by number of coats needed.

Don’t forget to factor in additional gallons for multiple coats.

Add Extra for Edges, Trim and Accents

Outline windows, doors, railings and trim to account for 15-20% more paint.
Factor in extra for painting fascia boards, vent covers, electrical outlets etc.
Stucco homes with lots of architectural details need more paint.

All the trim, edges and accessories around the home adds up.

Purchase Extra Paint

Buy around 10% more than calculated to allow for spillage or touchups.
Save leftover paint for future crack repairs and quick refresh coats.

Plan for a little extra to avoid coming up short mid-job.

Doing the measurements and math ahead gives a realistic estimate of exactly how many gallons of primer and paint are required to complete the exterior stucco painting job.

How to Repair Peeling Paint on Stucco

Over time, painted stucco often develops signs of aging like peeling paint and exposed unpainted areas. With some repair work, you can refresh the look and protect the integrity of the stucco.

Scrape Away Loose Paint

Use a paint scraper to remove sections of paint that have blistered or bubbled:

Hold scraper at 45° angle to avoid digging into stucco
Feather edges of peeling sections to smooth rough spots

Scrape off all loose, flaking paint for the new paint to properly adhere.

Spot Prime Exposed Stucco

Where scraping has revealed bare stucco, spot prime before painting:

Look for signs of surface erosion that may require stucco patching
Use a masonry primer ideal for new, unpainted stucco

Priming evens out porosity between existing paint and exposed stucco.

Identify and Correct Moisture Issues

Determine if moisture is causing the paint failure:

Inspect for leaks from gutters, flashing or damaged caulking
Note areas of efflorescence or algae growth signaling excess moisture
Improve drainage and seal leaks before repainting

Fixing moisture problems prevents continued peeling issues.

Patch Cracks

Fill in any cracks and holes with paintable caulking:

Widen cracks into a “V” shape so patch adheres better
Smooth caulk with a wet finger before drying

Caulking provides flexible filling to prevent cracks from resurfacing through the new paint.

Apply New Paint

Once properly prepped, apply fresh paint:

Use high quality primer and paint designed specifically for stucco
Let paint fully cure for at least 30 days before cleaning

New paint protects the repaired areas and brings back a uniform appearance.

With some preparatory work, peeling painted stucco can be restored to look newly painted once again.

Common Questions about Painting Stucco

Painting stucco exteriors brings up many questions for homeowners. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Does Stucco Need to Be Sealed Before Painting?

Sealing bare stucco before painting is no longer recommended. New paint formulations allow paint to adequately seal and adhere to stucco. Focus on cleaning and priming thoroughly before painting.

How Long Does Paint Need to Cure on Stucco?

Allow at least 30 days for paint to fully cure before washing or scrubbing the newly painted surface. This helps prevent the paint from peeling or bubbling.

Should Stucco Be Painted in Sections?

Working in smaller sections is advisable to prevent lap marks and maintain a wet edge between paint coats. Sections of about 50 square feet work well.

Can Stucco Be Painted in Cold Temperatures?

Avoid painting stucco when temperatures dip below 50°F. Paint applied in cold conditions can develop problems like poor adhesion or slow drying.

How Frequently Should Stucco Be Repainted?

On average, painted stucco exteriors need touch up or full repainting every 8-10 years. Harsher climates or inferior paint may require repainting more frequently.

What Kind of Primer Is Best for Stucco?

Look for primers specifically made for masonry like stucco, concrete and brick. Alkali-resistant acrylic or latex primers provide excellent adhesion.

Should Painter’s Tape Be Used When Painting Stucco?

Painter’s tape helps create clean edges and protects areas you don’t want painted. Use high quality tapes rated for exterior use. Remove tape immediately after painting before the paint fully dries.

How Soon Can Newly Painted Stucco Get Wet?

Avoid exposing freshly painted stucco to rain or sprinklers for at least 48-72 hours. Letting paint fully cure and cross-link for 30 days is best.

How to Paint Stucco