How To Paint Stucco

Wondering if you can paint your home’s stucco exterior? Read our guide to learn about stucco selection, painting tips, and long-term maintenance.

Stucco is a popular exterior wall surface that looks like textured cement. Stucco siding installation is a significant investment, and keeping it in the best shape possible may include occasional repainting. It’s a common misconception that painting stucco will trap moisture or compromise the material’s integrity. Using the right paint on stucco can improve its environmental resistance. Painting stucco can improve your home’s appearance by filling in cracks and covering stains. It’s also a great way to make a change by choosing a new color.

However, stucco’s highly textured, porous surface requires careful prepping and painting to achieve optimal results. If you have the right tools and knowledge, painting stucco can be a reasonable do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement project. Read on to learn about how to prep your stucco, the steps you’ll need to take to paint it, and some maintenance tips to keep your home’s exterior looking great.

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Prepping Stucco for Paint

There are two types of stucco: standard and synthetic (also known as exterior insulation and finish systems, or EIFS). You’ll need to prepare both stucco types in a specific way for seamless painting and proper adhesion. Prep work, which includes cleaning and repairing your stucco, will remove imperfections and allow the paint to adhere properly. 

Cleaning Stucco

Stucco’s rough and textured surface attracts dirt and debris. Pressure washing is the best way to get your stucco completely clean. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can rent one. 

Take these steps to clean away dirt, mildew, and other debris on your stucco exterior: 

• Inspect your home’s exterior for damage, such as cracks, gaps, and openings. Water can get into these areas, allowing mold and mildew to grow. If you find any cracks or damage, it’s essential to repair them before cleaning. 
• Seal any cracks and repair damage as necessary. Read our step-by-step guide below for detailed instructions on making these repairs. Per the manufacturer’s instructions, allow all repairs to dry thoroughly before proceeding with the cleaning process. 
• Use a pressure washer to clear loose dirt, dust, and debris. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the pressure level below 1,500 PSI to avoid damaging your stucco’s porous surface. When washing, keep the nozzle at least 24 inches from the surface of your home and keep the water stream at a 45-degree angle. 
• Apply a cleaning solution. You can use dish soap and water to clean dirt and stains. However, if mildew is present, you must use a household or stucco cleaner designed to kill mold and mildew. Ensure the cleaner is compatible with pressure washers, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing. Apply the cleaning solution at a downward angle and allow it to sit for a few minutes. 
• Use a soft scrub brush to remove stubborn stains. Gently scrub away stains using a soft-bristled brush.
• Rinse. Use the pressure washer to rinse the entire surface with clean water. Ensure you remove all cleaning solutions and any debris you’ve dislodged during the cleaning process.

Repairing Damaged Stucco

You shouldn’t just paint over cracks and damage on your stucco walls. Such damage allows moisture to enter your home’s exterior surface, which can worsen over time. Repairing the damage will also give you an unblemished painting surface, extending your paint job’s longevity.   

Take these steps to repair stucco damage or holes:

• Break off loose stucco. Use a hammer or chisel to dislodge loose and broken pieces of stucco. 
• Cover exposed lath. Trim pieces of Grade D builder’s paper to fit tightly into any spaces where wood lath is exposed. Fasten the paper in place with roofing nails and top with a second piece of paper. 
• Place mesh. Place a piece of mesh over the paper and trim it according to the edge of the remaining stucco. Fasten the mesh in place with roofing nails. 
• Mix the stucco. Following your chosen recipe, stir your stucco ingredients in a wheelbarrow. 
• Apply stucco. Scoop the wet stucco with a trowel and toss it against the wire lath. Once you’ve covered the wire, smooth the mix with a finishing trowel. 
• Scratch the surface. When the patch loses its wet sheen, scratch the surface in several places with the tip of your trowel. Tape plastic over the patch to keep it from drying completely. 
• Apply a second coat after seven days. Wait seven days, then mix the stucco for your second coat. Apply the second coat in a three-eighth-inch layer, working from the bottom up. Use your trowel to smooth the patch almost level with the existing stucco. Cover again with a plastic sheet.  
• Apply the finish coat after three days. After three days, remove the plastic and mist the patch with water. Then, mix up the stucco following a finish coat recipe. Apply the finish coat in small globs with a trowel to match the stucco texture. 
• Let it cure for a week. Let the patch cure for a week before washing and painting.

Take these steps to repair cracks:

• Check the crack size. If you can fit a credit card into the crack, you should open it up and repair it. You should repair very large cracks the same way as outlined above for damage or holes.
• Use a 5-in-1 painter’s tool to widen cracks. To remove paint and debris, widen cracks that are less than a quarter inch wide.
• Mix stucco patch. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix stucco patch or caulk material. Mix only enough to use quickly as the mixture dries out quickly.
• Fill cracks. Using a rubber float, press the patching material in a quarter-inch-thick layer. After allowing the layer to set, inspect the area and apply layers in the same fashion until it is flush with the existing surface.

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Painting Process

Choosing the right paint and following a careful step-by-step process will help you achieve a paint finish that will improve your stucco’s appearance and last many years. 

Choosing the Right Paint

The paint you choose for your stucco exterior needs to be durable, flexible, and breathable. You can choose acrylic, elastomeric, and masonry exterior paint depending on your needs and climate. A flat sheen helps mask any imperfections. 

• Acrylic: Exterior acrylic paint is quick to dry, available in many colors, and easy to work with. It’s also the most inexpensive option. However, it’s not recommended for wet climates because it isn’t waterproof. 
• Elastomeric: With flexible properties and a composition that dries like rubber, elastomeric paint is great for waterproofing and can last up to seven years longer than acrylic with proper application. However, it takes up to 72 hours to completely cure. While it’s the most expensive option, it can save you money. This might also be a good choice for older homes because it can fill hairline cracks. 
• Masonry: Designed to adhere to surfaces like concrete, brick, and cement, masonry paint combines the best qualities of acrylic and elastomeric paint. However, there is a limited color selection, and it doesn’t have the same coverage abilities as acrylic, requiring more paint to complete the job.

Applying the Paint

Achieving full coverage on stucco can be tricky because of its textured surface. Spraying on the paint and back rolling (rolling over wet paint) with a paint roller can help you avoid partial coverage or pinholes. These painting tips can help you get the best results: 

• Allow paint to dry and add a second coat: Follow the manufacturer’s directions for allowing your first coat of paint to dry. Then, apply a second coat following the same procedure. 
• Apply primer: Pour primer into a paint tray and use a roller to apply primer over all repaired areas. Avoid making the primer coat heavy enough to cause drips. Allow the primer to dry as directed by the manufacturer before painting. 
• Back roll for an even finish: While the paint is still wet, use a paint roller to back roll the paint for improved penetration. Back rolling forces paint into areas you might have missed with an airless sprayer. 
• Protect windows and doors: Use painter’s tape and large sheets of plastic or paper to cover windows and doors.
• Spray on paint: Using a paint sprayer, apply your chosen paint. Spray one section at a time, using several random directions to cover all the bumps and ridges. 

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Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance can help you extend the lifespan of your paint job and keep your stucco siding in optimal shape. Follow these tips to keep your stucco looking great: 

• Consult a professional when repairs or painting requirements are outside of your abilities.
• Inspect stucco twice a year for cracks, damage, or peeling paint. 
• Repaint when the paint begins peeling or fading. 
• Wash stucco surfaces twice to three times each year as needed to remove dirt and stains. 

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Our Conclusion

Stucco is a popular material for home exteriors. Painting stucco allows you to refresh your home’s exterior and better protect it from the elements. Stucco’s rough surface makes it tricky to paint, so careful preparation and extra steps, such as back rolling, are necessary. If you’re unsure of your ability to paint your home’s stucco exterior, hire a professional painting contractor to complete the job.

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FAQ About Painting Stucco

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