Stucco is a popular finish for both interior and exterior surfaces, offering texture, durability, and a timeless aesthetic. However, stucco surfaces eventually require a refresh, and stucco painting is a great way to restore or reinvent their look. Whether you’re tackling exterior walls or interior stucco ceilings, stucco painting has its own set of challenges and rewards. This guide walks you through how to paint stucco, how to choose the best paint colors, the best types of paint for stucco, and how to tackle a stucco ceiling for a clean, professional result. If you need a painter for your home, we serve the entire Sacramento area, including Roseville and Folsom, with exterior painting, cabinet painting, and interior painting.
How to Paint Stucco
Stucco painting isn’t the same as painting smooth drywall or wood siding. The rough, porous surface requires the right preparation, tools, and techniques to ensure the paint adheres well and lasts for years.
Step 1: Inspect and Clean
Before painting your stucco, inspect it for cracks, stains, or mold. Use a wire brush to remove dirt or debris, and consider power washing exterior surfaces to ensure the surface is clean. For interior surfaces, a stiff brush and vacuuming should suffice. Let the stucco dry completely before moving onto the next step.
Step 2: Repair Cracks
Stucco often develops hairline cracks over time. Use a high-quality acrylic caulk or a stucco patching compound to fill these in. For deeper cracks or damaged areas, use a pre-mixed stucco repair product and follow manufacturer’s instructions. Allow repairs to dry fully before painting.
Step 3: Prime the Surface
Priming is essential for proper paint adhesion on stucco. Use a high-quality masonry or acrylic primer designed for porous surfaces. Roll or spray it on generously, ensuring it gets into all the crevices. For highly textured surfaces, a sprayer or thick-nap roller (¾” or more) works best. Let the primer cure for at least 24 hours.
Step 4: Choose the Right Paint
Select an exterior or interior acrylic latex paint, depending on where you’re working. Masonry paints or elastomeric paints are especially effective on stucco because they’re flexible and resist cracking.
Step 5: Paint the Stucco
Use a paint sprayer or thick-nap roller to apply two coats of paint. Work in sections, and use a brush to reach corners or detailed areas. Start from the top and work downward. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next. For exterior walls, make sure weather conditions are dry and mild during your painting project.
Best Paint Colors for Stucco
The best paint colors for stucco painting enhance the material’s texture while complementing the building’s architectural style. Here are some timeless and trendy options:
- Warm Neutrals
Colors like tan, beige, and warm gray highlight stucco’s rustic charm. These tones work well in Mediterranean, Spanish, or Southwestern-style homes.
- Soft Whites and Creams
White stucco is classic and elegant. Off-white or creamy shades soften the brightness while maintaining a clean, modern look.
- Earthy Tones
Sage green, terracotta, and muted ochres create an organic feel and blend beautifully with natural landscapes.Earthy tones are especially effective for exterior stucco in desert or forested settings.
- Bold Contrasts
Darker hues like charcoal, deep blue, or forest green make a statement on stucco surfaces, particularly when paired with contrasting trim.
- Pastels for Interiors
Inside the home, consider soft pastels like pastel blue, lavender, or dusty pink for a cozy and inviting look on interior stucco walls or ceilings.
When selecting colors, factor in your local climate, lighting conditions, and surrounding architecture. Lighter colors reflect heat better in hot climates, while darker hues can add warmth in cooler regions.
How to Paint a Stucco Ceiling
Painting a stucco ceiling, also known as a textured or popcorn ceiling, can be tricky due to irregular surfaces and gravity’s constant interference. Here’s how to handle it:
Step 1: Prepare the Room
Clear the room or cover furniture with plastic sheeting. Use drop cloths to protect the floor. Wear a dust mask, goggles, and a hat to avoid paint droplets falling on you. Tape off wall edges, fixtures, and vents.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
Use a vacuum or a soft brush to remove dust and cobwebs from the ceiling. Avoid water if the stucco isn’t sealed, as moisture can cause damage.
Step 3: Prime the Ceiling
Apply a stain-blocking ceiling primer with a thick-nap roller or sprayer.This will prevent stains from bleeding through and improve adhesion For best coverage, roll gently to avoid knocking off the texture.
Step 4: Paint the Ceiling
Use a flat ceiling paint, which minimizes glare and hides imperfections. Apply paint with a sprayer or a thick roller (at least ¼” nap). Roll slowly in one direction to minimize splatter. For stucco that has never been painted, two coats are usually necessary. Let the first coat dry thoroughly before applying the second.
Final Tips
- Test a Small Area First: Especially when using sprayers or bold colors, always test on a small patch of stucco to ensure compatibility and satisfaction with the texture and color.
- Use the Right Tools: Invest in heavy-duty rollers and brushes meant for textured surfaces. If using a sprayer, ensure it can handle thicker paints.
- Mind the Weather: For exterior stucco, avoid painting during extreme temperatures or rain. Ideal conditions are between 50 degrees F and 85 degrees F.
- Maintain Your Work: Clean painted stucco surfaces annually with a mild detergent and soft brush to extend the life of your paint job.
Best Types of Paint for Stucco
When painting stucco, it’s important to use paints that can handle the texture, allow the surface to breathe, and resist moisture. Here are some of the best types and brands of paint for stucco:
- Elastomeric Paint
- Pros: Extremely durable, flexible(great for filling hairline cracks), water-resistant.
- Cons: Can trap moisture if applied too thickly or to camp stucco.
- Best For: Older stucco or areas prone to cracking and moisture.
- 100% Acrylic Paint
- Pros: Breathable, flexible, resistant to fading and weather, good adhesion.
- Cons: Not as thick as elastomeric, but still excellent for most conditions.
- Best For: Historic or high-end stucco finishes.
Top Recommended Brands
- Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP
- Acrylic coating formulated specifically for stucco and masonry.
- Excellent moisture resistance and durability.
- Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec Masonry
- Acrylic formula, breathable, designed for concrete and stucco surfaces.
- PPG Permanizer
- 100% acrylic, excellent color retention, and weather protection.
- ROMABIO Mineral Paints
- Mineral-based paints ideal for masonry and stucco with excellent breathability.
The Stucco Painting Conclusion
Painting stucco may seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation, tools, and approach, it’s entirely manageable. Whether you’re going for a fresh coat of white or experimenting with bold modern hues, your stucco surface can be transformed into something stylish and long-lasting.
When it comes to high-quality stucco painting, LNL Construction is the name you can trust. With a reputation built on professionalism, attention to detail, and top-notch customer service, we deliver flawless finishes that enhance the beauty and value of your home or business. Our experienced team uses only premium materials and proven techniques in order to ensure long-lasting results that stand up to the elements. Whether you’re refreshing your exterior or transforming your interior space, choosing LNL Construction means choosing reliability, craftsmanship, and peace of mind. Don’t settle for less—call LNL Construction today and see the difference expertise makes!
