Why stucco is different
Most Central Florida homes are concrete block covered in stucco. Stucco is porous and alkaline, it moves slightly with heat, and it holds moisture after rain. Paint on stucco has to:
- Bond to a rough, porous surface
- Resist alkali from the cement
- Flex with hairline cracks
- Let moisture escape instead of trapping it
- Fight UV fading and mildew
The main paint choices
- 100% acrylic exterior paintThe usual choice for repainting stucco in good condition. It breathes, holds color well in the sun and comes in every color. Sherwin-Williams lines such as SuperPaint, Duration and Emerald Exterior fall in this group.
- Elastomeric coatingA thick, rubbery coating that can bridge hairline cracks and shed driving rain. It's great on cracked or weather-beaten walls, but it's heavier and less breathable, so it must go on dry, sound stucco. Sherwin-Williams ConFlex XL is one example.
- Masonry primerNew stucco, patched areas and chalky old paint need a masonry primer made to resist alkali, such as Sherwin-Williams Loxon. Skip it and paint can fail early on fresh patches.
Derwin's go-to brand is Sherwin-Williams, and we'll use another brand if you prefer. The right product depends on your walls, so we pick it at the estimate, not from a brochure.
Which sheen?
- Flat or matte: hides stucco texture and patches best, and it's a common choice for walls
- Satin or low-sheen: a little easier to clean and sheds dirt better, with a slight glow
- Semi-gloss: for trim, doors and fascia, not stucco walls
Check your HOA or POA rules too. Some communities specify sheen as well as color.
Prep beats product
The best paint fails on a bad surface. A lasting stucco job needs:
- A pressure wash to remove dirt, chalk and mildew
- Crack and hole repair, with the texture matched
- Primer on patches and bare spots
- Dry walls: no painting right after a storm
- Caulk at windows, doors and trim joints
Stucco paint questions
Is elastomeric paint better for Florida stucco?
It depends on the wall. Elastomeric is excellent over hairline cracks and on walls that take driving rain. For stucco in good shape, a quality 100% acrylic is usually the better and more breathable choice.
How long does exterior paint last on stucco in Orlando?
It varies with sun exposure, color, product and prep. South- and west-facing walls fade first. Good prep and quality paint are what stretch the time between repaints.
Can you paint new stucco right away?
No. New stucco needs time to cure before paint. Follow the paint maker's guidance for curing time and use a masonry primer made for fresh masonry.
Want a pro to look at your walls?
We'll check the stucco, recommend the right product and give you a free written estimate. See exterior painting or request a quote.
Ready for a fresh coat?
Tell us about the job and we'll set up a free estimate.