How Much To Paint A Stucco House

November 05, 2025

How Much To Paint A Stucco House? The Ultimate Cost Guide

If you own a stucco house, you already know its durability and unique charm. But when it starts to look faded, dingy, or just needs a color refresh, the big question looms: How much to paint a stucco house?

Trying to estimate this cost can feel like guesswork. Stucco is not like traditional siding; it requires specialized materials and detailed preparation, which often drives the price higher. Don't worry, we're here to break down the factors, explain the price ranges, and help you budget effectively for this essential home improvement project.

Whether you're planning to hire a professional crew or tackle the job yourself, understanding the variables is the first step to avoiding budget surprises. Let's dive into what makes stucco painting unique and what you can expect to pay.

Why Stucco Painting is Different (And Why It Costs More)

Stucco, which is essentially a cement-based plaster, is highly porous. This porosity is fantastic for breathability, but it presents challenges when painting. If you use the wrong type of paint or skip critical prep steps, you risk trapping moisture, leading to peeling, bubbling, or even structural damage.

Unlike vinyl or wood siding, stucco requires a paint that is breathable yet highly water-resistant. This necessity means specialized paints—like elastomeric or high-quality acrylic—must be used, which are significantly more expensive per gallon than standard exterior paint.

Furthermore, the heavy texture of stucco means it consumes more paint per square foot than smooth surfaces. You'll likely need about 25% to 50% more material just to achieve proper coverage and color depth.

Breaking Down the Costs: DIY vs. Hiring Professionals

When calculating how much to paint a stucco house, your biggest decision is whether to do it yourself or hire a qualified painting contractor. Both routes have major implications for your overall budget, time commitment, and quality of the finished product.

The DIY Route: Material Costs and Time Investment

Going the DIY route saves you substantially on labor, which often accounts for 70% of a professional quote. However, you are responsible for purchasing all materials, tools, and ensuring proper execution. This is a very physically demanding and time-consuming project.

Here are the core costs you'll incur for a typical 2,000 sq. ft. house:

Specialized Paint: Expect to pay $40 to $80 per gallon for high-quality masonry acrylic or elastomeric paint.
Primer/Sealer: A crucial first step for stucco. Budget $30 to $50 per gallon.
Patching Materials: Stucco patch mix, caulk, and sealant for cracks. ($50 - $150).
Tools and Equipment: This includes high-quality sprayers (or rental fees), scaffolding/ladders, brushes, rollers (long nap required for texture), and safety gear. ($300 - $800, depending on equipment needed).

For an average house, DIY material costs alone typically range from $1,500 to $3,500. Remember, this doesn't factor in your time, which could easily be 5 to 10 full days of demanding labor, especially if significant prep work is needed.

Professional Painting Services: What Influences the Quote?

Hiring professionals is the fastest way to get the job done right, often guaranteeing the results against peeling or premature failure. Professionals calculate their quotes primarily based on cost per square foot, adjusted by the complexity of the job.

Generally, professional exterior stucco painting ranges between $2.00 and $5.00 per square foot of painted surface. For a standard 2,000 sq. ft. home, this translates to an average total cost of $4,000 to $10,000.

This price usually includes all necessary materials, equipment, labor, thorough pressure washing, crack patching, and professional cleanup. Many companies also offer a warranty on their work, giving you peace of mind.

Key Factors That Influence the Final Price Tag

When obtaining estimates on how much to paint a stucco house, you'll quickly realize that no two quotes are exactly alike. Several factors unique to your home and region will heavily influence the final number.

Size and Condition of the Stucco Surface

The total square footage of the exterior walls is the baseline measurement. Taller homes (two or three stories) require more complex scaffolding and safety measures, increasing labor costs.

The condition of the existing stucco is equally critical. If your stucco is riddled with hairline cracks, spalling, or moisture damage, the prep work required increases dramatically. Extensive patching and sealing can add 15% to 30% to the labor portion of the bid.

Paint Type: Elastomeric vs. Acrylic

The choice of paint is paramount for stucco and significantly affects the budget. You typically have two primary options:

Standard Masonry/Exterior Acrylic: This is a breathable, high-quality option that works well on stucco in good condition. It's generally the less expensive choice.
Elastomeric Paint: This is the top-tier choice for stucco. It is much thicker, highly elastic, and can bridge hairline cracks without cracking itself. It provides superior waterproofing and durability, but it can cost 50% to 100% more per gallon than high-quality acrylic.

If your stucco is old or has experienced some minor cracking, the extra investment in elastomeric paint is highly recommended, as it acts as both the paint and a sealant, potentially saving you on future repairs.

Prep Work and Repairs

Proper preparation is arguably more important than the painting itself when dealing with stucco. The following tasks are non-negotiable and add to the cost:

Cleaning: Thorough pressure washing to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint.
Repairing Cracks: Filling all cracks with appropriate stucco sealant or patching compound. This prevents moisture intrusion.
Priming: Applying a masonry primer or conditioner ensures the porous stucco doesn't soak up all the paint and creates a stable surface for adhesion.

If your contractor tries to skip or rush the prep stage, consider that a major red flag—it will shorten the lifespan of the new paint job, costing you more in the long run.

Getting the Best Value for Your Stucco Painting Project

While painting a stucco house is an investment, there are ways to ensure you get the best value without cutting corners on quality.

First, always get at least three detailed quotes. Ensure each contractor clearly outlines the type of paint they plan to use (e.g., brand, product line), the number of coats, and the specific steps for stucco repair and priming.

Second, consider the season. Painters are typically busiest in spring and summer. Scheduling your project during the late fall or early winter (if weather permits in your area) might snag you a lower labor rate, though you must ensure temperatures are appropriate for paint curing.

Finally, focus on lifespan. Paying a little more upfront for elastomeric paint or a highly experienced stucco contractor means your paint job could last 15 to 20 years, whereas a cheap job might only last 5 to 7 years, making the long-term cost much higher.

Conclusion

So, how much to paint a stucco house? While the average professional cost for a full exterior paint job generally ranges from $4,000 to $10,000, your specific total depends heavily on the house size, condition, and the quality of paint chosen. If your stucco is flawless and you opt for high-quality acrylic, you'll be on the lower end. If extensive repair is needed or you choose premium elastomeric coatings, expect costs to climb higher.

Treat this project like the serious investment it is. Always prioritize thorough prep work and high-quality, breathable paint specific to masonry. By doing your homework, you ensure your newly painted stucco house will look beautiful and remain protected for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of paint is best for stucco?: The best paint for stucco is generally an elastomeric paint or a high-quality 100% acrylic masonry paint. Elastomeric paint is superior for bridging small cracks and providing maximum waterproofing, making it an excellent investment for older stucco.
How long does a stucco paint job typically last?: A professional paint job using high-quality materials and proper preparation should last between 10 to 20 years. The longevity depends heavily on the climate and the specific paint product used.
Can I pressure wash stucco before painting?: Yes, but with caution. You should pressure wash stucco on a low setting (no more than 1,500 psi) to remove dirt, efflorescence, and mildew. High pressure can damage the stucco surface and force water into the substrate, which is detrimental before painting.
Is painting stucco a good idea, or should I re-stucco?: Painting is a great, cost-effective option if the stucco is in relatively good condition. If the stucco has widespread major cracks, structural damage, or severe flaking, re-stuccoing or applying a skim coat (retexturing) might be necessary before painting to ensure a long-lasting finish.

How Much To Paint A Stucco House

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