How much does it cost to paint a stucco house?

Cost to paint a stucco house

Stucco painting costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot. The average cost to paint a stucco house is $2,400 to $8,100, depending on the exterior's size, accessibility, and condition. Fog coating a house costs $1.30 to $6.00 per square foot. Stucco color coating costs $1.50 to $8.00 per square foot.

*Approximate paintable surface area.

Stucco painting house exterior cost

The following table shows the average cost to paint a stucco house.

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Square foot prices for painting stucco

Painting stucco costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot, depending on the home's size, color, accessibility, and exterior condition. Changing to a drastically different color may increase labor and material costs due to the number of coats required.

Stucco painting and coating costs by type

Acrylic paint is the most breathable, affordable, and flexible paint, but is more permeable and has lower longevity than elastomeric. Fog and color coating are stucco mixtures that provide a longer-lasting finish than paint.

*1,700 square feet of paintable surface area.

In comparison, installing new stucco costs $7,400 to $14,200 on average.

Elastomeric stucco painting cost

Elastomeric paint costs $900 to $2,000 more than acrylic paint to cover a 2,000 SF house. Elastomeric paint is ideal for homes in wet, storm-prone climates or experiencing interior water damage. Elastomeric paint is ten times thicker than acrylic paint, providing a longer-lasting, flexible, and waterproof finish.

Fog coat stucco cost

Fog coating a house costs $1.30 to $6.00 per square foot or $2,200 to $10,200 on average. Fog coating refreshes the stucco's color and finish without reducing its breathability. A fog coat is a thin, cement-based, sprayed-on finish that sinks into and becomes part of the existing stucco.

Stucco color coat cost

Color coating stucco costs $1.50 to $8.00 per square foot or $2,600 to $13,600. Stucco color coating adds a thick, pigmented, cementitious layer over existing stucco and provides a longer-lasting finish than paint. However, a color coating's porous finish does not resist stains or add water resistance.

Return to top

Cost factors to repaint stucco house

Repainting a stucco house costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot on average, depending on the following cost factors:

• Home size and accessibility – Painting a multi-story home costs up to 50% more and requires extension ladders or scaffolding, increasing the cost.
• Surface age – Houses painted several years ago may be faded and difficult to color match, requiring complete house repainting instead of only touch-ups in small areas.
• Stucco paint – Elastomeric paint costs more than standard acrylic paint to cover the same square footage.
• Stucco texture – Textured walls require more paint than smooth finishes.
• Stucco repairs cost $8 to $50 per square foot, depending on the stucco type and the damage extent. After repairs, stucco requires 1 to 6 weeks to set before painting.
• Labor and repairs – Repairs may include removing loose stucco, patching holes, and caulking cracks.
  • Painting contractors charge $20 to $50 per hour.
  • Labor makes up 70% to 80% of the total cost to paint a house.
  • Stucco contractors charge $40 to $60 per hour.
• Prep work – Power washing a house costs $175 to $360 on average. Repainting an entire house requires thorough cleaning to ensure proper paint adherence.
• Door painting costs $100 to $175.
• Exterior trim painting costs $1 to $6 per linear foot.

Stucco paint prices

Exterior stucco paint costs $30 to $80 per gallon, depending on the type. A 2,000 square foot stucco home needs 10 to 20 gallons ($300 to $1,600) for two coats of acrylic paint or 40 to 60 gallons ($1,200 to $3,600) for two coats of elastomeric paint.

The coverage rate depends on the stucco's texture level. The rougher the texture, the more paint is needed.

• One gallon of acrylic paint covers 100 to 175 square feet with two coats.
• One gallon of elastomeric paint covers 30 to 50 square feet with two coats.
• Primer is required on bare stucco and recommended on pre-painted stucco for uniform coverage.

DIY stucco painting cost

DIY stucco painting costs $300 to $1,600 for acrylic paint and materials. Painting stucco is a labor-intensive and complicated DIY project. Project complexity depends on size, the number of cracks and repairs needed, and whether the stucco is painted or bare.

The new paint type also affects the skill required. Elastomeric paint typically requires professional application.

Return to top

Painting stucco pros and cons

Painting stucco may cover stains and add water resistance, but increases future stucco repair costs and risks bubbling and peeling.

Frequently asked questions

Can you paint over stucco?

Stucco can be painted over once it is cured and dry, which takes 1 to 6 weeks. Painting bare stucco requires a primer. Using a hot stucco primer allows fresh stucco to be painted before curing is complete, but its thickness reduces the stucco texture.

How often does a stucco house need to be painted?

Stucco exterior paint lasts 5 to 7 years on average. The paint's longevity depends on the climate, color, sun exposure, and paint quality. Darker shades in sun-exposed areas may require more frequent repainting.

What kind of paint do you use on stucco?

Water-based acrylic, masonry, and elastomeric paint are suitable for painting stucco.

• Acrylic paint is the most breathable and ideal for most stucco homes.
• Elastomeric paint repels moisture and benefits homes in areas of high humidity or frequent rain.
• Flat or low-gloss paint finishes work best on stucco to hide imperfections.

Do I need to prime stucco before painting?

Bare stucco requires a primer to create a barrier between the paint and the porous stucco surface. Priming previously painted stucco improves paint adhesion and prevents old and new paint pigments from mixing.

Return to top

Hiring an exterior stucco painter

Before hiring a stucco contractor near you, remember to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Look for licensed and insured painters or contractors with experience in stucco.
• Ask for references or a portfolio of past projects going back at least five years to see how their work holds up over time.
• Browse their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the installation starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What experience do you have painting stucco?
• Do you have a portfolio of your previous work?
• Which do you recommend – painting, fog coating, or color coating – and why?
• What type of paint do you recommend, and why?
• How long should the paint job last?
• Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
• How long will it take to complete the project?
• About how long does the paint take to dry?
• What is and is not included in the estimate?
• What additional costs should I expect?
• Do you need a permit to paint exterior stucco?

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted pros:

Get free estimates