Stucco is a popular exterior finish for homes in Florida, thanks to its durability, texture, and aesthetic appeal. However, given Florida’s unique climate with high humidity, heavy rainfall, and intense sun exposure it’s essential to use the right paint to ensure that your stucco exterior remains in good condition. The wrong paint could lead to fading, peeling, or cracking, which will detract from your home’s appearance and protection.
We’ll discuss the best types of paint for exterior stucco in Florida, what to look for when choosing a paint, and tips for applying it to achieve a long-lasting, attractive finish.
What to Consider When Choosing Paint for Stucco in Florida
Before selecting paint for your stucco exterior, you must understand the challenges posed by Florida’s climate. These are the key factors to consider when choosing the best paint:
1. Weather Resistance
Florida’s climate is known for its high humidity, heavy rain, and intense sun exposure. The best paint for stucco should offer excellent protection against moisture to prevent mold and mildew growth. It should also resist fading from UV rays.
2. Breathability
Stucco is a porous material that needs to breathe to allow moisture to escape. Paint with high breathability will allow water vapor to evaporate, preventing issues like bubbling, peeling, or cracking. Look for paints specifically formulated for stucco or masonry surfaces.
3. Durability and Longevity
Given the constant exposure to Florida’s harsh weather conditions, the paint should be durable and long-lasting. You need a high-quality paint that can resist wear and tear while maintaining a fresh appearance for many years.
4. Mold and Mildew Resistance
Florida’s humidity levels are notorious for encouraging mold and mildew growth. Choose paint with mold-resistant properties to prevent these issues from affecting your stucco surface.
5. Color Retention
The sun in Florida can cause colors to fade quickly, so it’s essential to choose a paint that holds its color over time. A UV-resistant paint can help preserve the integrity of your stucco’s appearance.
Types of Paint for Exterior Stucco
There are two main types of paint that are commonly used for stucco: acrylic latex paint and elastomeric paint. Both have unique properties that make them suitable for Florida’s climate. Let’s take a closer look at each option.
1. Acrylic Latex Paint
Acrylic latex paint is one of the most common types of paint used for stucco. It’s water-based, easy to apply, and provides a smooth, flexible finish. This type of paint is ideal for Florida’s humid climate because it offers excellent resistance to moisture, cracking, and fading from UV rays.
- Pros:
- Easy to clean up (soap and water)
- Excellent resistance to cracking and fading
- Allows stucco to breathe (important for moisture control)
- Quick-drying
- Flexible, preventing the paint from cracking due to temperature fluctuations
- Best For: Acrylic latex paints are perfect for homes in Florida that need a breathable paint that offers long-term protection against humidity, moisture, and UV exposure.
2. Elastomeric Paint
Elastomeric paint is a thick, rubber-like coating that provides superior protection for stucco surfaces. It’s more durable and thicker than regular acrylic latex paint, making it an excellent choice for stucco that’s prone to cracking or if you’re dealing with areas with heavy moisture or saltwater exposure. Elastomeric paint creates a water-resistant barrier, helping to seal the surface and protect it from the elements.
- Pros:
- Excellent water resistance and weatherproofing
- Durable and long-lasting
- Fills in small cracks in stucco, preventing further damage
- High UV protection, preventing fading
- Flexible and stretchy, allowing it to expand and contract with temperature changes
- Best For: Elastomeric paint is ideal for homes in Florida that experience extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, frequent storms, or coastal areas with saltwater exposure. It’s also great for older stucco surfaces with existing cracks.
Top Paint Brands for Stucco in Florida
Several brands specialize in producing top-quality paint for stucco surfaces, each offering unique features suited to Florida’s tough conditions. Here are some of the best paints for exterior stucco in Florida:
1. Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior Paint
- Type: Acrylic Latex Paint
- Finish: Satin, Semi-Gloss, or Flat
- Why It’s Great: Behr Premium Plus Ultra is a high-quality acrylic latex paint that’s perfect for stucco surfaces. It’s formulated to resist fading, cracking, and peeling in harsh weather conditions. Behr’s paint also has built-in mildew resistance, which is essential for Florida’s humid environment. This paint is self-priming, which helps save time and provides an excellent finish.
2. Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior Acrylic Paint
- Type: Acrylic Latex Paint
- Finish: Satin or Gloss
- Why It’s Great: Sherwin-Williams is a trusted name in the paint industry, and its Duration line is one of the best for exterior stucco surfaces. It’s specially formulated to resist fading, peeling, and cracking, making it an excellent option for Florida homes. Duration paint also offers superior mildew resistance and provides a long-lasting finish that stands up to extreme weather conditions.
3. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior Paint
- Type: Acrylic Latex Paint
- Finish: Satin or Semi-Gloss
- Why It’s Great: Benjamin Moore’s Aura Exterior Paint is a premium product known for its exceptional durability and color retention. It offers outstanding resistance to fading, cracking, and peeling. This paint also resists mold and mildew growth, which is a common issue in Florida’s humid climate. Aura paint provides a smooth, professional-quality finish and is ideal for high-exposure areas like stucco exteriors.
4. Olympic MAXIMUM Exterior Paint
- Type: Acrylic Latex Paint
- Finish: Satin or Gloss
- Why It’s Great: Olympic MAXIMUM is designed to perform well in the most extreme weather conditions, including the humid, rainy conditions found in Florida. This paint offers superior moisture resistance, excellent mildew protection, and exceptional durability. It also features UV protection to keep colors vibrant for longer, even under direct sunlight.
5. DuraPrime Elastomeric Coating
- Type: Elastomeric Paint
- Finish: Matte or Satin
- Why It’s Great: DuraPrime Elastomeric Coating is designed for stucco surfaces in harsh environments. This elastomeric paint is perfect for homes that face high moisture levels, as it creates a seamless barrier against water and humidity. It’s highly flexible and expands and contracts with temperature changes, preventing cracks and maintaining the integrity of the stucco. Additionally, it offers excellent mildew resistance and UV protection.
Tips for Applying Paint to Stucco in Florida
To achieve the best results when painting your stucco exterior in Florida, follow these tips:
1. Prep the Surface
Proper surface preparation is key to a long-lasting paint job. Clean the stucco thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and mold. Power washing is often necessary, but be careful not to damage the surface. If there are any cracks in the stucco, fill them with a stucco patching compound before painting.
2. Prime the Stucco (if necessary)
While some paints are self-priming, it’s always a good idea to apply a high-quality primer to ensure better adhesion, especially if the stucco is porous or has never been painted. A primer also helps improve the durability of the paint and provides a smoother surface.
3. Choose the Right Weather
The best time to paint your stucco exterior in Florida is during mild weather. Avoid painting in extreme heat or humidity, as this can affect the drying and curing process. Aim for a dry day with temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10°C and 29°C) for optimal results.
4. Use a Quality Brush, Roller, or Sprayer
A high-quality brush, roller, or sprayer will help ensure an even application. Rollers are ideal for larger, flat areas, while brushes are great for detail work. If you’re painting large sections of the stucco, a sprayer may be the fastest and most efficient method.
5. Apply Multiple Coats
For the best finish, apply two coats of paint. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second. This ensures better coverage and a more durable, long-lasting finish.
6. Allow Sufficient Drying Time
Make sure to allow sufficient drying time between coats and after the final coat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times, as this can vary based on the type of paint and weather conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the best paint for exterior stucco in Florida requires careful consideration of the climate and the challenges posed by high humidity, heavy rain, and intense sunlight. Acrylic latex paints like Behr Premium Plus Ultra and Sherwin-Williams Duration offer excellent durability and moisture resistance, while elastomeric paints like DuraPrime Elastomeric Coating provide superior protection against moisture and cracking.
By selecting a high-quality paint and following proper surface preparation and application techniques, you can keep your stucco exterior looking fresh and protected for many years, no matter what the Florida weather throws your way.
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