Treating Your Home As We Treat Our Own
Expert Guide for San Diego Homeowners
Best Paint for Stucco Homes in San Diego's Climate
Stucco is the dominant exterior finish for homes throughout San Diego County, from Lakeside to La Mesa. But not all paints perform equally on stucco, especially in our unique climate. This guide explains which products deliver the best results and why proper paint selection matters for your exterior painting project.
Why Stucco Needs Special Paint
Stucco is a porous, cement-based material that behaves differently than wood or other siding materials:
- Temperature Movement: Stucco expands and contracts with temperature changes. San Diego can swing 30-40°F between day and night, causing constant movement that can crack standard paint.
- Hairline Cracks: Even well-maintained stucco develops hairline cracks over time. These cracks allow water infiltration if not properly sealed.
- Alkalinity: Fresh stucco is highly alkaline, which can affect paint adhesion. Proper primers are essential, especially on newer or repaired stucco.
- UV Exposure: San Diego's intense sunshine degrades paint faster than in cloudy climates. UV-resistant formulas are crucial for color retention.
Recommended Stucco Paints
Elastomeric Coatings (Best Choice)
Elastomeric coatings are the gold standard for stucco in San Diego. They're 10x thicker than standard paint and can stretch up to 300% without cracking, bridging hairline cracks and preventing water infiltration.
- • Sherwin-Williams LOXON XP: Excellent crack-bridging and mildew resistance
- • Dunn-Edwards EVERSHIELD: Designed specifically for Southern California conditions
- • Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec Masonry: Premium flexibility and color retention
Premium Acrylic Latex (Good Choice)
High-quality acrylic latex paints are a step down from elastomeric but still perform well on stucco. They're more economical and work well on stucco in good condition with minimal cracking.
- • Sherwin-Williams Duration: Self-priming with excellent adhesion
- • Benjamin Moore Regal Select Exterior: Outstanding UV and mildew resistance
- • Dunn-Edwards SPARTASHIELD: Low-VOC with great durability
Proper Stucco Preparation
Even the best paint will fail without proper surface preparation. Our stucco preparation process includes:
Surface Cleaning
- • Power washing to remove dirt, debris, mildew
- • Allow 24-48 hours drying time
- • Remove any efflorescence (white salt deposits)
Crack Repair
- • Fill cracks larger than 1/16" with elastomeric caulk
- • Patch larger damage with stucco patch compound
- • Match existing texture on repairs
Priming
- • Apply masonry primer to bare stucco
- • Use alkali-resistant primer on new/repaired areas
- • Spot-prime any stains or discoloration
Application
- • Two coats minimum for proper coverage
- • Apply when temperature is 50-90°F
- • Avoid painting in direct sunlight or wind
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paint for stucco homes in San Diego?
For San Diego stucco homes, elastomeric coatings are ideal because they expand and contract with temperature changes while bridging hairline cracks. Premium options include Sherwin-Williams LOXON XP, Dunn-Edwards EVERSHIELD, and Benjamin Moore Ultra Spec Masonry. These provide superior UV protection and waterproofing.
What is elastomeric paint and why use it on stucco?
Elastomeric paint is a thick, flexible coating that stretches up to 300% without cracking. This elasticity allows it to bridge and seal hairline cracks in stucco, preventing water infiltration. It's especially valuable in San Diego where temperature swings cause stucco to expand and contract daily.
How often should you repaint stucco in San Diego?
Properly painted stucco with premium coatings typically lasts 7-12 years in San Diego's climate. Standard exterior paints may only last 5-7 years. Factors like sun exposure (south and west walls fade faster), color choice (darker colors fade more), and initial preparation all affect longevity.
Can you paint stucco with regular exterior paint?
While you can use regular exterior latex paint on stucco, it won't perform as well as elastomeric or masonry-specific paints. Regular paint is thinner, less flexible, and doesn't bridge cracks. For best results and longevity in San Diego's climate, invest in proper stucco coatings.
Get Your Free Stucco Painting Estimate
Ready to protect and beautify your stucco home? Contact Franklin Custom Finish for expert advice and a free estimate.