What is the best stucco color for my home?

Time to repaint your home’s exterior? If you own a home with a stucco exterior, you have a lot of potential color options to choose from. While most stucco homes are painted in natural earthy tones, there’s a lot of room for variation within those off-whites, beiges, and browns. Finding the best stucco color for your home can be more tricky that you first imagined.

Here’s the other thing: your color option impacts more than just the appearance of your home. As we’ll explain in this blog post, some stucco paint colors are more prone to premature fading than others—something that should factor in your final decision. You may also need to consider your HOA and the color options you are allowed to choose from. See our post about paint samples, renderings and HOA rules.

Does stucco color fade?

Yes. Like all interior and exterior paint, stucco paint fades over time. Once-vibrant hues slowly dull as the years go by, leading your home looking somewhat bleached, faded, and old. Stucco homes aren’t necessarily more prone to fade than other types of homes, but—given that stucco is most prevalent in the sun-drenched U.S. Southwest—there tends to be a correlation between stucco paint and faster fading.

In the video below, Mike Ricker walks you through the factors that influence paint fade:

Can my contractor control fading?

Yes and no. To answer this question, it’s important to understand what fade is and why it happens. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is a form of radiation that breaks down just about everything with prolonged exposure. When paint is exposed to direct sunlight, its pigments eventually break down, causing the paint to lose its once-vibrant color over time. With enough time, all paint fades: it’s just a matter of how long it takes to do so.

Here’s what your contractor can control: the quality of paint they’re using. Certain paints are more fade-resistant than others. Generally speaking, exterior paint is built to resist UV fading more than interior paint—if your contractor is using interior paint for your exterior project, you’re in trouble! Watered-down or low-grade exterior paint could accelerate fading, since there’s less overall pigment to lose to UV damage.

However, there is one decision that is out of your contractor’s control: color. Certain exterior paint colors fade faster than others. Brighter, primary colors—reds, blues, and yellows—fade faster. So do colors with a low Light Reflective Value, or “LRV.” Let’s review what this is and why it matters.

What is the best color for stucco?

Colors with a high light reflective value (LRV) are often the best colors for stucco exteriors, since they reflect more UV radiation away from the paint surface, preserving the pigment longer. This includes lighter shades of brown, grey, sandstone, off-white, and, of course, white. Colors with a lower LRV—darker colors—absorb more sunlight, causing faster pigment deterioration.

All exterior paints come with a predefined LRV. Again, the higher the LRV, the slower the paint will fade over time. If you’re comparing two paints—one with an LRV of 10 and the other with an LRV of 75—you’ll want to choose the latter, just based on its fade resistance.

If you want to maximize your paint’s fade resistance—and, therefore, its longevity—you should do the following:

— Work with your exterior painter to select a high-LRV paint that is compatible with your neighborhood or HOA style guidelines.
— Buy a specially formulated, UV-resistant exterior paint—again, never use interior paint for the exterior of your home!
— Talk to your painter about the application process to ensure the paint adheres to your home’s stucco surface right.

How do you prepare exterior stucco for paint?

Unlike other forms of exterior painting, stucco exteriors require specialized attention and prep work prior to paint application.

First, the entire surface should be power washed to remove any stuck-on dust, dirt, and other contaminants. You don’t want that getting into the paint.

As stucco is battered by sun, wind, rain, dust, and—depending on where you live—woodpeckers, it develops cracks, holes, and other forms of damage. If not properly repaired prior to painting, the paint will not look smooth or dry correctly. If your stucco exterior needs painting, be sure to ask your contractor about their approach to pre-painting stucco repair.

Finally, your contractor should take the time to prepare the stem wall (the foundation) and mask your windows, doors, and other unpainted surfaces. This ensures your property is protected during the painting process.

Unlike other types of exterior painting, stucco exteriors demand a higher level of specialized attention and preparation before paint can be applied. Proper preparation is crucial to achieving a smooth, long-lasting finish and ensuring that the paint adheres properly to the surface.

First and foremost, the entire stucco surface must be thoroughly power washed to eliminate any accumulated dust, dirt, and other contaminants. This step is essential because any residual particles on the stucco can interfere with the paint’s adhesion, leading to an uneven application and potential long-term issues with paint performance. Power washing not only cleans the surface but also helps to remove any old, peeling paint and other debris that could affect the new paint’s ability to bond effectively.

Stucco is particularly susceptible to damage from the harsh elements of the environment, such as intense sunlight, strong winds, heavy rain, and dust. Additionally, in some regions, stucco surfaces might even be affected by woodpeckers or other wildlife. Over time, these conditions can cause the stucco to develop cracks, holes, and other forms of damage. It’s vital to address these issues before painting. If these damages are not properly repaired, the paint will not adhere correctly or dry evenly, resulting in an unsightly finish and potential long-term damage to the stucco surface. Therefore, if your stucco exterior needs painting, be sure to inquire about your contractor’s approach to stucco repair and their methods for addressing these pre-painting issues.

Finally, meticulous preparation of the surrounding areas is necessary to protect your property during the painting process. Your contractor should carefully prepare the stem wall (the foundation of the home) to ensure it is free of dust and debris. Additionally, masking off windows, doors, and other unpainted surfaces is crucial to prevent any accidental paint splatters or drips. This not only safeguards your property but also ensures that the final paint job is clean and professional-looking. Proper masking and preparation help avoid the need for extensive cleanup afterward and contribute to a polished, well-executed finish.

What is the best exterior paint for stucco?

For stucco homes in the U.S. desert Southwest, there is no question that Dunn-Edwards Improved Performance Evershield® stands out as the premier choice for exterior paint. Dunn-Edwards has invested extensive research and development into crafting a paint line that excels in the demanding desert climates. Evershield® represents the pinnacle of stucco paint technology, designed specifically to withstand the intense UV exposure typical of these areas.

In the desert, exterior paint is subjected to extreme conditions that can cause other paints to fade and degrade quickly. Dunn-Edwards has addressed this challenge by engineering Evershield® to offer superior resistance to fading and color deterioration. This advanced formulation not only maintains its vibrancy and integrity for a longer period but also ensures that your stucco home retains its aesthetic appeal and protective qualities despite relentless sun exposure.

If you’re searching for an exterior paint that provides enduring performance and beauty, consider discussing with your contractor the high-LRV (Light Reflectance Value) options offered by Dunn-Edwards. High-LRV paints, such as Spanish White (LRV 77) and Oyster (LRV 62), are particularly valued for their ability to reflect more light, which can help minimize heat absorption and reduce energy costs, while also contributing to a cooler, more comfortable home environment. These colors are not only practical but also versatile, offering a range of options that can complement various architectural styles and personal preferences.

Your contractor can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you choose a paint color that aligns with your aesthetic preferences while also meeting any requirements set by your Homeowners Association (HOA). This ensures that you achieve a stunning and durable finish that enhances your home’s curb appeal while adhering to community guidelines. By choosing Dunn-Edwards Improved Performance Evershield®, you are investing in a product that delivers exceptional longevity and quality, making it the top choice for stucco homes in the desert Southwest.

What are the most popular exterior colors?

Here are some popular exterior color options available from Dunn-Edwards in 2024:

Stonish Beige (LRV 44)
Trail Dust (LRV 40)
Wooded Acre (LRV 33)
Wooden Peg (LRV 31)
Cottage White (LRV 30)

Be sure to talk to your contractor about your trim color options and what will match your primary color choice.

Get your paint project started

If you live in Phoenix, that trusted painting contractor is Crash of Rhinos Painting. As one of the Valley’s most-trusted exterior painters, Crash of Rhinos is dedicated to great paint and an effective painting process.

Your local Dunn-Edwards location can help you find the right, fade-resistant paint color for your home, ensuring that your choice is cleared by your HOA. Plus, we exclusively use Dunn-Edwards Evershield, so you know you’re getting the very best paint for your stucco.

To get started, all you have to do is get a free proposal from us. It’s really that easy!