The Guide To Stucco House Colors & The Best Exterior Paint Colors
- Devin Spahr
- 10 hours ago
- 6 min read
While traditional stucco is often white or beige, there are actually tons of stucco house colors to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a modern aesthetic or something more traditional, the color of your exterior can make a big impact on the curb appeal of your home. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to paint colors for stucco. We’ll talk about how to choose a stucco color and provide some stucco color ideas.
If you’re building or looking to upgrade your home’s exterior, Spahr’s painting can help! We offer stucco painting and stucco repair for residential and commercial customers! We're based in Tucson, but we serve the entire area, including Oro Valley, Marana, and Sahuarita!
Stucco House Colors
Stucco is a plaster made from cement that’s applied to walls as both a decorative and protective finish. It’s been in use for hundreds of years because it’s durable enough to withstand heat and resist damage from the sun and wind. This makes stucco especially popular in the Southwest.
One of the benefits of stucco is that it can be colored in pretty much any color. Stucco is applied in layers, with the last layer being the color coat. Though whites and tans are common, the best stucco house colors depend on a number of factors. You want to look for colors that complement the style of your home, blend well with the environment, fit your personal aesthetic, and stand up to the climate.
If you’re looking to refresh your stucco, one option is to paint. Stucco holds paint very well and can last for years when done correctly, especially with Tucson’s dry climate. Luckily, there are tons of stucco paint colors to choose from. Whatever color you choose, it’s important to use a high-quality, breathable exterior paint that is designed for masonry and stucco. Painting professionals often use elastomeric paint because it’s flexible and can help bridge small cracks. Acrylic latex paint is another good option that is easier to apply.
How to Choose a Stucco Color
Choosing the right stucco color for your home involves more than just picking a favorite shade. It takes time and effort to find a color that blends well with the environment and works with your home’s architectural style. Here are some tips for picking exterior stucco house colors that you’ll love for years:
Consider the environment: Tucson’s natural surroundings are filled with warm earth tones, from sandy beige and terra cotta to soft browns and sunbaked reds. Using these colors on your exterior blends beautifully with the environment while giving your home a timeless Southwestern look.
Consider the climate: Tucson’s climate is hot and sunny, so it’s wise to think about how the colors will look and react in full sun. While darker colors are gorgeous, they will also absorb more heat than lighter colors and fade more quickly over time. If you’re drawn to darker colors, consider using them as accents rather than the main stucco color. Or simply be prepared for more maintenance.
Consider architectural style: Many Tucson homes have Spanish, Pueblo Revival, or Mediterranean influences, which pair well with warm, earthy colors. If your home features tile roofing, wooden beams, or stonework, try to choose a stucco color that ties these elements together. Finally, look at the surrounding homes in your neighborhood. You’ll want a color that stands out without clashing with the other homes in your community.
Consider resale value: One thing you may want to factor into your decision is resale value. Traditional paint colors for stucco, like tan, white, and beige, may be easier to sell than something more dramatic.
Exterior Stucco House Colors
When it comes to exterior stucco house colors, you can’t go wrong with these classics:
Beige: It’s a classic for a reason. Beige stucco is soft and neutral, which makes it super popular, especially here in the Southwest. Beige mimics natural desert tones and creates a warm, welcoming look. Plus, it’s not too dark so it doesn’t absorb too much heat. Beige also works well with most roofing materials and doesn’t go out of style.
Terracotta: Inspired by traditional adobe and Spanish-style homes, terracotta tones add rustic charm and Southwestern character to any stucco home. It pairs beautifully with red tile roofs and desert landscaping.
White: Shades of white like bone, cream, or antique white give a clean, timeless look. White reflects heat well, which is always a bonus in Tucson, while also working well with tons of different trims and accent colors.
Green: Muted green tones like olive or sage green look beautiful against a natural desert palette. Green is earthy and calming, and looks particularly good with stone or wood accents.
Modern Stucco House Colors
If you want to create a more modern aesthetic, look for clean, muted tones. Modern stucco house colors like greige, charcoal, or taupe are especially popular with contemporary architecture. Here are some modern stucco house color ideas to consider:
White: While white is a classic, it can also be used to create a modern aesthetic. Pair white stucco with black trim, and you’ve got a bold, modern look that will hold up well in Tucson’s sunny climate. Consider Snowbound by Sherwin Williams with Iron Ore trim.
Greige: Greige, which is a mix between gray and beige, is extremely popular in modern home design. With the warmth of beige and the sophistication of gray, it’s a great choice for a subtle, updated look. Popular shades include Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter and Edgecomb Gray and Sherwin Williams’ Accessible Beige.
Charcoal: For a bold, dramatic look, charcoal and soft black are making a strong statement in modern design. These shades look sleek when paired with metal, wood, or white trim. Just note they may absorb more heat and fade more quickly than a lighter color. Iron Ore, Peppercorn, and Urbane Bronze by Sherwin Williams are all popular colors.
Taupe: Warm neutral taupe adds richness and depth to any exterior without feeling dated. Pair it with deep chocolate brown trim and a warm, green garage for a natural aesthetic. Consider Creamy Mushroom by Behr or Flatiron by Clare.
When selecting a modern stucco color, always test a few samples on different walls. Colors can look very different in full sun compared to shade. Pairing your main stucco color with sharp, contrasting trim can add a sleek, modern finish to any home.
Black Stucco
If you really want to stand out from the crowd, black stucco is a bold, modern choice, especially for contemporary and minimalist-style homes. When done right, black stucco creates a dramatic, high-end look with strong curb appeal. In a hot, sunny climate like Tucson, there are some things you’ll want to consider before going with black or very dark stucco.
Black absorbs significantly more heat than lighter colors. This can raise the interior temperature of your home and increase the cost to cool it. Black and other dark colors also tend to fade more quickly. You’ll want to use a UV-resistant paint or pigment and make sure to maintain the stucco. The heat absorption can also lead to expansion and contraction, leading to cracks over time.
Still, black stucco gives a sleek modern appearance that is visually striking. It works well with many different architectural styles, and darker stucco can hide minor imperfections and dirt. If you love the look of black, consider elastomeric paint. It’s UV-resistant and flexible, which can help prevent cracking and fading. For best results, you’ll want to work with a pro to make sure the materials and techniques used will hold up over time.
Gray Stucco
Gray stucco is one of the most versatile and modern exterior finishes you can choose for your home. It offers a clean, sophisticated look that fits a variety of architectural styles, from Southwestern contemporary to minimalist modern. Gray strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool tones, making it a great backdrop for bolder trim and natural details like tone and wood.
Lighter grays reflect more heat, which makes them ideal in our hot climate. Darker grays can still work, but may absorb more heat. Gray stucco looks fantastic alongside black or bronze window frames, corten steel, natural wood, or smooth concrete. Pair it with textured finishes or contrasting materials so it doesn’t look too flat.
Tan Stucco
Tan stucco is a classic choice, and for good reason. It complements a wide range of architectural styles and works with tons of different color combinations and trim details. Lighter tan shades are great for keeping your home cooler while also resisting fading under the Tucson sun. Plus, tan never goes out of style.
Tan pairs beautifully with bold or natural-looking trim. Consider dark brown or bronze for a classic Southwestern look or black trim to add a modern edge. Tan stucco with white or off-white details can soften the look, while natural wood tones can be used to create an earthy finish. You can also consider pairing tan stucco with stone veneer or Spanish tile to add dimension.
Stucco House Colors Conclusion
Choosing stucco house colors is more than just a design decision. It’s a way to enhance your home’s character while reflecting your personal style. Whether you’re drawn to timeless tans, sleek grays, or earthy desert tones, the right stucco color can transform your home’s exterior.
If you’re ready to update or refresh your stucco, Spahr’s Painting can help. With years of experience painting homes and repairing stucco in Tucson, our team of contractors has the skills and dedication to craftsmanship to provide a result you’ll love. Whether you want to modernize your exterior or simply give your home a new look, you can count on Spahr's Painting for professional results that last.
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