Myth or Fact: Stucco or EIFS Cannot be Painted

This is a myth.  Stucco & EIFS manufactures produce coatings (paint) that are made to go over existing finish coats.  It is actually recommended to apply these coatings every 10 to 15 years to preserve the integrity and maintain the original beauty of Stucco or EIFS.

There are two main types of coatings to use when it is being applied over Stucco or EIFS.  Stucco (traditional stucco) requires the use of an elastomeric coating over the existing finish coat.  An elastomeric coating is a thick paint that will help bridge hairline cracks which are typical with traditional stucco systems

EIFS requires the use of acrylic coatings which are not as thick as elastomeric coatings.  This allows an EIFS system to continue to “breath” or allow vapor transmission to occur. 

It is important to have a qualified Stucco or EIFS contractor apply these coatings as certain steps must be followed for both types of coatings perform and last as they should.