Stucco paint calculator
Stucco texture eats paint — the surface area is much larger than the wall's flat dimensions suggest. Fine stucco runs ~280 sqft/gal, medium ~225, and heavy "lace" or dash texture as low as 175. Two coats are non-negotiable for waterproofing.
Estimates round up to the nearest quart and are based on Kompozit's published coverage. Buy slightly more for touch-ups and color changes.
Why stucco is paint-hungry
Stucco's actual surface area is 1.3–1.7× the visible wall area, depending on texture depth. Add the alkalinity of fresh stucco (which can burn through some paint chemistries), and you understand why a typical exterior gallon goes ~30% farther on smooth siding than on stucco.
Roller and sprayer, in that order
First coat: 3/4-inch nap roller, working paint into the texture. Second coat: spray for uniform film, optionally back-rolled. Spraying the first coat on heavy stucco bridges the voids without filling them — you'll get pinholes that leak.
FAQ
Elastomeric forms a thicker, more flexible film that bridges hairline cracks. Premium for stucco that's already cracking; not necessary for sound new stucco. PRO acrylic is fine for sound walls.
28 days minimum. Fresh stucco is alkaline enough to attack the paint binder. If you must paint sooner, use a high-pH-tolerant primer first.