Cement Stucco vs. Acrylic Stucco: Which One Is Right for Your Project?

Cement Stucco vs. Acrylic Stucco

A home’s exterior finish influences the way it looks, feels, and holds up over time. Cement and acrylic stucco are two popular options among homeowners and contractors. They each offer unique qualities that make them appealing for different reasons. Compare acrylic vs. cement stucco to help you select the finish that matches your vision and needs.

What Is Cement Stucco?

Cement stucco is the traditional form of this exterior finish. It has been around for centuries, with impressive durability and a natural appearance that has kept it in high demand. Cement stucco is made from the following ingredients:

• Portland cement serves as the binder.
• Sand is the aggregate material, providing texture and structure.
• Lime makes the material more workable and less brittle.
• Water activates the cement and lime and determines the mixture’s thickness.

What Is Acrylic Stucco?

Acrylic stucco, also known as synthetic or elastomeric stucco, is a modern exterior finish. Its ingredients include the following:

• Acrylic polymers act as the binder.
• Aggregates such as crushed quartz or marble add texture.
• Pigments provide a wide range of long-lasting color options.
• Additives improve flexibility and resistance to moisture and mold.

Differences Between Acrylic and Cement Stucco

Although both finishes serve the same general purpose, they vary in performance, application, and appearance.

Cost and Packaging

Cement stucco is more budget-friendly. The dry mix comes in bags and is combined with water on-site until it forms the desired consistency. Depending on aggregate size, type of finish, and application technique, cement stucco may end up costing $0.06 to $0.25 per square foot.

In contrast, acrylic stucco typically comes in 5-gallon buckets of premixed product, ready to apply once the desired pigment has been added. One bucket covers roughly 100 to 250 square feet for an average cost of $0.16 to $0.70 per square foot.

Durability and Performance

Cement stucco creates a strong, hard surface that can last for decades. It naturally breathes, allowing moisture to escape from the wall. However, it’s more rigid than acrylic, which means it can crack if the building shifts or the material is exposed to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Acrylic stucco offers greater durability. The resins expand and contract with temperature changes, allowing the material to flex slightly without cracking. It also resists water penetration, making it a good choice in wet climates.

Texture and Aesthetics

A cement stucco finish offers a natural, hand-applied appearance. The texture can be adjusted by changing the sand size or finishing technique. Cement stucco develops subtle variations as it ages that many people find appealing.

An acrylic stucco finish is smoother and more uniform. While it can still be textured, the range of customization is narrower.

Color Options

Cement stucco colors come from powdered pigments added during mixing or from paint applied afterward. This can produce beautiful earthy tones but may show variation from batch to batch.

Acrylic stucco offers a wide color palette, including bright, saturated shades. Because the pigment is integrated into the acrylic base, the color remains consistent and is less prone to fading.

Application Techniques

Cement stucco is built up in layers over a lath or prepared masonry surface. The scratch coat goes on first, followed by a brown coat for added strength, with a finish coat that delivers the desired texture and appearance. Once hardened, cement stucco becomes a dense, rock-like layer that protects the structure underneath.

The first step of applying acrylic stucco is to prime the walls. The primer acts as a sealer, creating a uniform surface and improving adhesion. Once the primer has dried, the acrylic stucco is applied in an even layer across the wall, either by hand or with a sprayer. The material must be worked quickly to achieve the desired aesthetic because it sets faster than cement.

Which One Is Right for Your Project?

Choose cement stucco if:

• You want a more economical option.
• You like a natural, handcrafted texture.
• You prefer earthy tones or want the option to paint later.
• You’re comfortable working with multi-layer applications.
• You want a breathable finish that ages with character.

Choose acrylic stucco if:

• You want a premixed product that simplifies preparation.
• You like a smooth, uniform texture.
• You want vivid, consistent color that lasts.
• You’re working with experienced installers who can manage faster drying times.
• You prefer a finish with greater resistance to cracking.

Why Choose Stucco Supply Co.?

Stucco Supply Co. has been serving the Bay Area since 1955, making us the oldest and largest family-owned stucco manufacturer in Northern California. We have earned a reputation for providing superior products and customer care, with numerous positive reviews to back us up. Our San Jose and Livermore locations carry all the materials, tools, and supplies you need for your next cement or acrylic stucco project. Please contact us with any questions or visit us in person to shop for Superior Stucco products.