What breaks exterior paint here
Three things kill an exterior finish in Delray Beach and Boca Raton: UV load that fades pigment, wind-driven rain that finds every hairline crack in stucco, and salt air that feeds mildew on the shaded north and east walls.
A coating that lasts inland for a decade can look tired here in four years. The product choice matters more than the color.
The three we recommend, in order
Every one of these is stocked and tinted at our Delray Beach counter.
- Element Guard — rain-ready in about an hour and built for wind-driven rain. The right call if you're painting during storm season.
- Aura Exterior — the best color retention Benjamin Moore makes. Choose it for deep colors, dark shutters, and any wall the afternoon sun hits directly.
- Regal Select Exterior — the value workhorse for a whole-house repaint in standard light colors.
- ARBORCOAT — for wood fence, decking, and pergolas rather than stucco.
Prep is most of the job
Ninety percent of exterior failures we see at the counter are prep failures, not product failures.
- Pressure wash, then treat mildew and rinse. Coating over mildew simply seals it in.
- Patch and caulk stucco cracks; a hairline crack is where the next leak starts.
- Prime bare stucco, patches, and any chalky surface.
- Two thin coats, always — and stay in the shade as the wall moves around the house.
Color choices that hold up
Whites and soft neutrals stay looking new longest, but Aura's Color Lock pigments make deep coastal blues and greens realistic in a way they weren't ten years ago. Bring a photo of your roof tile and we'll narrow the palette against it.
Frequently asked
- How often should I repaint a stucco house in South Florida?
- With premium paint and correct prep, plan on 7 to 10 years. Sun-facing and Intracoastal-facing walls often need attention sooner than the rest of the house.
- Can I paint exteriors during the summer rainy season?
- Yes, with the right product and timing. Element Guard is rain-ready in roughly an hour, so a morning start usually beats the afternoon storm. Watch the dew point, not just the forecast.
- Do you tint exterior paint while I wait?
- Yes. Both our Delray Beach and Lake Worth Beach stores tint the full Benjamin Moore exterior line on site, including five-gallon pails for contractors.