Stucco is among the most durable, versatile, and long-lasting exterior home treatments. You can use it in many colors, from glass smooth to popcorn bumpy to any texture. It requires a bit more skill than the professional-grade application, but you can achieve professional results with practice.

Facts About Stucco

Stucco has been used in ancient Rome since its creation. But the ingredients that were often used, such as animal blood or urine and eggs, have seen a significant overhaul. The modern stucco is made up of Portland cement and hydrated lime, as well as sand.

Stucco: Where to apply?

Stucco will stick to most types of masonry, provided it’s not sealed or painted to absorb water. Stucco can be applied to wood without needing to be painted. However, it must first be attached to a lath (a sturdy metal mesh).

Grab Your Tools and Supplies

For stucco on masonry walls, you will need a 15-pound roofing feel or paper-backed lap, metal shears, and the appropriate nails for your walls. To mix the stucco, you’ll need a large tub or bucket and the tools to do it.

The flat trowel is the first tool. It’s used to apply the base or scratch coat. The second tool, a scratcher or comb, is similar to a large flat trowel. The double-handled darby is next, which is a long and thin trowel to smoothen the coat. A trowel and hawk are also necessary. A hawk can also be used as an artist’s pallet. It can hold small amounts of stucco that you can trowel on to make your designs in the final coat. You will need to have multiple helpers in order to make sure that the stucco does not dry before you can cover the whole wall.

Prepare the Surface

You can clean all dirt and debris from your surface using a broom or a sturdy brush. As long as the exterior treatment of the home is capable, you can use a power wash. Repair any cracks if needed. Apply stucco to bricks, cement blocks, or existing stucco walls. Keep the walls damp by using a mister.

You will need a lath to attach stucco to painted or wood surfaces. Self-furred 17-gauge paper-backed lath is a better choice than attaching roofing felt. Make sure you measure carefully before cutting the lath. Begin on one side and then move on to the next. Attach the lath using the appropriate nails at 18-inch intervals.

Apply the Stucco

Mix your stucco according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use small quantities to prevent it from drying out and hardening. The stucco can be applied to the lath in a layer approximately 3/8 inch thick. After the entire wall has been covered, move the scratcher along the wall in horizontal lines. This will allow the next coat to adhere better.