How to Make and Apply Stucco

Stucco is a textured finish for exteriors.

Stucco is an outdoor plaster applied to structures to cover minor flaws and give the surface a texture. Made by mixing Portland cement, lime, sand and water, it is applied by smearing onto the surface with a trowel. Stucco is an easy way to give residential homes an updated feel. Stucco is easy to patch up and can be painted. To prevent the stucco from drying out during application, mix the materials in small amounts and choose a cool day to apply.

Things You'll Need

• Detergent
• Water
• Building paper
• Base strip
• Hammer
• Galvanized nails
• Steel mesh
• Portland cement
• Hydrated lime
• Sand
• Wheelbarrow
• Trowel
• 1-by-2-by-7-inch piece of wood
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Prepare your work surface before mixing the stucco. Clean the surface with water and detergent and let it dry completely. If you're applying your stucco to a wooden surface, cover with building paper before beginning. Level the base strip at the bottom of the surface to be stuccoed and hammer it in place with galvanized nails. Fix the steel mesh to the wall above the base strip and use galvanized nails to hold it in place.

2. Add one part Portland cement, one part hydrated lime and two parts sand to the wheelbarrow. Mix enough water into the mixture and stir until the stucco is your desired texture. Add more sand to the mixture if you want it less moist.

3. Apply the first layer of stucco to the mesh with the trowel. Push the stucco into the mesh and layer it on until it is about 3/8 inch thick.

4. Hammer a row of nails an inch apart into the piece of wood to make a stucco comb. Run it across the stucco to make ridges and let the coat set.

5. Apply a second coat of stucco 3/8 inch thick to the ridged layer. Smooth the layer flat and moist cure the coat by misting with a spray bottle every few hours for 48 hours.

6. Apply the final coat of stucco 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Finish the coat by smoothing it with a wood float. Add texture by dragging a piece of wood over it or make swirls by moving the trowel in circular motions.

References

• Realtor: Applying Stucco