How to Apply the Base Coat of Cement Stucco on a Straw Bale House

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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The popularity of building straw bale homes has increased in recent years because of the move towards sustainable living. Cement stucco applied to the outside of a bale house keeps the straw dry and prevents decomposition. Cement stucco application begins with the base coat.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Cement stucco
Bucket
Trowel

Step1

Prep the hay or straw bales for the stucco. You want them as flat as possible so that the stucco applies evenly.

Step2

Mix your cement. It may take a few tries to get the consistency that works best for you.

Step3

Pull the wire that's holding the bale together as tight as possible. Do this by leaning into the bale and using your body weight to push the bale tightly through the wire.

Step4

Apply a thick layer of cement stucco to the trowel.

Step5

Spread the cement stucco over the bale. Start from the bottom; if the cement is too wet, you won't make as much of a mess. It's okay to make the base coat thick. Keep applying the cement stucco to the bale until it seals solidly.

Step6

Scrape little trenches into the surface of the stucco using the edge of the trowel once the base coat is sealed solidly into the bale. This step will help other layers of the cement stucco stick to the surface better. A smooth base coat surface will cause the next layer to snap and break off.

Step7

Continue applying the cement stucco until you've covered the entire wall of bale. Wait several days for the base coat of cement stucco to dry completely before applying the second coat of stucco to your straw bale house.