How to Apply Stucco Framing

Applying stucco to a framed building is as much an art as it is a science. Fortunately, the steps required to apply stucco to a frame are relatively simple, starting with a felt under pad, continuing on to a scratch coat of stucco, followed by the top coat. Remember to give your stucco plenty of time to dry, and remember, too, that misting the stucco to slow the drying time will result in a harder and more long-lasting wall.

Things You'll Need

• Stucco mix
• Mixing tray
• Hoe for mixing
• Water
• Trowel(s)
• Hammer
• Nails
• 15-lb. roofing felt
• 17-gauge stucco netting
• Tin snips
• Roofing nails

Instructions

1. Using roofing nails, cover your frame with the 15-lb. roofing felt. Use plenty of nails as it is necessary that your felt be applied tightly with no sags.

2. Apply your 17-gauge stucco netting over your felt underlay using roofing nails. Buy a 150-foot roll of wire mesh if you have a large area to stucco in order to reduce the number of seams. It is not necessary for the wire netting to lay perfectly flat against the wall, but it should not sag more than approximately 1/2 an inch away from the felt. Cut your netting with tin snips.

3. Mix your stucco in your mixing tub using a hoe or similar tool to thorough combine the mix with water. Follow manufacturer's instructions for the proper consistency, which should be similar to heavy cake batter.

4. Force a layer of stucco into the wire netting using your trowel. This first layer of stucco, known as a scratch layer, should be approximately 1/2-inch thick. As the stucco begins to set use a rake or the toothed edge of a trowel to scrape lines into the surface approximately 1/8 of an inch deep so that the next layer of stucco will have a rough surface to adhere to.Mist the scratch coat occasionally, especially in hot, dry weather, in order to slow the drying so your stucco will cure to its full strength. Allow the scratch coat to dry for at least 36 to 48 hours before applying the final coat.

5. Using your trowel apply your final coat of stucco approximately 1/2-inch thick. Know ahead of time what finish you want for your wall and make certain that you have the proper tools available to create the finish you desire. The final coat of stucco may be colored if desired, or it may be left natural with the idea of painting at a later date. Mist the final coat to retard drying and allow it to cure for at least 48 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Slow curing is one of the keys to a hard and durable stucco wall. Especially if temperatures are high or the air is dry, misting walls frequently to extend their drying time will result in a better and more long-lasting wall.

• It is possible to put on, in effect, two thin scratch coats of stucco and add a third and final coat. Some people find that stucco applied this way exhibits fewer cracks later on. The choice is yours.