Stucco Directions

Stucco makes buildings sturdy, fireproof and waterproof.

Stucco has been used on houses and other structures for many years, making them sturdy, fireproof and waterproof. This durable building material is low-maintenance and inexpensive, compared to other exterior building materials. Other benefits of stucco include its being mildew resistant and virtually weatherproof. Pre-mixed bags of stucco can be purchased at home improvement stores, or you can purchase all the ingredients separately to save money.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-mixed bags of stucco
• Water
• Wheelbarrow
• Shovel
• Trowel
• Safety goggles
• Protective gloves
• Metal or wood straightedge

Instructions

1. Check the building for holes or cracks on the exterior walls, and repair them. Spray the walls down to remove any old paint or dirt, to allow the stucco to bond more securely.

2. Determine how much of the wall you want to cover, and pour enough pre-mixed stucco into a wheelbarrow to cover that area, according to the directions on the bag. Read the directions to determine how much water to add to the amount of mix you poured out, and thoroughly mix the stucco in the shade with a shovel.

3. Apply the stucco with a trowel, starting from the bottom of the wall and working up. The first coat of stucco should be evenly spread and consistently about 3/8" thick. Make sure to wear protective gloves and safety goggles while working with stucco. Mist the stucco with water to keep it damp as it cures, to prevent cracking.

4. Apply the finish coat, which should be 1/8" thick, two days after applying the first coat. Mist the surface before applying the finish coat. Wait until the stucco has dried somewhat to evenly level the stucco finish off with a metal or wood straightedge.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't linger when applying stucco; it dries very quickly.

References

• Concrete Thinker: Cement Plaster Stands the Test of Time
• DeHaven Construction Company: Application of Stucco to Bases