How to Apply Stucco to Old Concrete
Stucco is a durable and decorative wall covering made with a base of cement. The ingredients of stucco are Portland cement, lime and water. Coloring can be added to stucco during mixing. Stucco adheres well to concrete and can transform any dingy area of concrete into an attractive and beautifully finished surface. Stucco can be finished in a variety of patterns. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Bonding agent
- Paint brush or spray gun
- Stucco mixture
- Trowel
- Hawk
- Stucco scratch rake
- Finishing Trowel
- Float
- Putty knives
- Spray bottle
Instructions
-
-
1
Use a brush or power spray hose with water and detergent to clean the concrete surface. Remove all oil spots from the concrete. Let the surface dry overnight. Coat the concrete with bonding agent, using a paint brush or spray gun. Let it dry thoroughly. Check the directions on the label for drying time for the product you are using.
-
2
Fill the hawk with stucco, using a trowel. A hawk is a flat tray with a handle underneath, used for bringing the supply of stucco close to the concrete. Scoop stucco from the hawk onto the concrete with a trowel. Spread an even layer 1/4-inch thick on the concrete to create the scratch coat. Use enough pressure to push stucco deep into the surface of the concrete. Allow the scratch coat to dry three to four hours before using a stucco scratch rake to score the stucco with 1/8-inch groves in any direction.
-
-
3
Let the scratch coat dry for two to three days, using a spray bottle with water or a hose with a spray nozzle to mist the stucco scratch coat every few hours to keep it moist during curing.
-
4
Fill the hawk with stucco, using a trowel, and apply a second even coat of stucco 1/4-inch thick, covering the entire scratch coat. Use a putty knife to smooth corners, edges, or small areas. Create the desired pattern of swirls using a trowel or float. Pat the wet stucco with the bristles of a broom to create stippling texture. Use a broom to sweep a wavy pattern into the stucco.
-
5
Let the stucco cure for two days, misting the wall with a hose or spray bottle every three to four hours during the curing time.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Stucco adheres well to concrete and requires a total thickness of 1/2-inch. Product drying and curing times vary. Check the directions that come with the bonding agent or stucco mix you are using.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, mask and protective clothing when working with bonding agent and stucco. Use stucco that is meant for your climate zone, because stucco is climate-sensitive.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit flowers in pot image by robert lerich from Fotolia.com
