How to Do Stucco Texture

Stucco is a popular finishing technique.

Stucco is a common wall finish technique that is traditional throughout the West and Southwest. This type of finish provides a rough, weather-resistant surface. In addition to being durable, the stucco texture can be left as is or painted a variety of hues. Whether you want to create a stucco finish in the inside of your home or on the exterior, it's a relatively simple process that doesn't require professional help.

Things You'll Need

• Duster/broom
• Water
• Soap
• Bonding agent
• Builder's hawk
• Putty knife
• Water bottle

Instructions

1. Clean the surface of the wall. This removes any built-up dust, debris and dirt and creates a clean finish that the stucco will adhere to better. Use a duster or broom and wash the walls with a soapy water mixture. Rinse thoroughly and wait for the wall to dry completely.

2. Apply a thin layer of concrete bonding agent to the wall. Again, wait for the surface to dry completely. Depending on the bonding agent you use, this can take anywhere from six hours to several days. Follow the instructions on your product.

3. Apply the first layer of stucco so that it's about 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick, placing the stucco on a builder's hawk and spreading it. Manipulate the stucco so you have a texture you like. Wait until the first layer is slightly hardened.

4. Scratch the surface with a putty knife or similar tool approximately 1/4 inch. Create a criss-cross scoring effect. This creates a better bonding surface for your next layer of stucco. Allow the first layer of stucco to dry completely.

5. Mist the surface with a water bottle once every five to six hours to prevent the stucco from cracking.

6. Apply your final coat of stucco so that it's about 1/4 inch thick. Experiment and play with the texture while it's wet until you've got a surface you're happy with. Wait again for the stucco to dry completely, misting once every 12 hours.

References

• Ask The Builder: Applying Stucco
• DIY Data: External Stucco: Uses and How to Apply