How do I Apply Concrete Stucco to a House?

Apply stucco to the exterior of your home.

Stucco is a popular building material composed of Portland cement, sand and lime. Because its composition is similar to that of concrete, it is sometimes referred to as concrete stucco. With the wide availability of pre-mixed stucco, applying the material to the exterior walls of your home is a rather simple process that you can accomplish within a few hours. With the proper application, you can create a professional-looking concrete stucco exterior that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Things You'll Need

• Wire brush
• Bonding liquid
• Pre-mixed stucco
• Builder's hawk
• Flat trowel (steel)
• Rubber float

Instructions

1. Remove dirt and debris from the exterior walls of your home with a stiff-wired brush.

2. Dip a medium-size paintbrush into concrete bonding liquid and apply it to the exterior surface in a single coat.

3. Allow the bonding liquid to stiffen until it feels tacky to the touch.

4. Pile the pre-mixed stucco onto a builder's hawk. Hold the builder's hawk in one hand so that your other hand is free during the application process.

5. Scoop the stucco off the builder's hawk with a flat trowel and draw the trowel and the stucco from the bottom of the exterior surface upward along its surface to spread the stucco. Aim for a thickness of 1/2 inch.

6. Allow the recently applied stucco to dry for approximately two hours, then wet the rubber float and use it to smooth down the surface of the partially dried stucco.

7. Mist the stucco once a day with tapwater until it is just damp to the touch. Repeat this process for one and a half weeks so that the stucco cures slowly. The slow curing will reduce cracking and strengthen the material.

References

• "The Old House Handbook: The Essential Guide to Care and Repair"; Roger Hunt; 2008