How to Stucco a Basement
A concrete foundation, while durable and effective, is not a very attractive living space. Stucco, a material often used on home exteriors, can add a much needed texture to a plain-looking wall. Thankfully, for the average do-it-yourselfer, applying stucco is a relatively simple project. Once properly mixed, the stucco is applied with a simple trowel and will cure within a week. Apply the stucco to your basement and dramatically improve its appeal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wire brush
- Bonding liquid
- Paintbrush
- Premixed stucco
- Builder's hawk
- Flat trowel (steel)
- Rubber float
Instructions
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1
Run a wire brush across the surface of the basement's walls to remove debris and to roughen up the concrete surface. This will allow the stucco to adhere with ease.
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2
Paint on a concrete bonding liquid to the walls, then allow it to dry partially. Continue the project once the bonding liquid is tacky to the touch.
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3
Combine the pre-mixed stucco with water as instructed so that is has the consistency of peanut butter.
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4
Scoop the wet stucco onto a builder's hawk -- a flat, metal square with a handle that is used to hold material while you are using a trowel -- then hold the hawk in one hand while scooping the stucco from the hawk to the wall with a trowel.
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5
Spread the stucco from the bottom of the concrete walls to the top while maintaining a thickness of 1/2 inch. You can use short, choppy upward strokes with the trowel to give the stucco added texture.
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6
Soak a rubber float in tap water, then gently run it over the recently applied stucco for a smooth finish.
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7
Dampen the stucco daily for a week to keep it slightly moist. This will ensure that it cures slowly. Slowly cured stucco is very strong.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
