How to Get a Consistent Texture on Stucco Walls

Mix the stucco thoroughly with a trowel to remove any chunks. Avoid using old stucco that may have partially hardened as it is difficult to spread consistently.

Determine the stucco texture that you want to achieve by researching different looks in stucco books or online. It's possible to apply stucco in a variety of patterns, such as a circular trowel sweep pattern, briar or combed.

Scoop a moderate amount of stucco onto a plaster trowel. If you use too much stucco, it can fall off during application and make a mess. As you get accustomed to applying the stucco, it's easy to determine what amount works best for your skill level.

Make smooth, long passes with the plaster trowel as you apply the stucco to the wall. If you make short passes, the stucco's finish will be inconsistent. Try to make one long pass per stucco application. Smooth out any bumpy areas and holes with the trowel after you have covered the entire wall with stucco.

Use the plaster trowel to add stylish accents to the wall to give the stucco finish some character. The circular trowel sweep pattern, for example, requires you to hold a clean trowel against the stucco and turn it between 90 and 180 degrees to create an arched finish. To give a combed appearance, make vertical or horizontal lines in the stucco with the edge of the plaster trowel. For a briar finish, make haphazard lines in different directions with the edge of the plaster trowel.