Stucco Drywall Techniques

Application

• Proper application is one of the most important factors when creating a surface that resembles stucco. A thin drywall joint compound, also called mud, can create a smoother stucco texture than thick mud that resembles the texture of putty. Although application techniques can vary, creating faux stucco on drywall surfaces usually involves a single application that supplies a thick coat of compound for forming deep dips and valleys. Additional layers may lead to chipping and crumbling.

Coloring

• Adding color to the drywall joint compound helps create the earthen tones of historical stucco finishes. Products for coloring drywall joint compound come in a wide range of colors in both powdered pigments and liquid dyes. Whipping these into the moist joint compound with a drill and paddle bit creates a smooth, even color, while minimal hand stirring allows you to create a wall surface with subtle to obvious color alterations. Adding metallic powders will create a slight sheen over your walls, helping you recreate the natural look of minerals in clay.

Troweling

• The most common way to create the appearance of stucco on drywall is with the use of a wide trowel. You can vary the depth and width of the textured ridges by using a variety of different sizes of trowels. The flat edge and grooved edge of the trowel will also provide different finishes. A standard technique for stuccoing a wall is to dip the edge of the trowel into the joint compound and apply the compound to the wall by smearing it in a slight curve and then overlapping the thin edge of the curve with the next smear of compound.

Brushing

• Dragging a metal brush or hand rake through the damp joint compound creates additional depth and design in your wall surfaces. Experiment with this technique by using a large piece of cardboard covered with joint compound. Use curving strokes to create soft swirls, while using straight vertical or horizontal lines to create crisscross patterns in the stucco finish.