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How to Do Interior Stucco

Stucco is a popular construction material used as a decorative covering for walls and ceilings in both interior and exterior spaces. You can apply a perfect coating of stucco to an interior space with the proper preparation and application techniques. Armed with a basic trowel and your premixed stucco, you can completely transform a dull looking interior space into a vibrant and textured one.

Things You'll Need

  • Drop cloths
  • Cloth
  • Bonding liquid
  • Paintbrush
  • Premixed stucco
  • Hawk
  • Steel flat trowel
  • Sponge
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay down drop cloths on the floor to prevent ruining your floor.

    • 2

      Lightly sweep down the walls of the interior space with a cloth to remove any surface debris.

    • 3

      Brush a thin layer of bonding liquid on the walls using a medium-sized paintbrush. Once the bonding liquid has partially dried so it feels slightly "tacky," you can move to the next step in the process.

    • 4

      Grab the hawk with your non-dominant hand and scoop a portion of the pre-mixed stucco onto it using the steel trowel. A hawk is a flat piece of wood that has a small handle attached to one side. You hold the handle with one hand to steady the hawk and free up your other hand to perform the stucco application.

    • 5

      Scoop the stucco onto the wall and spread it into a even layer with the flat side of the trowel. Use a sweeping motion to quickly spread it across the wall. Aim for a layer that is 1/2 inch thick.

    • 6

      Allow the stucco to dry for 7 to 10 minutes, then wet the sponge until it is damp and gently sweep it across the surface for a smooth finish. Blot the stucco if you want to add a level of texture. The stucco will cure completely within a week.