How to Stucco Your Home

You might think that adding stucco finish to your home is labor-intensive, but it's really not that much more work than painting the entire exterior of a home. Stucco is a synthetic adaptation to traditional Southwest adobe plaster finish, which is put over mud brick of adobe homes. In some states like New Mexico, adobe and stucco are the predominant styles of decor.

Weather-resistant paper
Stucco mesh
Staple gun
Staples
Bucket
Stucco finish layer
Rake
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Spread the weather-resistant paper out over the surface of the house and staple it down with the staple gun. This paper, which is often used over plywood and particleboard in building projects, protects the surface from damaging moisture and weather if exposed.
- 2
  Put up the mesh over the paper, again using the staple gun. Don't be shy with the staples; you want the mesh to be as close to the wall as possible so that the finish doesn't come away from the house.
- 3
  Mix the base layer with the prescribed amount of water according to the directions on the package, using the bucket. Don't ignore the directions or you will mix up the base layer too thin.
- 4
  Spread the base over the wire, using the rake and trowel. Because you want to completely cover the wire, make sure the layer is about 1/2 inch thick. Let it dry at least overnight and when you're positive it's dry, run the rake over the entire surface to score it, which will make the finish stick better.
- 5
  Mix the finish layer in the color you've chosen in the bucket, taking care to read the mixing instructions carefully. Again using the rake and trowel, put the finish over the scored base in a sweeping motion to keep an even 1/4-inch layer throughout. Play with textures you enjoy and let dry when finished.

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