Kinds of Stucco

Lime Stucco

• Lime stucco is the oldest type of stucco. It uses natural lime as a base, mixed with sand and water. Compared to more modern kinds of stucco, lime stucco is more breathable and more adhesive, meaning that it will stick well to a variety of surfaces. Lime stucco also prevents the growth of mold, which is important in moist climates. Modern versions of traditional lime stucco use fiberglass in the mix to reduce weight and cost.

Cement Stucco

• Most modern stucco is based on cement. In most cases, Portland cement forms the bulk of the stucco; other materials, including sand and artificial pigment, form the rest of the mix. Cement stucco is applied in layers, each of which must begin to dry before the next layer can be applied. However, complete curing takes many years. The top layer of cement stucco provides a base for painting or adding texture to the drying stucco.

Substrate Stucco

• Substrate stucco consists of a top coat of cement-based stucco over a composite base made of another material. Substrate stucco products include exterior insulation finish systems, which use foam layers to provide insulation, speed up application time and reduce cost and weight. Other substrate stuccos use fiberglass, poured concrete and glass below the top layer of cement-based stucco.

Synthetic Stucco

• Synthetic stucco is a product that contains no actual stone or cement. Instead it uses an acrylic plastic base, along with bonding and pigment agents, to produce a lighter surface that resembles authentic stucco. Synthetic stucco is somewhat flexible, which prevents cracks. It can be applied to bare walls, substrates or on top of authentic stucco for low-cost, quick repairs.