Stucco Application Tricks

Surface Preparation

• Cleaning the surface, before applying the stucco material, is key for good adherence. A light pressure wash is a good idea. Place a covering on the ground near the area you are working to keep the mortar mixture from falling and hardening on it. A tarp or even an old sheet or plastic sheeting will work well.

Weather

• Choosing a day with the right type of weather can make or break the success of stucco application. Ideal weather for the job would be a cloudy day with the temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Warmer temps will make the stucco dry too quickly which can cause shrinkage and cracking. Cooler weather may make the stucco too stiff to manage well with the trowel.

Application

• Stucco needs to dry slowly in order to set right. To achieve this, make sure you keep the mixture damp. Mix only what you need as mixing too much or too soon in advance will cause the stucco mixture to dry out. Allow each coat of stucco to dry for at least one day, or possibly two, before applying another layer of stucco. Only apply stucco to a wire mesh base, waterproof Kraft paper, plywood sheathing or wooden slats.

Customizing

• Stucco can be tinted different colors with pigments, and different textures can be achieved by adding sand or even pebbles. Other techniques for varied finishes include using different tools or techniques, such as swirling with a trowel or raking the surface with a two by four.