Stucco is a popular exterior material that is seeing a resurgence in popularity, especially among newer construction apartments.
Stucco is unquestionably one of the best options available for a home’s exterior finish. It is a fantastic finishing material because of the many options available with its texture, as well as its long-lasting beauty and low cost.
But with so many different types of stucco finish available, how do you know which one is right for your home?
In this article, we’ll compare five of the most popular types of stucco finish so that you can make an informed decision on which one is right for your home.
1. Cat Face finish
The Cat Face finish is one of the most popular types of stucco finish. This finish is created by texturing the stucco to look like the face of a cat. The Cat Face finish is a great option for those who want to add texture to their stucco without adding much color.
The cat faces are formed by these bumps and crevices. To get the desired finish, the rough spots can be little or huge.
Note: The Montalvo finish is similar to the cat face finish but uses acrylic or synthetic stucco rather than a conventional one.
How to Apply Cat Face Finish
A cat face finish requires two layers of stucco for the finest effects. A trowel or stucco sprayer should be used to apply the rough coat as the base coat.
The second coat, which is also the final coat, is applied after the first one has dried completely. This is the last, smooth coating, which is often laid with a metal trowel and then hand-finished. Depending on your taste, you can make some uneven rough streaks on the wall.
Average Cost
The cost of the cat face texture varies dramatically based on the size and closeness of rough spots on the wall. The finish will cost from $6 to $8 per square foot.
2. Smooth Finish
The name suggests that the surface is smooth and graceful, making it perfect for Mediterranean-style homes. The smooth stucco finish has a sleek, modern look that can be used to create a variety of different looks. It can be applied to both new and old construction.
Smooth stucco is available in a variety of colors. You can also add pigment to the mixture to create a custom color. Smooth stucco can be textured to create different effects.
When done correctly, smooth finishes produce the most stunning texture alternatives. As a consequence, it is the most time-consuming and requires the assistance of a professional to provide the greatest results.
Note: Cracks in the smooth finish are more noticeable and difficult to fix.
How to Apply Smooth Finish
Two coats are needed to get a smooth finish. A foundation layer of smooth and solid fine cement stucco is put over the first.
Once the first coat has dried, the finishing coat is applied and scraped with a pool trowel until it is smooth and clean. This is the final step before painting.
Average Cost
The average price per square foot for a smooth finish is between $7 and $14. However, traditional stucco finishes are substantially more expensive due to the high labor requirements.
3. Santa Barbara Finish
The Santa Barbara stucco finish is a popular choice for many homeowners and is characterized by its smooth, glossy surface. It is typically white, but can also be found in other colors such as cream, light gray, or even pink. It is easy to maintain and can last for many years with proper care.
This type of stucco finish is named after the city of Santa Barbara, California, where it was first developed. Extra-small sand particles are used in the finish to give it a semi-smooth appearance.
Note: The disadvantage of this finish is that, like the smooth finish, it is difficult to repair or patch if it cracks.
How to Apply Santa Barbara Finish?
Two coats of classic stucco are needed to get the desired effect. The base coat should be applied using a pool trowel and when it gets dried, a subsequent coat should be applied.
Before hardening, a float is used to smooth the second layer, which is significantly thicker than the first, and applied with the pool trowel.
Average Cost
It typically costs between $6 and $9 per square foot. However, factors like your wall’s condition and your home’s location, and the contractor’s labor charges will affect the average price.
4. Lace Finish
Lace finishes are popular because they add an elegant, decorative touch to a home. They can also be used to cover up imperfections in the wall or to create a unique design.
When you hear the word “stucco,” chances are you’ll picture something with this texture. It’s a popular choice since it can be used in both residential and commercial settings and also hides installation flaws. Lace finishes are often white or off-white in color.
There are three grades of this finish: fine, coarse, and medium. It may also take on a variety of distinct appearances yet have the same texture, which makes it appealing to a wide spectrum of people.
How to Apply Lace Finish?
This type of finish is most commonly achieved with traditional acrylic stucco.
To achieve a lace effect, typical stucco must be applied in two layers. Two coats are used: one as the base coat, and one as the texture coat. Most installers use a wet trowel to apply this texture, but it may also be sprayed on and knocked down with a wet trowel.
Average Cost
Lace finish costs $4.25 to $7 per square foot on average, although these costs might vary depending on the state of the wall.
5. Sandstone Finish
A sandstone finish is a popular type of stucco finish that gives the surface a rough, textured look. It is created by adding sand to the stucco mix.
Stucco with a sandstone finish is quite frequent in commercial structures. Because sand and stucco are used to create the finish, it has the appearance of beach sand.
This type of finish is often used on exterior walls because it provides good insulation and can help to disguise imperfections on the surface.
How to Apply Sandstone Finish?
Traditional or synthetic stucco can be used to apply a sand finish, which is then troweled by hand. The foam float is also used to level out the stucco, guaranteeing a good finish.
First, spray the sand finish, and then trowel it down to a smooth finish. A single coat of this finish is ideal.
Average Cost
Between $2 and $5 per square foot is the usual cost of putting the sand finish without labour charges.
Planning to Add Stucco to Your Apartment Soon?
A wide variety of attractive finishes may be achieved by applying stucco to the exterior of your apartment, all of which contribute to its overall curb appeal. But you need to hire professionals to get the job done. Valet Works is a construction company that provides different services for apartments like renovation and stuccoing.
We specialize in interior design as well as custom stuccoing services, and we also offer a variety of commercial construction projects for residential, industrial, and retail clients.
FAQs
Is it possible to re-stucco an existing stucco wall?
Yes! It’s fine if you prefer to re-stucco over the original stucco as long as the old stucco is in decent shape. Your first step should be to assess the structural stability of the previous stucco. If you see any fractures on the surface, this is a clue that the structure’s integrity has been damaged in some way.
Can I remove the stucco by myself?
Yes! Even though it’s time-consuming, demanding, and hectic, anyone who has the time and the right tools can do it.
How Long Does the Stucco Keep Its Look?
A period of 50 to 80 years. Stucco has a long lifespan when compared to other types of siding. Maintenance and care are essential if the material is to survive more than eight decades.