If your home is in dire need of a makeover, stuccoing may be the answer. Stuccoing is an old method that has experienced a recent surge in popularity.
Your house can get an instant makeover and a boost in its curb appeal by using this exterior wall finish. Not to mention, stuccoing can also improve your home’s energy efficiency.
If you are new to stuccoing, this guide on “how to stucco your walls ” is for you.
In this post, we will go over all the basics, like what materials you’ll need and how to prepare your walls for stuccoing, and the entire process step-by-step. Stay tuned!
What Is Stucco?
Stucco is a type of plaster that is used to finish the exterior walls of homes and other buildings.
It is made from a mixture of portland cement, sand, and water, and can be applied to both concrete and masonry surfaces.
Stucco is applied wet and then allowed to dry and harden. It is typically applied in three coats. Once the stucco is dry, it is extremely durable and weather-resistant. The final coat is usually troweled smooth.
Things to Consider Before Stuccoing
i) Check out the Weather
Stuccoing requires ideal conditions in both weather and temperature. Stucco may dry too rapidly in high temperatures, causing it to shrink or crack easily. It also becomes too thick to distribute effectively if the temperature is too low. Stucco should be applied on an overcast (but not rainy) day when the temperature is between 55 and 80° Fahrenheit.
ii) Remove Dust From Walls
Use a stiff brush or a broom to sweep away all of the dust that has accumulated on the surface that you are working on.
You may also use a pressure washer if the external finish of your house can withstand it without being damaged.
If there are any cracks, patch them up.
iii) Keep Walls Moist
You are required to use a mister to keep the walls moist if you are putting stucco on walls that are already made of brick or cement blocks.
There are typically three coats of stucco used.
- The first layer, known as the “scratch” coat, is the base coat.
- The “brown” or second coat comes next, and it is the leveling coat that ensures the wall will be smooth.
- The finish coat is the last layer, and it is the layer of stucco that will be visible to the naked eye.
What Will You Need?
There are several options available to you when it comes to supplies for stucco.
i) Stucco Material
You can either use pre-mixed stucco, which is readily available at most home improvement stores, or you can mix your own.
If you opt to mix your own, you’ll need Portland cement, lime, sand, and water.
ii) Other tools for Stuccoing
- A hawk and a trowel for applying the stucco
- A float for smoothing it out
- A brush for texturing.
- A ladder will also be helpful if you’re working on a wall that is taller than you are
- Bucket
- Plastic sheeting
- Damp sponge
- Scratch tool
- Hammer
- Galvanized nails
- Roofing felt, house wrap, or concrete bonding agent
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
How to Stucco Your Walls?
Step 1: Prepare the Walls
A concrete bonding agent must first be applied to the walls before putting stucco on a block, brick, or concrete wall. The concrete bonding agent must be allowed to dry.
Step 2: Moisture Protection for Wooden Walls
Wooden walls need moisture protection before anything else. Using roofing felt or plastic house wrap, cover the walls and secure them with staples. Horizontal seams should overlap by at least 6 inches, and vertical seams by at least 2 inches, to prevent gaps.
Step 3: Cover the Walls
Metal mesh of 17 gauge should be applied to the walls and secured with galvanized roofing nails (once again overlapping the seams to ensure total coverage).
Step 4: Apply the “Scratch Coat”
As directed by the manufacturer, start by combining the stucco mix with water in a bucket.
Use a trowel to evenly apply the “scratch” coat to the wall surface after the mixture reaches the consistency of thick mud.
TIP: Start at the bottom and work your way up in sections.
The Scratch coat consists of a half-inch layer of mortar mix pressed down into the wire mesh and distributed with a trowel.
Once the entire wall is covered, smooth out any bumps or ridges with the trowel.
Step 5: Drying and Scratching of Wall
The scratch coat needs time to dry once it has been applied. After that, a scratch tool is used to give the surface a rougher texture. To make your own scratch tool, just drill through a 1-inch by 2-inch piece of wood with 1.5-inch nails spaced approximately an inch apart. Make horizontal “scratches” on the base coat of stucco, approximately an eighth of an inch thick, using nails with heads that stick out half an inch.
Step 6: Misting the Walls
Let the stucco dry gently for a day or two after scratching the surface, spraying it with water intermittently to prevent it from drying too quickly.
Step 7: Apply the Second Coat
When the scratch coat is dry, apply the brown coat (or layer) about half an inch thick and “float” it to make sure it is smooth. You should spray this coat as it dries to keep it slightly damp and avoid cracking.
Step 8: Apply the Finishing Coat
The final layer of coating should be applied at this point. You may create any pattern you choose by using a trowel to spread it out to a thickness of about one-fourth of an inch, and then you can design it any way you like.
Step 9: Give It a Finishing Touch
Now that the majority of the work has been completed, it is time to add the finishing touches to your stucco walls.
This can be done with a trowel or even a brush. Just make sure that the texture you’re creating is not too deep.
Another way to add some visual interest to your stucco walls is to use different colors. You can either paint your entire wall one color, or you can use a technique called color washing, where you sponge on a lighter or darker shade of paint over the base color. This can create a really beautiful effect.
Step 10: Add Accessories to the Wall
Finally, don’t forget about lighting when it comes to your stucco walls. Adding some accent lighting can really make them pop, and it can also be functional if you’re using your wall as a workspace. Wall-mounted lamps are a great option for this.
That’s it! With these tips, your stucco walls will look great!
Stuccoing Walls is too Laborious For You?
Stuccoing walls is a cost-effective way to make your home stand out from the rest. Get tips on how to get the perfect stucco finish and trust Valet Works with all of your renovation needs.
Valet Works provides quality services to those looking to boost their apartment value by changing its look or renovating it. We have extensive knowledge in the field with many years of experience. As a company, we are committed to providing our customers with excellent workmanship that you can count on us as a reliable service.
FAQs
Why should I stucco my home?
There are many reasons to consider stuccoing your home.
- It can cover up imperfections
If your home’s exterior walls are cracked or damaged, stucco can cover up those imperfections and give your home a smooth, finished look.
- It protects walls from damage
Stucco acts as a barrier against wind, rain, and other elements. This can enhance the energy efficiency of your home by maintaining a more stable indoor temperature.
- It’s low maintenance
How do you stucco as a beginner?
If you’re interested in learning how to stucco your walls, this guide will teach you everything you need to know.
We have gone through the fundamentals of stucco, from what it is to how it is applied, and how to achieve a polished effect.
What do you put under the stucco?
There are a few different things that you can put under stucco to help with drainage and to keep the wall insulated.
One option is to put a layer of chicken wire over the top of the wall before you start putting on the stucco. This will help to keep the stucco in place while it dries.
Another option is to put a layer of tar paper over the wall before you start putting on the stucco. This will help to keep moisture from seeping into the wall and will also help to insulate the wall.
Is stucco cheaper than siding?
It’s natural to compare the costs of stucco and siding when considering which to use on your home’s exterior. Although the exact cost difference between stucco and siding can vary depending on a number of factors, the former is often more expensive.
The biggest factor in the cost difference is the installation – stucco requires more time and labor to install than siding.
However, stucco also has a longer lifespan and higher resistance to fire and pests, so it may be worth the extra cost in the long run.