Apply Stucco...

It's easiest to mix small amounts of stucco in a 5 gallon bucket, simply because it gives you more control as you "stir" the dry ingredient and slowly add water. What you're looking for is a thick paste-like consistency (if it holds its shape when you mold it with your hand, it's mixed properly).

In general, you only want to prepare the amount of stucco mixture that can be used within an hour's time or less. Any more and the mixture will begin to dry out. You'll also want to periodically re-mix the stucco as you're working to keep it moist.

Brick, Block, or Concrete Wall or Column

Before applying stucco, make certain you dampen the surface. This will prevent moisture from being drawn out of the mortar.

Apply stucco in two layers. The first one is the brown coat and should be applied 3/8" thick.




Load stucco onto a hawk and then onto your stucco trowel. Start by holding the trowel against the surface at a 45° angle and then gradually bring it down to a 30° angle as you spread and push the stucco onto the wall. (On a vertical surface, you'll find it's much easier to work your trowel in an upward motion rather than to the side.)

After that first layer of stucco has hardened slightly, go over the entire surface with a sponge trowel using swirling motions. Although this step is optional, doing so will consolidate the stucco and reduce the amount of cracking that can occur during the curing process.

Once you've smoothed out the base coat, you need to "scratch" grooves into the surface using a metal scarifier (or you can make a scratch tool by driving nails spaced 1" apart through a 12" 2x2). This will prepare the layer for the finish coat, ensuring that it adheres properly.


The second layer is the finish coat and should only be applied 1/8" thick. This can be troweled on smooth or with some form of texture.

To prevent cracking, mist the final coat periodically with water during the curing process.

Once the final coat cures (approximately 6 to 8 weeks depending on weather conditions), you can cover the wall or column with paint that is specifically formulated for stucco.

NOTE: Instead of painting, you can add pigment to the stucco to give it the desired color. Keep in mind, however, that you need to be very precise with how much pigment you add to each "batch" of stucco. If you don't get the mix the same each and every time, you could end up with a surface that appears blotchy due to variations in color.


Wooden Surface

Staple 15-pound roofing felt (or a similar moisture barrier) over the entire surface. Overlap the edges a couple of inches to get a good water-resistant seal. Using galvanized nails, cover the surface with metal stucco wire.

Apply a scratch coat of stucco 3/8" thick, forcing the mixture into the wire. Once the scratch coat sets up, apply a second 3/8" layer (referred to as a brown coat). Allow to cure for at least 24 hours, misting with water periodically to keep the surface damp and prevent cracking.

Apply a finish coat 1/8" - 1/4" thick, adding the desired texture.

Wait until the stucco has completely cured (approximately 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the weather conditions), before applying paint.