How to Stucco Simplified

Simplified guide on how to stucco

Stucco is a popular wall finish for both interiors and exteriors. For outer walls, it is applied over a protective, waterproof wrap (to protect the wall frame from moisture damage), a wooden or PVC lath that acts like a frame, and in several coatings, with a wire mesh embedded on the first coating to strengthen the stucco when it sets. Stucco mortar can be mixed with coloring pigments or combed and painted manually to achieve the desired look and texture.

Stucco for inner walls, meanwhile, would usually be made of synthetic stucco or textured stucco paint. It is usually applied as a layer over deteriorated walls.

Here is how to stucco a room wall:

Materials

• Textured or stucco paint
• Spackling compound
• Covering for furniture/furnishings
• Masking tape
• Liquid detergent
• Strong household detergent

Tools

• Paint roller with loop-textured roller cover, 3-inch paint roller, or trowel
• Putty knife or paint scraper
• Stiff brush
• Metal comb
• Bucket and sponge
• Stepladder

Procedure

1. Secure all furniture or furnishings in the room. Move them to an area as far from the wall to be stuccoed as possible; if all walls are to be treated, place all furniture in the center of the room and cover them with cloth. Cover fixtures such as lights or switches with the masking tape. Clean surfaces to be stuccoed with household detergent and hot water and allow to dry completely.
2. Apply spackling compound to areas with deep gouges or cracks. Let these dry completely (for up to 8 hours, ideally prepare it for overnight) too.
3. Paint on the stucco mixture. Apply it in small areas, staring from the edges and working outwards to the rest of the wall. Create the texture per area before stuccoing the rest of the surface. The texture can be created depending on the thickness of the paint, and the type of applicator used. Use a paint roller with a loop-textured roller cover, a trowel, a metal comb, or a stiff brush to achieve different outcomes. Practice creating a desired texture on a piece of plywood or hardwood before working on the actual wall.
4. Let the stucco paint dry for up to 8 hours or depending on the label. Clean up the surfaces afterwards.

www.Skystucco.com offers more instructions on how to stucco along with valuable tips.

*Sky Stucco assumes no responsibility regarding the accuracy of the information that is provided by Sky Stucco and use of such information is at the recipient's own risk. Sky Stucco provides no assurances that any reported problems may be resolved with the use of any information that Sky Stucco provides. Consult Sky Stucco or another professional to provide accurate information that is specific to your needs. Information may be changed or updated without notice.