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Can You Put Stucco Over Brick? (How To) 

Interior walls, external walls, and ceilings have all been successfully covered in stucco.

As it is made of cement, sand, and water, when you apply it to the wall, it usually takes on a damp appearance, but soon dries into a solid finish.

Brick and stucco are both examples of masonry and laying stucco over brick is normally fine, producing an acceptable finish. Stucco offers a resilient coating that can successfully conceal brickwork and improve its appearance. It is a versatile and durable finish that can last up to 30 years or more.

Man cleaning the siding of the house

Stucco is a resilient substance that gives good fire protection and is also fairly low-maintenance. Stucco is also a fantastic insulator, helping to keep the interior temperature constant throughout the year.

This is why the design was popular in extremely hot regions, since it prevented the need for air conditioning by keeping the cooler air within.

While stucco is a great finish to put over brickwork, it is important that the wall is properly prepared to avoid problems with dampness later on.

You must first make sure that any faults, fractures, or holes in the brick are filled with hydraulic cement before you begin the stucco installation procedure.

Avoid using regular cement, as hydraulic cement consists of limestone, clay, and gypsum and is designed to harden when the anhydrous cement powder and water combine and cause the cement to solidify.

The layer of thick cement turns into concrete after a few hours and is then ready for stucco application.

Metal flashing is also required before applying stucco to your bricks as it will stop water from damaging the finish and causing the stucco to deteriorate.

Should You Put Stucco Over Brick?

Red siding house

Given that both the brick and the stucco are masonry products, they bond rather effectively.

But keep in mind that some types of pollutants or certain paint chemicals might reduce the stucco’s adhesion to the brick.

To test the brick surface’s suitability, it’s crucial to sprinkle water on the brick before adding stucco. If the water soaks into the brickwork, then it’s a good indication that the stucco will adhere effectively. If the water doesn’t soak in then you’ll need to wash the surface with detergent.

If the water still doesn’t penetrate the bricks after being thoroughly cleaned, you’ll need to apply a masonry bonding agent.

Wait for the brick to dry completely before painting it with a masonry bonding agent if this doesn’t work and the brick still won’t absorb the water.

Bonding agents are designed to ensure that the stucco and brickwork bind together firmly and act as one unified layer.

You can apply the bonding agent using a normal paintbrush or a roller covering the entire surface of the brickwork.

What Tools Do You Need To Put Stucco Over Brick?

Tools for cement

Applying stucco is relatively easy if you have the right tools for the job and a great finish can be easily achieved by any DIY enthusiast.

You’ll need a large bucket or wheelbarrow to mix your stucco with a spade to handle the large quantities needed. Then a hawk, plaster’s trowel, finishing trowel, and a bucket trowel are the minimum tools needed to apply the stucco. A plasterer’s float is used to smooth the surface.

The bucket trowel allows you to transfer the stucco from your bucket or wheelbarrow onto your hawk and then transport it to the work surface.

You may want to achieve a sand finish or a float finish, in which case, you’ll need a sponge float that will allow you to draw the aggregate out of the surface.

For finer work, a pointing knife and a window trowel will allow you to get into the hard-to-reach areas around the windows and other openings.

If the surface of the bricks requires cleaning to remove dust, moss, or other contaminants, then a pressure washer is a helpful tool to prepare the surface.

When covering large areas, you may need a ladder to reach the top or, preferably, scaffolding. It is preferable to use scaffolding as you will have a more solid surface to walk on and there is less chance of falling off.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 21, 2022.

What Preparations Do You Need To Put Stucco Over Brick?

Construction worker preparing for house renovation

While stucco can last for many decades, its longevity depends on how well the bricks are cleaned and prepared.

The first step in preparing a brick wall for stucco is to clean the surface thoroughly. Use a pressure washer or a hose and brush to remove all the surface grit and grime. If there is a paint residue or grease, it must be removed and then painted with a suitable bonding agent.

Any brickwork that is cracked or broken must be repaired using good-quality hydraulic cement. Avoid using regular cement as you will not get the necessary chemical bond required for a great finish.

Once the hydraulic cement is dry, you can paint the surface with the bonding agent and then apply the stucco.

Don’t forget to place galvanized metal flashing on top of the brickwork to prevent water from getting in behind the bricks.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 21, 2022.

How To Put Stucco Over Brick

confused woman standing

Applying stucco is usually a two-man job that can be accomplished by a reasonably competent DIY enthusiast.

It is important that you read the instructions on how to mix the stucco and adhere to the drying times.

After cleaning and preparing the brickwork, apply a ½ inch layer of stucco to the brickwork using a trowel. After covering the bricks, wait a few hours and after the first layer has begun to set, use a plasterer’s rake to lightly scrape the surface. You do this to create a scratch coat.

The scratch coat is created so that the top coatings can adhere properly and create a strong bond.

You may not need to apply more than one layer of stucco if you apply a thick enough layer and the grouting lines don’t show through.

You can make your stucco finish smooth using a sponge float or you can create patterns in it similar to those found on older buildings.

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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 21, 2022.

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