Stucco walls always look so pretty and really make a home stand out, but many people think it’s not something they can do themselves. Although it’s often better to get professionals for this kind of job, you can still do it yourself if you are inspired and have the right tools.
Putting Stucco over a concrete surface isn’t uncommon practice and you’ll find it can greatly enhance how your walls look. You’ll have to prepare the wall for this application to make sure you do it the right way.
Stucco has many benefits, such as being fungus-resistant as well as rot-resistant, and durable. It’s also more affordable than you’d think and doesn’t ask for a lot of maintenance to continue looking awesome.
Should You Put Stucco Over Concrete?
Stucco has a way of making a house (or room) look more distinguished, but should you be applying it over concrete walls?
Unless you live in a wet environment, there is no reason not to put stucco over concrete. Water can seep through since the stucco is porous, and that could lead to it crumbling.
That is the only reason why you should think twice about applying stucco over concrete. If that’s not a problem, you can start getting ready to beautify your home with it right away!
What Tools Do You Need to Put Stucco Over Concrete?
As is the case with any home renovation or construction job, the end results will only be as good as the tools you use and the effort you put in. There are several specific tools you’ll have to get if you want to successfully apply stucco over concrete.
To put stucco over concrete, you will need a trowel, a stucco float, and in some cases, a corner trowel. These tools will help you apply the stucco more professionally and result in a better-looking wall.
Once you have all the tools you need, your project can start and it should go off without a hitch. Here’s a quick look at all the tools you should have ready:
- Trowel
- Stucco float
- Corner trowel
- Portland cement (stucco)
- Pigment (optional)
- Stucco spray (optional)
- Paintbrush
- Plasterer’s rake
- Broom
- Texture roller
What Preparations Do You Need to Put Stucco Over Concrete?
Although you may want to just jump right in and start your project, there are a few things you need to do first.
You have to prepare the surface of the wall before you put stucco over concrete walls. If you don’t ensure that the surface is more absorbent and less rough, the application won’t be as successful.
Here’s a more detailed look at the preparations you need to make:
You need to make sure the wall’s surface is rough and absorbent. If there is already paint on the wall, you can try and sandblast it before applying the bonding agent.
You should also check for cracks or large holes that should be repaired with a layer of skim coating. Clean the wall and get rid of any dirt and other contaminants—a power washer should be quite effective.
Next, you’ll have to apply the bonding agent, which is discussed in the next paragraph.
How to Put Stucco Over Concrete
Once you have all your tools ready and made the necessary preparations, you can start putting the stucco over your concrete walls.
To apply stucco over concrete and beautify your home’s walls, you have to mix the stucco with water. You’ll have to apply several coats of the mixture to the walls and let them harden for good results.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how to put stucco over concrete:
Apply the Bonding Agent
First, you will have to apply a coat of concrete bonding agent to help the stucco adhere to your concrete wall. You’ll do that with a paintbrush. Find a bonding agent that you feel is the best option for your project and don’t settle for anything that you don’t like.
Let the bonding agent dry completely before you move to the next step.
Mix the Stucco and Water
Next, you’ll have to mix the stucco with the right amount of water. The packaging instructions should indicate how much water you need to use. Ideally, the stucco should have the consistency of a thick paste that keeps its shape when you try to mold it in your hands.
Apply the First Coat
Now it’s time to apply the first coat of stucco to your concrete wall. This coat is also called the scratch coat and it’s what will help the final coat you apply to properly bond to the wall. For this, you need to use a flat finishing trowel.
Spread the stucco across the surface, making sure you apply it evenly. You should make sure that this coat is between 1/4 inch and half an inch thick.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 22, 2022.
Once applied, you have to leave the coat so it can harden slightly.
Scratch the First Coat
You have to scratch the first coat, and for that, you need a plasterer’s rake. Make sure the scratches are about 1/8 inch thick.
Drag the rake horizontally across the first coat. Scratch the entire wall and then leave the coat so it can dry completely. This can take anything between 36 hours and two full days. You should also spray the surface with a fine mist regularly during this drying time. This damp curing process is done to ensure that the stucco is nice and strong.
Apply the Second Coat
Once the first coat is completely dry, you can proceed to apply the second coat. Use the trowel and spread the stucco over the wall’s surface. Stick to a thickness of 1/4 or 1/8 inch.
If you prefer a smooth surface, you can smooth the coat now. Alternatively, if you want it to look unique, you can add a texture. You can use a broom or texture roller for this purpose.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 22, 2022.
You’ll need to leave the coat to dry/cure for several days. Don’t be too hasty with this part of the project. Remember to spray the surface regularly.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 22, 2022.