FAQs

1. Can you paint stucco?

You can paint stucco as long as the stone siding on the building’s exterior is in good condition. We recommend cleaning the old stucco first and checking it for cracks before you begin painting. All cracks and crevices in the stucco should be caulked in advance.

2. How to clean stucco?

You can use gentle pressure power washing to clean exterior stucco. If the pressure washer is too strong, it can damage the outer layer and create more pores that would accumulate dirt and debris over time.

3. How to apply stucco?

Step 1: The stucco mix is applied to the outside of a building at a 45° angle with a trowel. The thickness of the layer of stucco should be about ⅜ of an inch over an entire area.
Step 2: The stucco is evened out using a straight edge or a darby.
Step 3: Using a raking tool, a scratch coat is applied on top of the first stucco coat. Leave it to dry for 48 hours.
Step 4: Another ⅜ inch-thick coat (called the brown coat) is applied on top of the scratch coat.
Step 5: Even out the brown coat and fill in any gaps, bringing the total thickness of the stucco to ¾ inches.
Step 6: After the stucco loses its sheen, float its surface evenly.
Step 7: Cure the stucco with a fine water mist and leave it to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Step 8: add additional coats of stucco as needed for the type of building.

4. What is stucco made of?

Stucco is made of fine sand, cement, lime and water. Some types of stucco can contain an additional mix of fibres and synthetic acrylics that aim to add durability and flexibility to the material.

5. What is stucco siding?

Siding (or wall cladding), in general, is the protective material that is applied to the outside of a house or a building. Stucco is a great option for house siding because it adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and prevents water from entering the house.

6. How much does stucco cost?

Stucco is a reasonably-priced exterior siding material. Per every square footage, you can expect the cost to install stucco siding to be around $18 – $24 per square foot. Including the labour and material, a stucco installation job costs from $12,000 to $15,000.

7. What are some stucco pros and cons?

A big stucco advantage is that it’s durable and fire-resistant. It can also be applied on top of any exterior house material. Some stucco disadvantages include the high labour fees to apply stucco so it’s a little pricier to install than some other material such as fibre-based cement or vinyl. Stucco can also develop tiny cracks over time because it can be easily impacted by flying debris.

8. What does stucco look like?

You can give stucco any finish and texture you like during the stucco application process. Stucco has a matte finish and can be used as an accent element in an all-brick exterior.

9. Can you stucco over existing stucco?

You can stucco over existing stucco as long as you take the proper measures to ensure the integrity of the new layer. This includes inspecting the old stucco and sealing any cracks in the wall.

10. What are the types of stucco?

There are two main types of stucco n the market: traditional stucco and synthetic stucco. Traditional stucco is made of Portland cement, fine sand, water, and lime, whereas synthetic stucco is multilayered, consisting of a foam insulation board, a coat of synthetic stucco, fibreglass mesh, and a top stucco coat.

11. What is acrylic stucco?

Acrylic stucco is stucco that is coated with an acrylic-polymer finish to prevent the material from cracking and increase its durability.

12. How long does stucco last?

Stucco can last up to 100 years with the right care and maintenance. Climate also impacts the longevity of the stucco during application. Freshly applied

13. What is the difference between concrete and stucco?

The difference between stucco and concrete is the lime component. Concrete is made of cement, sand, and water. Add lime to it to the mix and you get stucco.

14. What is the difference between stucco and plaster?

Stucco is a mixture of lime, sand, cement and water, while plaster is a mix of acrylics and sand. Stucco is also used outside, whereas plaster is mostly used inside because it’s not durable in changing weather.

15. Does stucco increase home value?

If the stucco siding you have adds aesthetic benefit to your property’s exterior, it can increase its market value. Further, since stucco is inexpensive to maintain long-term, it can be appealing to potential buyers or tenants in the event you put your house up for sale or rent.

16. Should stucco be sealed?

Freshly installed stucco can be seal using a clear silicone-type sealer to prevent moisture and water from penetrating it.

17. What are the different types of stucco finishes?

Stucco finishes include max coat, Venetian, fine spray, pebble coat, desert sand, grain, tricolour, gemstone, marble, and pebble rock. Take a look at all the textured stucco finishes that we offer here.

Exterior stucco design with stone siding