Introduction:

Stucco is a popular exterior finish for buildings due to its durability, versatility, and low maintenance requirements. It can be applied in various ways to achieve different textures and looks. In this article, we will explore three ways to do stucco: traditional three-coat stucco, one-coat stucco, and synthetic stucco.

1. Traditional Three-Coat Stucco:

This method is the most common and has been used for centuries. As the name suggests, it consists of three layers: the scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat.

– Scratch Coat: The first layer is a blend of cement, sand, and water. This mixture is applied to a wire lath attached to the building’s exterior. The scratch coat forms a base for the next layers and is usually around 3/8 inch thick.

– Brown Coat: The second layer is applied after the scratch coat has dried adequately. It consists of a similar cement-sand mixture but has a smoother consistency. The brown coat evens out any irregularities in the scratch coat to create a smooth surface for the finish coat—typical thickness ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 inch.

– Finish Coat: The final layer of stucco is called the finish coat. It’s usually mixed with color pigments or added textures to achieve the desired appearance. Common finishes include smooth or textured options such as sand or lace finish.

2. One-Coat Stucco:

This method has gained popularity in recent years due to shorter application time and reduced labor costs compared to the traditional three-coat stucco.

– One-coat stucco consists of a specially designed pre-blended mix that contains cement, sand, fibers, polymers, and other additives necessary for improved performance. This blend is applied over a fiber-reinforced water-resistant barrier and lath and typically ranges between 1/2 to 3/4 inch in thickness.

– The finish coat in the one-coat system is applied similarly to that of traditional stucco, with color pigments and texturing techniques being utilized as desired.

3. Synthetic Stucco (EIFS – Exterior Insulation and Finish System):

Synthetic stucco, or EIFS, differs from traditional stucco in that it uses foam insulation boards instead of wire lath as the base. This method offers better insulation properties and compatibility with a wide range of finishes.

– In this process, foam insulation boards are attached directly to the building exterior with specially formulated adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The insulation boards also serve as a base for further layers of synthetic stucco material.

– A fiberglass mesh is then applied over the board, followed by a base coat (usually around 1/16-inch thick) consisting of cement, acrylic polymers, and sand. Finally, the finish coat comprises colored acrylic polymer-based finishes that provide various textures and aesthetic appearances.

Conclusion:

Selecting the appropriate stucco application method depends on factors such as budget, time constraints, and desired outcome. Each method offers its advantages, but all require proper preparation and attention to detail. By understanding these three ways to do stucco, you can confidently choose the right option for your next project.