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How to Repair Stucco
Stucco Repair Tools
- Straight edge. This is used at the beginning of the process to scrape off all loose and deteriorating stucco.
- Bucket. You will need this to prep water and mix your materials.
- Large trowel. This tool is used to apply the new stucco mix to the damaged areas.
- Rubber concrete hand float. After applying the stucco, this tool helps you level it out to match the rest of the wall.
- Green foam float. This is used while wet to feather out the repaired sections, helping the new design match the original wall texture.
- Video. In the age of the internet, there’s no sense doing things without help from how-to experts, and how-to stucco repair video is a great assistant as you DIY.
Stucco Repair Materials
- Stucco. You can use finishing coat stucco (which you mix yourself) or pre-mixed stucco, which is more expensive but can save time.
- Water. Needed for cleaning debris from the wall, mixing the stucco to the right consistency, and wetting the green float.
- Concrete glue or adhesive. If you are mixing your own stucco, adding this helps the new mix stick to the repair area
- Paint. Once the repair has dried for a couple of days, you will need paint to finish the project.
Step By Step Process: How to Repair Stucco
Step 1 - Remove Loose Stucco and Clean the Surface.
Begin by using a straight edge to scrape off all loose and deteriorating stucco. Thoroughly clean the surrounding area of any dirt and debris. The goal is to clean off existing fragments and create a stable surface for application of the new stucco. Good cleaning helps the new stucco adhere correctly to the wall.
Step 2 - Prepare the Stucco Mix
As you prepare the stucco mix you’ve got two options.
- Manual Mix. Buy stucco mix and mix the finishing coat stucco with water, adding small amounts of water at a time until you reach the correct consistency. With this option you’ll also want to add the right amount of concrete glue or adhesive. Concrete glue makes the stucco mix stick to the wall and improves the long-term bonding. This option is less expensive costing $15-$25 dollars for an 80-90 lbs bag.
- Pre-mixed. You can also use pre-mixed stucco to save time. Only downside here is the cost difference. Pre-mixed stucco is more expensive. This second options costs between $60-$100 for a 5-gallon bucket.
Step 3 - Apply the Stucco
- Use a large trowel to apply the scratch coat. Fill the repair area to the depth of the original layer. Make sure the new stucco is compacted well and fill in any voids. You’ll apply the new stucco mix directly to the damaged areas. Note: as the first layer cures, mark horizontal lines into the surface with a notched tool so your next coat will grip. I
- Once applied, use a rubber concrete hand float to level the new stucco so it sits flush with the rest of the wall.
- Wet a green foam float and use it to feather out the repaired sections. This helps the new stucco blend into the original wall’s design. You may need to adjust the amount of water used on the float to match your specific stucco style.
- Ideally, you’ll now wait 48 hours to a week before applying your second coat.
- Apply the second coat of stucco mix, called the brown coat, and wait another 48 hours.
- Once fully dry, you can paint over the area to finish the project, as needed.
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Stucco Repair List
Safety glasses
Work gloves
Dust mask or respirator
Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
Utility knife
Hammer
Cold chisel
Masonry brush or wire brush
Shop vacuum or hand broom
Tin snips
Galvanized metal lath or stucco mesh patch
Galvanized roofing nails or masonry fasteners
Staple gun or appropriate fasteners for lath attachment
Bonding agent, if needed
Premixed stucco repair mix or site-mixed stucco
Mixing bucket or wheelbarrow
Margin trowel
Stucco trowel
Hawk (Mortar Board)
Pointing trowel
Float or sponge float
Spray bottle or garden sprayer with water
Paintbrush for bonding agent
Exterior-grade primer, if painting
Exterior masonry paint to match existing finish
Caulk for sealing gaps around trim or penetrations, if needed
