Help, trying to stucco a ceiling and it’s not sticking. What to do??? does the mix need to be thick or wet? Do I need to add more Portland cement to the ready mix?
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What are you trying to stick it to?
On to a metal lath
Since you’re in over your head both literally and figuratively having bitten of more than you can chew, I’m going to give you a few words of discouragement. Having never done stuccoed overhead before you can’t do it. If you’re still determined what you need is hours of practice. You need to practice getting the mix right, neither too wet nor to dry, and you need to practice applying it. (I assume you mean expanded metal lath) Sooner or later you will probably be able to do it. Most likely later. I’ve floated lots of tile backing on metal lath but I’ve never even thought about doing a ceiling.
Don't forget that the first coat is the "scratch coat'". It's meant to be rough and if you're able to get is smooth should be scratched with a notched trowel. Don't worry if some of the lath shows.
“[Deleted]”
I agree with Mike. Parging lath overhead is more akin to an art than a trade. Doing a good job of it is like magic. But, one hint. When you run your hand over lath it will be smooth in one direction and rough in the other. Always pull the mud against the rough direction.