Replies

1. 
   brownbagg | Jul 02, 2002 04:11am | #1

   Do a search on "Portland cement association" also check out the concrete network

1. 
   patwig | Jul 03, 2002 05:23am | #2

   Thanks, BROWNBAGG.

   I'm finding the info a little scarce, even at these sites, that I diligently found and fathomed. I'll write up a little expose' as a follow-up to this question, if I ever get something solid.

   Thanks for taking the time.

   Patwig

2. 
   spinnm | Jul 03, 2002 03:51pm | #3

   Patwig,

   If you can't find what you're looking for at those web sites, maybe I can help.  What are you looking for?  I've done lots of it, tho am not a pro.

   Shelley in NM

1. 
   patwig | Jul 03, 2002 05:29pm | #4

   Shelley,

   I suppose I can put together everything except the edge metal (dunno what to call it, the steel that frames around windows and wherever else the stucco stops.)

   And I could sure use a good source of information about the process in general.

   thanks,

   Patwig

1. 
   RalphWicklund | Jul 03, 2002 06:22pm | #5

   May I suggest you let you fingers do the walking? Stucco Contractors may or may not be willing to help but the folks at the supply houses will likely walk you through the procedures and let you put your hands on the various components that make up the stucco system. I have no trouble getting most of them to break cartons for individual sticks of whatever I need. Also, look into using the vinyl products instead of metal. Some will say different but then I've never seen a vinyl product rust out, expand and blow off a corner of a building or trim work.

   Since it is your house you can afford to make some learning mistakes and end up with a good job. After figuring out the basics you could mock up a wall section on a sheet of plywood, nail up the lath and the stops and practice applying the scratch, brown and finish coats. It will look better and go on easier if you also get the proper tools.

   You can buy ready mixed stucco base coat in a bag but that material invariably contains a small amount of course aggregate that will frustrate you as it gouges and pulls the material off the substrate. All stucco crews I've worked with have a load of good sand delivered and then screen it again before shoveling it into the mixer.

2. 
   spinnm | Jul 03, 2002 07:27pm | #6

   You mean the bead thing?  That's called Plaster Stop.  Usually only used where there is a transition..ie plaster to door jambs or plaster to a wooden gable.  Also used in long runs the same way an expansion joint is used on a slab.  Somewhere where you want a nice, crisp edge. Something to plaster to.  Depending upon your windows you may not need it there.

   Here's what I know.  Beware of the new, synthetic stuff.  House doesn't breath.  Many lawsuits.  Just do it the old way....scratch, brown and color.

   Stucco wire or netting.  Looks like chicken wire with a smaller opening.  You can buy it with Jumbo-Tex (looks like black butcher paper) already attached.  Or you can nail up Jumbo Tex or roofing felt separately and put plain stucco wire over it in a two step application.  It's put on with stucco nails....which are nails with an aluminum disk at the top.  We've also used an air stapler, but only on adobe which has plenty of indentations for a good key.  Don't know how that would work on a flat surface.  You want a small amount of slack in the wire.  This is your plaster key.  Just a wee amount.

   In addition to the wire you'll need to cut pieces of metal lath for extra grip in those areas which are prone to cracking....around openings like doors and windows.

   Lets see.  Buy all your color coat at once.  Comes in dye lots.  Get a recipe when you do the color coat and stick with it.  Color affected by the amount of water. If the color winds up uneven most companies make a fog coat that will even it out.  You mix it with water, strain it and apply with a garden sprayer if the job is small. Just like any concrete job mist it several times a day for a week or so to make sure that it cures slowly.  Avoid doing the stucco for as long as you can if the structure is new.  Let it twist and dry out first.

   You can paint rather than color coat it.  I used to think that was a cheesy thing to do until we bought a house with painted stucco and built an addition.  If you use paint especially made for concrete it works fine.  Amazingly fine.

   First coat is called the scratch coat.  Not too much finesse required.  Want to cover the wire and get it fairly plumb.  Let that cure totally b4 the next coat.  You want all cracking done here.  Next coat is the brown coat.  That's where the finesse is required.  An old Mexican man once told me to add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the cement.  It does make the consistency creamier.  Don't know if it really does any good, but I do it.

   Sand finish is the easiest one to master...but that depends upon the look that you want.  A sand finish is done with a foam float.  After the cement is set up a little you use the float in a circular motion...rinsing it and wetting it as you go.  A little practice and you'll know how long to wait and how much water to slop on.

   Other types of finishes are like drywall....knock-down, brocade etc.  Can't really describe how to plaster.  It's a feel thing.  But you must have some experience or you wouldn't try this....would you?  I started on a garden wall and then graduated to houses.  It's very labor intensive and doesn't cost that much here....so I don't do it much anymore. 

   El Rey Stucco is made right here.  Their # is 505-873-1180.  They have tech support guys who love to talk stucco.  They might be able to help you with supply sources and other questions that you may have.

   Shelley in NM

1. 
   patwig | Jul 04, 2002 03:44am | #7

   Shelley and Ralph,

   Thanks A Lot! Wonderful advice and info.

   Well...no, no experience. I've done enough drywall, if that counts at all, and the odd expanse of concrete slab. I have worked with concrete lots in one form or other over the years. I THINK I can do this. I ain't too scared to try at least.

   Thank you,

   Patwig