How to Apply and Paint Stucco
- 1). Use a trowel to push a scratch coat of stucco into the metal lath, to a depth of ¼ inch.
- 2). Smooth the surface -- so there are no low or high spots -- and then use a leaf rake to scratch the surface lightly. The scratches will give the next coat a place to grip on the vertical surface.
- 3). Let the first coat dry for two days, lightly spraying it with water, to slow down the drying process.
- 4). Add the next layer of stucco, called the brown coat, to form another ¼-inch layer. Roughen the surface only slightly.
- 5). Repeat the drying process, but allow this coat to dry, untouched, for an extra five days.
- 6). Spread the finish coat on top of the first two coats in a thin layer, smoothing it with a straight wood board.
- 7). Apply the paint with a deep nap roller or sprayer. While the surface may appear smooth, it has many little variations that can wear a brush -- and your arm -- down. You can spray the first layer of paint, and then use a roller to give the paint a uniform finish.
- 8). Let the first coat dry completely before you apply the second. Stucco absorbs a great deal of moisture, so plan to give it a second coat.
