Stucco Question Part2

Subia29

Starting to get requests on small plastering jobs ,directing to masonry units(planters).First time I tried it, Crack to ****.Not experienced.From what I know Theres 3 processes. scratch, brown,coat.My question is what are the time frames between each stage.I hear 10 days wait before color coat,Guessing cureing will make it stronger.I also see alot stucco jobs on block masonry where the joints bleed through. That's what I want to avoid.Any help.

Dik Redi

not sure why it bleeds at joints , but think it may have something to do with the lime in the mix
i see that alot also even when u dont joint off and just stone the joint it bleeds ,, suggestion is to form and pour ,,then diamond lathe and then the 3 step.

Subia29

Diamond lath on block?Hmm....that might play it safe. Need more input.thanx

Tscarborough

Three coats, no need to wait beyond a good set between coats (1-2 days for brown, then any time for final). Fiber mesh and good board hygiene will eliminate most cracking, and proper expansion joint placement will take care of the rest.

To help with the issue of block joints showing through, do not tool the joints, just cut them flush. Then use 2 coats of stucco, not one.

Subia29

Ok here it is. Lay block,dont tool, put on scratch coat sameday,Wait 1-2days,Put on brown,Next day color coat one pass,Same day one more pass with texture. 3 working day process,2 waiting days in between.What do ya think, not too soon?You mention fiber mesh.Is that an additive? If so what stage do add it to ?

thom

Well, around here, where stucco is the only exterior finish, we do it differently.

Most common now is a two coat system. First coat is a fiberglass reinforced mortar, second coat is color. A three coat system leaves out the fiberglass reinforcement but adds a second coat of gray mortar.

On block the joints telegraph because of the different consistency and moisture absorbtion of the underlying block and mortar. It cures differently, but not always.

The stucco (gray coat(s)) dry prematurely, they need time and moisture to cure. We soak the stucco down with a hose every day for 4 days between coats.

You could eliminate the possibility of the joints telegraphing by papering and lathing the wall or using a synthetic color coat. Either will work. Otherwise, soak the wall fully, entirely, all the way through, so the moisture absorbtion will be consistent, and hope.

Same Old

What is this stuuco system I saw where they put a color coat directly over durock?

Dik Redi

The fiber mesh additive is a good thought ,, besides that this is the best way,, (the soaking part is the key ) very well put THOM.

POOLMANinCT

tscar your a masonry encyclopedia, I've borrowed a few of your tips, w/ greaat results & saved time..
ray

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Drywall1

We do a system where we go over fiber cement (hardi) panels. Check out my sig.

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Tscarborough

That looks like a pretty good system, but I would have concerns about the lack of control joints on those large areas.