My turn for Stucco questions.

[asudavew]

I have a mortar dome over my brick and insulation.
It is about 2 inches thick.

1. Do I need to take the 3 layer stucco approach, or would just a finish layer be ok?

2. Also, do I have to paint it to be waterproof or is the finished layer of stucco waterproof?

3. Do I have to add anything specific (I'm going to add color) to the final layer to make it waterproof.

Thanks!!

Dave

[SpringJim]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

I'll take a stab at this....let's see what others think...

1) A single layer of stucco finish over the dome is all you need!

2) A cement/sand stucco mixture should shed water (unless it cracks) but....
Some form of treatment may be advisable ( I recently sealed some old terracotta steps with some kind of silicone sealer, went on a lot like water).

KISS

By the way, I had some perlcrete left over from my hearth insulation layer and it worked well filling holes in my hearth stand. I called it perlite stucco....it has set up very firmly!

[Ken524]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

James, If you happen to be monitoring this thread:

I'm about to ask the same stucco questions as Dave.

I think it would be useful to have an official "Stucco How-To" thread stickied near the top of the "Design Styles, Chimneys and Finish" or "Building and Construction" forum (or some other appropriate forum).

The thread could include a consensus on how to do a stucco finish on a dome and also stucco on concrete block and Hardibacker.

Maybe we could have a discussion thread first, reach a consensus then let James or someone rewrite it and post it as a sticky.

What do you guys think??

[RTflorida]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

Agreed

There should be a sticky on this topic. I'd be curious to know (from an exerienced pro) the differences in the various products. We all have heard of the 2 (some folks even do 3) step process. What about the single step products that are out there. Lowes & HD sell several variations of "stucco" here in FL; to the average WFO builder this could be a bit confusing - which one do I use? Is any one product or process that much better than the others??? Seems to me, the single coat stucco may simply be a rebagged Type N or S mortar....I don't know. Anyone have any practical knowledge of the products??? I'm pretty confident in my knowledge of the processes - I have seen many stucco jobs being done and the techniques used....it is the products that I would like some clarity on.

RT

[Jed]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

And now that I have installed my version of stucco, and it didn't work out quite right, are there any fixes? ie: the spider web cracking shown in the attached picture... Will a 'fog coat' fill in these cracks and seal up the exterior? Or are these marks of character to take to the grave?

I can advise on one way that doesn't work so great!

JED

PS: this is a two coat installation. Perlcrete, then stucco, I was trying for a 5/8 inch thick layer scratch coat, then the top coat 3/8 inch with color... (and cracks). The cracks were developing as the stucco dried, within the first couple of hours of placing the stucco. Maybe I used an inappropriate 'stucco' mix? Probably... and my plan is to let all the concrete and stucco cure through the summer and then coat the whole bit with a concrete sealer to help shed water.

[david s]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

I've been experimenting with adding fibre (polypropolene) to my stucco mix to minimize cracking and maximise strength. Also the cement manufacturers recommend that each subsequent layer of render should be weaker ie less cement. Also lime is more elastic than portland cement. I think that any waterproof coating should be left until the oven is really dry (say 10 cooking firings) because you want to get rid of all the moisture first and a waterproof coating on the outside may have the effect of locking moisture in.

[SpringJim]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

A sticky or primer is a good idea?

What are the issues?

1) Stucco mix options
2) Number of layers to apply
3) Reinforcement options
4) How long to wait before applying
5) Application methodology
6) Preventing cracking
7) Various finishing techniques and designs
8) Curing
8) Painting or sealing options

what else??

...by the way, I added a little extra portland to my 12:1 perlite mix and that perlite stucco set up pretty hard.

[Frances]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

What the bloody stuff is called in various different parts of the world! (pardon my French)

Btw Jed... if you can find a way of keeping the water out... I think it looks really cool with those cracks! Instant antique oven.

[asudavew]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

Well I gave it a go.

I decided to go with one layer.

Home Depot had Finishing Stucco in 80lb bags, which had directions on the back.

The directions sad to add an acrylic...something or other (I can't remember the name.) to aid in waterproofing. It's a liquid and I found a 1 gallon bottle. I added 2 quarts to the bag of stucco, per the directions. I also added 5 oz. of "Buff" coloring.

I feel like George right now. Buff is supposed to be a light copper color.
But I think I added toooooooooooooooo much!!!

I'll have to call it my pumpkin oven.

Here ya go!

[rlf5]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

Wow you didn't waste any time! Good job!

Well I gave it a go.

I decided to go with one layer.

Home Depot had Finishing Stucco in 80lb bags, which had directions on the back.

The directions sad to add an acrylic...something or other (I can't remember the name.) to aid in waterproofing. It's a liquid and I found a 1 gallon bottle. I added 2 quarts to the bag of stucco, per the directions. I also added 5 oz. of "Buff" coloring.

I feel like George right now. Buff is supposed to be a light copper color.
But I think I added toooooooooooooooo much!!!

I'll have to call it my pumpkin oven.

Here ya go!

[RCLake]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

I did my scratch coat of stucco today using 3 parts sand, 2 portland cement and 1 masonry cement as described in Black & Decker book on masonry (thanks george). I was going to use their recipe for the finish coat, but if I can buy it at HD I'll go that way (Dave how many bags did you use?)

Before I even got done it started to crack, are we suppose to keep it moist? A sticky (or better yet a chapter in the e-book) would be extremely helpful.

How long before the next coat?

[asudavew]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

I did my scratch coat of stucco today using 3 parts sand, 2 portland cement and 1 masonry cement as described in Black & Decker book on masonry (thanks george). I was going to use their recipe for the finish coat, but if I can buy it at HD I'll go that way (Dave how many bags did you use?)

Before I even got done it started to crack, are we suppose to keep it moist? A sticky (or better yet a chapter in the e-book) would be extremely helpful.

How long before the next coat?

I got a few cracks too... but Yeah keep it moist, and really wet down the dome before applying.


I bought two 80lb bags. It said finishing coat stucco.
I added a half gallon of acrylic (generic version in a one gallon bottle = 10 bucks) The Quickrete stuff would of been 25 bucks a gallon.
Then I added half a bottle of coloring.

The instructions are all on the back of the bag.

24 hours before the next coat. (me thinks)

Post some pics RC!

[RCLake]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

I got a few cracks too... but Yeah keep it moist, and really wet down the dome before applying.

24 hours before the next coat. (me thinks)

Post some pics RC!

I put 4" of ceramic blanket down and then chicken wire. I'm thinking the movement of the wire where I was applying the coat moved prior areas.

Our local HD doesn't have the finishing stucco, but we're dropping off some furniture to the kids in Dallas tomorrow so I'll see if I can find it there.

[asudavew]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

Here is what I used RC.

The acrylic wasn't the brand I used, like I posted earlier there is a generic version for 10 bucks a gallon.

[Jed]

Re: My turn for Stucco questions.

Btw Jed... if you can find a way of keeping the water out... I think it looks really cool with those cracks! Instant antique oven.

Yes, Yes Frances,

I am beginning to really love my cracks. Every one needs to become 'one' with their cracks, as they are part of the finished project!

'Instant antique' - the appropriate oxymoron. Some folks work hard to meet that objective, I should be content to have arrived there with out the extra effort... or time.

JED