Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies is Minnesota's largest wholesale and retail supplier of landscape hardgoods, masonry products, water garden supplies and custom stone fabrication.

Stucco Installation Tips

Scratching Procedure

  1. Remove all loose stucco back to solid stubstrate.
  2. Apply a layer of 15 lb. felt.
  3. Apply 3.4 self furring galv. metal lath over felt using 1 1/2" galv. roofing nails overlapping metal lath approximately 2".
  4. Apply bonding agent (Hornweld) to existing stucco edge. This is done so that the moisture in the base coat is not absorbed into the existing stucco, thus creating a large crack. (Stucco will absorb moisture!)
  5. If patch is a small area, you can then proceed applying thin layer upon thin layer (so as not to sag) until it is built up to proper depth.
    • When doing a larger patch, you will want to scratch the first layer and allow that material to set up slightly before applying he next layer. (Ideally you want scratchcoat & basecoat to cure together.)
    • Then with the aid of a darby you straighten the patched area and then gently trim edges back 1/8" to allow room for finishcoat.
  6. After the material has started to harden - using a stucco float or damp sponge - rub the material in a circular motion to bring the sand to the surface.
    • By bringing the sand to the surface, it give the finish mud a rough surface to adhere to.
  7. After browncoat has set for a minimum of 7 days, you can apply finishcoat.
    1. Mix the finish coat.
    2. Apply thin layer over basecoat.
    3. Try to match patterns as closely as possible.
      • When using color pigment, mix color match color as close as possible. Remember color will lighten up slightly as it dries (so mix the color slightly darker than needed).

White Washing

White washing is the recommended procedure for homeowners. When white washing you can use a brush or roller, depending on the surface.

    White Wash: Approximately 600-700 sq. ft. per batch.
  1. Fill garbage can with approximately 8 gallons of water.
  2. 1 gallon of TK-225
  3. Add 2 dry gallons of lime, while mixing well.
  4. Slowly add 1 bag of white cement while stirring.
  5. Add color if needed.
  6. On hot days, lightly mist the wall to slow down suction.
  7. Make sure brush strokes are not in the same direction.

Dashing

Dashing is not a recommended procedure for homeowners.

    Dash Coat: Approximately 400-500 sq. ft. per batch.
  1. First step (White Wash)
    • Fill garbage can with approximately 8 gallons of water.
    • 1 gallon of TK-225.
    • Add 2 dry gallons of lime, while mixing well.
    • Slowly add 1 bag of white cement while stirring.
    • Add color if needed.
  2. Second step (Dash Coat)
    • Follow first steps except add 2 bags of silica sand to mixture and texture.

Complete Stucco Job

  1. Apply Double D paper (vapor barrier) properly overlapping 2" top and bottom.
    (162 sq.ft. or 18 sq. yds. per roll.)
  2. Apply 3.4 self-furring galv. lath (180 sq.ft. or 20 sq.yds. per bundle) using galv. roofing nails.
    (1 1/2" are the most common nails, unless exterior board is thicker than 1/2")
  3. Scratch Coat (3/8" thick): (One batch covers approx. 80-100 sq.ft.)
    • 1 bag Portland
    • 1/2 bag Masons
    • 28 shovels Coarse sand (approx. 13-14 lbs. per shovel)
    • 1 gallon TK-225
    • Scratch with a scratcher.
  4. Brown Coat (3/8" thick): (One batch covers approx. 80-100 sq.ft.)
    • 1 bag Portland
    • 1/2 bag Masons
    • 33 shovels Coarse sand (approx. 13-14 lbs. per shovel)
    • 1 gallon TK-225
    • Do not scratch the brown coat.
  5. Finish Coat (1/8" thick): (One batch covers approx. 100-120 sq.ft.)
    For best results, let brown coat sit 6-8 weeks before finishing. (7-10 days minimum)
    • 1 bag white cement
    • 2 bags of silica sand
    • 1/3 bag of lime

** This information is provided in good faith but Hedberg Aggregates is not liable for any damages related to your use or mis-use of the information. Use proper construction techniques and follow all safety instructions. Consult with a professional if needed.