How to Apply Stucco: A DIY Guide with Derek and Dean from DIY Network's "Indoor/Outdoor"

If you're looking to add a beautiful, durable finish to your walls or exterior surfaces, stucco is an excellent option. In this article, we'll follow the expert advice of Derek and Dean from DIY Network's "Indoor/Outdoor" as they share their tips on how to apply stucco with ease.

Applying Bonding Agent

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The first step in applying stucco is to prepare your surface by applying a bonding agent. This is an important step, as it will help ensure that the stucco adheres well to the surface you're working with. Derek and Dean explain that bonding agents can be applied using a paintbrush, making sure to cover the entire area evenly. They recommend waiting for the bonding agent to become tacky before applying the next layer of stucco.

Choosing the Right Stucco

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When it comes to selecting the right stucco for your project, there are several options available. You can choose from premixed buckets or mix your own using a bag. Derek and Dean recommend using premixed buckets, as they offer the convenience of being ready to use straight away. Additionally, these buckets often come in a range of colors, allowing you to add a personal touch to your project.

Premixed Buckets Offer Color Options

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When selecting a premixed bucket, it's essential to consider the type of finish you're aiming for. Fine sand, medium sand, or coarse sand are all options available, each providing a unique texture and appearance. The choice ultimately depends on the desired outcome of your project.

Preparing Your Tools

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To apply stucco successfully, you'll need a few essential tools. A hawk is a metal plate with a handle attached to the bottom, used to hold the stucco material in place while applying it. If you don't have a hawk, Derek and Dean suggest creating one using wood.

Applying the Stucco

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With your bonding agent applied and your tools prepared, it's time to start applying the stucco. To do this, you'll need a hawkk and a trowel. The process begins by placing all your stucco material on top of the hawk. Then, using your Trel (a type of tool used to apply stucco), you can move the material off with broad strokes, ensuring an even coverage.

Applying Two Coats

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Derek and Dean recommend applying two coats of stucco to ensure a strong bond between the surface and the stucco. The first coat is applied, allowing it to dry before applying the second coat. This step is crucial in achieving a smooth finish and a durable result.

Finishing Touches

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The final stage of applying stucco involves determining your desired finish. If you want a rough finish, simply work the trowel in a rough way, leaving lines in the stucco. For a smoother finish, use a commercial sponge with a bucket of water to gently rub the surface in circular motions, bringing out the grains of sand.

Working from Corners

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When applying stucco, it's essential to start at your corners and work your way inwards. This technique ensures that you don't sponge off the material around the edges, resulting in a smooth finish.

Tips for a Frustration-Free Experience

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Following these simple steps can help ensure a non-frustrating experience when applying stucco. By starting with a bonding agent, choosing the right stucco, and using the correct tools, you'll be well on your way to achieving a beautiful, durable finish.

Remember to always follow safety precautions and take your time when working with stucco. With practice and patience, you can create stunning results that will enhance your home or outdoor space for years to come.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enhey I'm Derek and I'm Dean and we're from DIY networks indoors out and we are going to give you some tips on how to stco now whether it's inside or outside over wood or concrete stacco is the same process once the base is prepped the first thing you want to do is apply your bonding agent now a bonding agent can be applied with a paintbrush and you use that to make sure that the stucco will really bond to the surface you want to apply the stucco just about when this is tacky next you want to pick out a good stucco now stucco comes in premixed buckets or it can come in a bag where you mix it yourself now Dean and I we recommend the premixed buckets they can also add color to it just like paint when you purchase your stucco you can choose three different types fine sand medium sand or coarse sand it all depends on what kind of finish you want now it's time to apply the stuckle and to do that you need a hawkk and a trowel now a hawk is a plate made out of metal with a handle on the the bottom if you don't have one you can make one out of wood like this one you put all your stule material on top of that then you take your Trel and you move the material off with broad Strokes that way you can get the stuckle on very quickly but Dereck and I always like to put on two coats of Stucker wait for the first one to dry and on the second one that's when you're going to decide your finish and the Finish really is determined on how you use your trowel if you want a rough finish you just kind of work the trowel in a rough way leave the lines in the stucco but you could also do a smooth finish and to achieve that you get yourself a commercial sponge with a bucket of water and just before that stule lay is completely dry you gently rub your sponge in a circular motion and that will bring out the grains of sand and you know what else we recommend is that you start at your corners and work your way in that way you're not sponging the material off your Corners if you follow these few simple steps you too can have a very nonf frustrating experience stuckinghey I'm Derek and I'm Dean and we're from DIY networks indoors out and we are going to give you some tips on how to stco now whether it's inside or outside over wood or concrete stacco is the same process once the base is prepped the first thing you want to do is apply your bonding agent now a bonding agent can be applied with a paintbrush and you use that to make sure that the stucco will really bond to the surface you want to apply the stucco just about when this is tacky next you want to pick out a good stucco now stucco comes in premixed buckets or it can come in a bag where you mix it yourself now Dean and I we recommend the premixed buckets they can also add color to it just like paint when you purchase your stucco you can choose three different types fine sand medium sand or coarse sand it all depends on what kind of finish you want now it's time to apply the stuckle and to do that you need a hawkk and a trowel now a hawk is a plate made out of metal with a handle on the the bottom if you don't have one you can make one out of wood like this one you put all your stule material on top of that then you take your Trel and you move the material off with broad Strokes that way you can get the stuckle on very quickly but Dereck and I always like to put on two coats of Stucker wait for the first one to dry and on the second one that's when you're going to decide your finish and the Finish really is determined on how you use your trowel if you want a rough finish you just kind of work the trowel in a rough way leave the lines in the stucco but you could also do a smooth finish and to achieve that you get yourself a commercial sponge with a bucket of water and just before that stule lay is completely dry you gently rub your sponge in a circular motion and that will bring out the grains of sand and you know what else we recommend is that you start at your corners and work your way in that way you're not sponging the material off your Corners if you follow these few simple steps you too can have a very nonf frustrating experience stucking\n"