Applying Stucco Over Brick
Damaged or deteriorating brick walls can be repaired with a layer of stucco finish. Stucco is a versatile material which can be applied over practically any type of wall surface, to give homes or any other structures a fresh new look. You apply them in the correct manner, they can last a long time and stucco walls even prove to be fire resistant!
You can even fix old walls of brick by using stucco. Pre-mixed stucco bags can be bought at most hardware or construction shops. These stucco mixture can prove to be fairly easily to mix even for new comers to the trade, they only need water, but you need to make sure that you be careful with the instructions. Otherwise, it can be an option to hire a stucco contractor to do the repair job instead.
Brick walls have grooves between each brick and tend to be smooth, so its necessary to place on a nice layer of bonding agent made of concrete before you lay on the stucco. The bonding agent will allow the stucco to stick to the wall permanently.
The first layer of stucco you end up laying should be around a fourth of an inch, apply it with a trowel. Once it begins to harden somewhat, create lines by scratching through it with a plasterer’s rake. It usually takes around 48 hours for the coat of scratches to dry up.
The finish coat comes next, which can be applied with varying pressures and angles to create the walls texture. You also need to mist it with water occasionally as you cover the wall area. This is so it can dry completely before you give the wall a new layer of paint.
Other Bits of Advice:
* Because stucco can harden so quickly, the mix should be made in batches to keep materials not being used from drying up. Estimate an amount of mixture that can be applied within an hour.
* Using a wheelbarrow instead of a bucket for the stucco mixture can make stirring easier, and lessen spillage.
* The consistency of stucco should ideally be of a thick paste.
* Rub the scratch coat with a stucco float or a damp sponge immediately after application this brings the sand to the surface, and makes the finish coat adhere more effectively to it.
You can go to skystucco.com to get more information and advice about how to apply stucco over brick.
