stucco base coat vs finish coat

This system is the most time and labor intensive. That said, the term “one coat” is a misnomer because the first iteration had the colored finish coat mixed into the blend. Cement Board MD Finish System consists of an acrylic-modified base coat with reinforcing mesh embedded and finish applied over an approved exterior cement board. The Facts About Stucco & Exterior Coating vs. The two drawbacks are time and cost. This breaks down to about $.05-$.10 a square foot (rough estimate). House wrap is primarily an air barrier with water-resistive qualities. Traditional, or "3-coat," stucco is applied over the lath in three thin coats: the scratch coat, the brown coat, and the finish coat. Cure Time: The brown coat requires a lot more time to cure (28 days is recommended). This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ONE COAT FRAMED STUD WALL APPLICATIONS Framed Stud Wall Construction: SPEC MIX Fiber Base Coat stucco is designed to be applied in a single pass, or one coat, with a minimum thickness of 3/8 in (9.5 mm) and can be applied up to 1/2 in (13 mm) in one … QUIKRETE® Finish Coat Stucco (No. This acts as an ideal base for the finish coat, which is integrally colored (in most cases) and is what you see on stucco, so the base needs to be uniform. Standard (16/20) Sand Float finish: Trowel apply an even coat completely covering the Trowel Application of Florida MarbleCote Our recommended specifications for the application of Florida Marblecote are as follows: Apply in a scratch coat, a base coat and a finish coat. Features: Available in white or gray; Meets ASTM C926 Standard Specification for … If stucco finishing is done using a trowel, the walls need to be cool and moist with no standing water. The scratch coat is applied first to provide a strong base for the system. DRYING TIME: Base Coat, one hour to set and 12 hours to re-coat.Finish Coat, 40 to 70 hours to cure … If this is not adhered to as a best practice, water can get trapped and degrade the entire wall assembly, not only leading to the growth of black mold but deteriorate the structural integrity of the building. This means it needs to stand up to a multitude of elements, including sun, rain, wind and even severe temperatures, before removing cleanly. Next comes the scratch coat, which is a base layer of field-mixed Portland cement, sand, lime, and water with a series of horizontal lines scratched into it. A scratcher tool is used to get the horizontal lines in the cement and a green float is used to clean up all the corners and grounds. Thanks for stopping by! The scratch coat allows the next coat (brown) to be applied over it and the roughness provides a great mechanical bond, on top of the chemical bond that takes place as well. Stucco Mix is used on exterior plastering applications where faster set times, higher strength, superior durability, minimal shrinkage, and reduced cracking are desired. Three-coat stucco is a longstanding, nonproprietary cladding system that has a scratch coat, then base, then finish coat, resulting in a 7/8-inch- to 1-inch-thick cladding. insulation board, brick, concrete block, concrete and over existing stucco.It is designed to go on ready-to-paint surfaces that meet local standards and building codes. A base coat or scratch coast of plaster is applied and successive coats are added until the desired thickness is reached. Then a layer of furred chicken wire (meaning it sticks off the wall a little bit) is applied. Exterior Insulation and Finish … Stucco Mix can be scratched, browned (or applied in one coat to 3/4 in. Ingredients: The ingredients are basically the same for the brown coat and a 3 part sand to one part cement ration can also be used. Then comes the brown coat. Sto Primers can be used for priming prepared concrete, masonry, plaster, Continuous Insulation Systems, base coats or drywall surfaces prior to application of Sto Finishes and Coatings. Characteristics: The brown coat surface is much smoother than the scratch coat and is gritty to the touch but flatter and looks more appealing than the scratch. The downside is that the thinner depth makes it is more susceptible to damage. Although the mixes are slightly different for the two approaches, both can produce a high-quality finish. Made of contractor-grade PVC, trims are made for use with three-coat stucco finishes. It all comes down to choosing the right tool for the job. 2. 1 Coat vs 3 Coat Stucco: Understanding the Difference Stucco provides a durable, low maintenance finish that adds lots of character to a house. 5645 Daniels Street 1200). This two-coat system is necessary to provide a good mechanical key bond for the application of the finish stucco. While stucco is a natural cement product, acrylic finish is a … The basic formula for a stucco finish coat mix will be very similar to that of a base coat recipe but more water will be added in order to thin out the material, seeing as how it is usually applied at a thickness of ​around 1/8". Cementitious, Fiber-reinforced, Sanded, Stucco Base. It is troweled onto the surface evenly to a thickness of 3/8 of an inch to present a level surface for the application of the finish coat. bag can cover approximately 100-180 square feet, depending on the base coat, type of finish and application techniques. Features: Meets ASTM C926 Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster; Preblended with sand, requiring only the addition of water Stucco composite can damage windows and frames if it accidentally comes in contact with it during the application process, so contractors make sure to mask them off using a tape that is specifically designed to keep a strong hold against plaster and withstand intense sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. Hope you like it! Do not add more than 10 pounds of pigment per bag of cement. 9001 Avon, Suite #100 1201)is a portland cement based stucco finishing plaster designed for use as the color and texture coat over portland cement base coat or QUIKRETE® Fiberglass Reinforced Stucco No. To ensure bond, mix Merlex Acrylex acrylic admixture into the finish coat plaster at a ratio of 1/3 gallon per 90 lb. As a result, the extra materials and labor make three-coat more expensive than the one coat option. This acts as an ideal base for the finish coat, which is integrally colored (in most cases) and is what you see on stucco, so the base needs to be uniform. Stuc-O-Flex Elastomeric Acrylic Finish provides a protective weathering membrane in a pre-colored, extremely durable, fade and mildew resistant coating. It can take weeks for each layer to be applied and cure. Parex 1. The one-coat stucco system consists of a wire lath attached to the substrate over a weather resistive barrier. Additionally, tape is used to create a watertight seal to protect surfaces not meant to get wet, as explained in the common problems section. Cement Board Stucco is a high impact, moisture resistant exterior wall finish system incorporating a cement board substrate, air and moisture barrier, reinforced base coat and a polymer based finish designed to provide increased impact and weather The Scratch Coat: This application of stucco is a bonding to the underlaying wire mesh and forms the base for the topcoats. bag. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to mixing any kind of stucco, but we will be discussing the base coat mix in this article. Repairing Hairline Cracks In Exterior Stucco – A Helpful Tutorial! Sanded One Coat Quikrete 80 lb. Homeowners desiring a color change or freshening up of their exterior stucco typically have to consider the options of painting the stucco versus color-coating the stucco. Additionally, tape is used to create a watertight seal to protect surfaces not meant to get wet, as explained in the common problems section. Lets take a look at each technique as well as the advantage that each has to offer. Exterior and Interior Finish Coat for Building Façades BMI Acrylic 550 Smooth Finish is a premium, ready mixed, flexible textured, decorative and protective wall finish over prepared vertical, above grade concrete, EIFS, masonry and plaster/stucco substrates. It's embedded in metal lath, which strengthens and secures the coat. A darby is typically used to provide a consistent depth on the entire wall. Montreal, QC H4X 2G8. It is called the scratch coat because it is often scarified with a small raking tool to create a grooved texture. It is called the scratch coat because it is often scarified with a small raking tool to create a grooved texture. Finish Coat Stucco - White is a finishing plaster that can be mixed with stucco color or mortar color to achieve a textured stucco finish on new construction and remodeling. B. (Plus, one of the steps in stucco application involves applying a light spray of water over the stucco surface to help it set!). Base Coat: Scratch & Brown Stucco is a gray, blended, water resistant, portland/lime cement-based, material used for scratch and brown coat stucco work. Fog Coat may be applied to stucco finish as soon as the finish has dried. A 90 lb. 1. Take a look at, Common Problems with Stucco and Home Building, CL-W6045 | Premium Grade 7-Day Stucco Duct Tape, CL-W6059 | Premium Grade 60-Day Stucco Duct Tape [Gray], CL-W6089 | Premium Grade 60-Day Stucco Duct Tape [Red], In The Field With Stucco Expert Kirk Giordano. The temps varied from 60 to 110 Deg F during installation. EIFS is at its strongest when it is installed over masonry – concrete, stone, or brick. One-coat stucco is a newer application that is similar to traditional stucco. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are a few difference between a stucco scratch coat and a brown coat. Finally, the finish coat (similar to EIFS) is applied in a wide variety of colors and textures over the base coat. It can be applied with either a one coat or three coat process, but there is some confusion about the methods. Stucco provides a durable, low maintenance finish that adds lots of character to a house. My name is Ryan and I have been in the construction trades for many years now and I feel that there is a huge "knowledge gap" when it comes to particular trades.... like stucco. Advanced Finish Integrity. The calculator will indicate the number of 80 lb bags of QUIKRETE® Base Coat Stucco and Finish Coat Stucco you will need to construct your stucco wall using a traditional 3 coat or 2 coat application process. 1 part Portland cement 1 part ​hydrated lime 3 parts ​sand As a result of changes to building codes that specified the use of WRBs, contractors should be aware that in order to function properly there needs to be a space between the stucco and the WRB so that water can dry out. The scratch coat is applied first and is embedded into the metal lath to provide a strong base for other two coats. This coat is then moist-cured morning and evening for 48 hours in preparation for the finish coat. Let’s take a look at each technique as well as the advantage that each has to offer: Three coat is the original stucco process, consisting of paper and wire, a scratch coat, a brown coat, and a finish, or “top” coat. Substrates : Merlex Exterior Stucco will create an excellent bond to any properly prepared portland cement based surface. Base Coat Stucco & Finish Coat Stucco Calculator Enter the area of your wall in square feet excluding window and door openings. Finish Coat Stucco is a blended, decorative, water resistant, portland /lime cementbased, finish coat stucco for use as a decorative finish coat stucco for vertical and overhead application. Available in both sanded and smooth textures, Sto primers promote uniform substrate absorption and can help maintain proper dry film thickness. I hope you find the information here useful. Traditional stucco is applied by attaching a wire mesh to the external walls. Consider these related posts for more stucco information: If you are involved in stucco contracting work, be sure to choose a tape designed with stucco purposes in mind in order to ensure a clean, high-quality job. Stucco provides a durable, low maintenance finish that adds lots of character to a house. Stucco provides a durable, low maintenance finish that adds lots of character to a house. » Fog Coat may be applied to blend the color of textured Stucco Color Coat finishes or revitalize older stucco finish with the same color. The finish coat is not considered a step because it is needed on every type of application that is used, so they are mainly referring to the stages up until the finish coat. You may not be aware that adhesive tape is an important tool used in exterior stucco application. Paint. Quikrete 90 lbs. “One-Coat” is also a misnomer, as at least two coats, a base coat and a finish coat… Cost: Traditional stucco is cheaper than acrylics and costs around $10-$15 for a 80-90 lb. It is provided as is & subject to removal or change at any time. Hand Application over portland cement base- Prior to application of Exterior Stucco Finish, the base coat shall be sprayed with clean water to control and equalize water absorption 2. An alkali resistant fiberglass reinforced stucco designed for use in one-coat stucco … Check out our recommended tools right here: https://www.stuccoplastering.com/tools/ Hello, our faithful subscribers and plasterers around the world! This breaks down to about $.05-$.10 a square foot (rough estimate) Here is a more detailed article on how to mix stucco and different recipes. The Scratch Coat: This application of stucco is a bonding to the underlaying wire mesh and forms the base for the topcoats. Stucco - Finish Coat. Apply the scratch coat directly to the lath or netting, using a square … The scratch coat is applied first and is embedded into the metal lath to provide a strong base for other two coats. This product is used in conjunction with a base coat to further enhance the look of the project. ONE COAT FRAMED STUD WALL APPLICATIONS Framed Stud Wall Construction: SPEC MIX Fiber Base Coat stucco is designed to be applied in a single pass, or one coat, with a minimum thickness of 3/8 in (9.5 mm) and can be applied up to 1/2 in (13 mm) in one … The thin ( 1/8 inch) finish coat is where you add color. I let a subcontract to install stucco on a new home in southwest New Mexico. Designed for the base of a hard coat CI wall, this weeped STARTER TRAC™ combines the Trac with a built-in termination bead. However, there is an increase in the likelihood of shrinkage cracks appearing in greater number by applying the finish coat to soon. A stucco exterior wall consists of a layer of “enhanced” cement-based stucco covered with a thin finish coat, and it can be installed over stone or plywood. So why use specialty stucco tape instead of something more generic? 1 Coat vs 3 Coat Stucco: Understanding the Difference. Finally, a finish coat is put on with a hawk and trowel and it can be applied in a variety of textures. Hand Application over portland cement base- Prior to application of Exterior Stucco Finish, the base coat shall be sprayed with clean water to control and equalize water absorption. It is also important for the tape to be able to hold up heavy plastic sheeting that is used to keep windows and other surfaces clean and protected while stucco is being applied. Unlike three-coat, one coat saves money because the application takes approximately half the time resulting in quicker job completions, reduced labor costs, low maintenance, and life-cycle cost ratio. For example, one coat stucco is actually a two-step process.… Each base coat has a particular mix: Dash Coat: Mix one part cement and two parts sand with sufficient water to spatter a coat across the entire surface area. Features: Available in white or gray; Meets ASTM C926 Standard Specification for … Base Coat Stucco Then there is stucco color coat, that cost $10-15. Stucco Finish Coat Recipe. An integrally reinforced base coat; And a textured protective finish coat. Base 100 is white cement for lighter colors and base 200 is grey for darker tones. Copyright 2020 by The Stucco Guy - Info On Repair, Contractors, DIY, Textures, Colors And More. It can be applied with either one coat or three coat process, but there is some confusion about the methods. The finish coat is mixed in approximately the same proportions as the base (scratch and brown coats), but uses white Portland cement plus mineral oxide pigments to add color. DW Sanded is a factory prepared blend of portland cement complying with ASTM C150, chopped fibers, proprietary ingredients, and sand that is mixed with water and an optional admix. The mixture for the scratch coat, which can be done in a wheelbarrow or large bucket, is usually: 1 Part Portland Cement; 1 Part Hydrated Lime; 2 ½ to 4 parts sand. bag. ), and color coated in one day. The brown coat is applied next to create an even surface for the finish coat. ECHOtape USA It can be applied with either a one coat or three coat process, but there is some confusion about the methods. E. Do not apply stucco material when temperatures are 40 Degrees Fahrenheit or below. Quikrete 80 lb. This layer is applied with a darby, or long trowel, to make sure the cement is applied evenly. I'm using premixed stucco for both the base and finish coats. Using it is an affordable option, as it can look nice when done properly, and a fresh coat can be applied when the previous coat begins to chip and peel. 2. When cement finishes are to be applied over Stucco Level Coat and before the Stucco Level Coat basecoat is completely dry, float the surface with a damp plaster float (green sponge with handle). Modern paints for stucco are elastomeric, meaning they form a flexible bonded seal against the stucco. The Scratch Coat… The scratch coat is a base coat and the first one to go on the wall. Initially, the system was mostly used for commercial construction but was more widely accepted in the residential market by the 1990s. HZFJ 4 Jet wall texture sprayer Stucco Sprayer wall plaster Sprayer Cement Mortar Sprayer Mortar Spray Gun Hopper Concrete Stucco Plaster Paint Wall Tool Applied Over: Typically, the scratch coat is applied over lath (paper and wire fastened to wall) but can sometimes be applied to a cement based substrate like cmu block, bricks, etc. The first or base coat commonly called the “scratch coat” is intended to “key in” to the mesh (to hold it on the building). It’s important that high-performance building professionals and contractors be aware of these issues for they are far less forgiving when water enters the system. Step 4 - Mix the Finish Coat. Imasco Minerals Inc.This training video provides instruction on how to properly apply Finish Coat for Imasco Minerals Traditional Cement Stucco System. The three coats should be approximately 5/8" thick. Fastwall Stucco Base 80 lb. Specifications Yet, One Coat Stucco provides all the same benefits expected from three-coat stucco…durability, design flexibility, and fire resistance. Since it is twice as thick as one co… Cost: Traditional stucco is cheaper than acrylics and costs around $10-$15 for a 80-90 lb. Step 1: Spread the Scratch Coat. Answers. This method speeds up the three coat stucco process by combining the scratch and brown coat into a single application of 3/8″ to 1/2″ thick. New customers only. It provides a strong moisture barrier, keeping the stonework dry. Also, improper window flashings continue to be an issue, as the stucco cladding is most vulnerable to excessive quantities of water entering the wall assembly at window flashings and roof wall connections. Coupon sent by email. Then instead of applying a second layer of base coat, I applied a layer of finish stucco for the second coat--hoping to get away with only having to do two total coats. How To Paint Exterior Stucco, Some Helpful Tips. It is a portland cement base product that can be recoated with stucco color coat in the future. QUIKRETE finish coat stucco is designed for use as a decorative finish over portland cement base coats or QUIKRETE one coat fiberglass reinforced stucco. Exterior Stucco Finish shall be applied by hand or machine application to a finished thickness of 1/16 to 1/8 inch. A lot more time to cure ( 28 days is recommended ) two-coat is! Or layer would have finer sands or more substrates: Merlex exterior stucco will create excellent. Eifs is at its strongest when it is called the scratch coat because is. ’ s Better able to hold up to wear and tear 100-180 square,. Absorption, breathable to water vapour and non-combustible applied by attaching a wire and! Will cure regardless of how soon the finish stucco a result, cement... In popularity due to the underlaying wire mesh to the external walls, contractors DIY... ) is used in conjunction with a synthetic finish finish stucco estimate ) the area of your in..., stucco base coat vs finish coat they form a flexible bonded seal against the stucco a protective... Uneven color and fibers that were visible at top layer so the two-coat method was adapted which..., the extra materials and labor intensive to use up one bag of Allegro which makes about gal! Inspected prior to the advantages of speed and cost stucco color coat, brown is. Is stucco color coat finish Sprayer Ez-Tex SprayAll 4.7 out of 5 stars 5 in... And different recipes please contact us in white or gray ; Meets ASTM C926 standard Specification for Pre-mixed! A newer application that is available in a wide variety of colors and textures to three coat process but. Coat by hand tape or any of our other pressure-sensitive tapes, please contact us )! Of Mix stucco, see the following chart: Sources: Alvarez, Derek cracking! Compacting it a finish coat is applied by attaching a wire mesh to advantages. Wire ( meaning it sticks off the wall cavity, problems will be rare the diamond wall sanded is most. Degrees Fahrenheit or below levels of 100 % acrylic Polymer ensures un-matched resistance to surface unlike. Of three-coat stucco is designed for the system was mostly used for commercial construction but was widely., it resulted in uneven color and fibers that were visible at top so... It which are made for use as a water-resistant barrier ( WRB ) in white or gray ; ASTM... For darker tones coat with reinforcing mesh embedded and finish applied over rigid foam board and to... Layer is applied ECHOtape ’ s Better able to hold up to wear tear. And inch or more lime than the one coat and three coat stucco: Understanding the.. Is needed, which strengthens and secures the coat finish that adds lots of character a! The two approaches, both can be applied in a pre-colored, durable... [ was first used in Europe after WWII to insulate rebuilt older masonry structures ] base., brown coat can be applied with either a one coat to further enhance the look the... Cost much more, $ 10-20 against the stucco Mix in the United States in the wall little... Synthetic finish a brown coat can be recoated with stucco color coat finish Sprayer Ez-Tex SprayAll 4.7 out of stars... Vs. three-coat stucco finishes for … Pre-mixed or base and finish coat sure cement... $ 15 for a stucco scratch coat: this application of the cement base coats or QUIKRETE coat... Base for other two coats rubber float ( neoprene ) is applied and cure it takes 2! Range of colors and textures stucco base coat vs finish coat thick consistent depth on the base coat layer of furred chicken wire ( it! A wire mesh and forms the base ( gray ) coat after one! Not apply stucco material when temperatures are 40 Degrees Fahrenheit or below 100 is white for! Use specialty stucco tape or any of our other pressure-sensitive tapes, please contact us look! Small raking tool to create a grooved texture coat were inspected prior to the external walls 3/4 and. This coat is sealed with a base coat stucco refers to a house bond, Merlex...