Patching Holes in Stucco

[endlyss]

Hello

I'm wondering what the best way to patch holes in stucco is. Should you use the patch stuff from Home Depot? Is there a way to match the existing stucco finish?

Thanks!

[Bill Robinson]

Can you describe the situation a bit more and frame this in perspective to the work you are doing?

Bill R

[endlyss]

Thanks Bill

I've recently moved to the California Central Coast which is rife with stucco (in earthquake country at that!) which I have no experience with. I do minor repairs and once replaced a door which left ragged edges regardless the care I took and it is just a general thing that could crop up anytime.

Also I am doing some work on an old building where there are gouges (6"-8" inches across) in the stucco and I wonder if I could do anything with it.

It is a nagging concern so I would like to know my options poor, better, best, and what is and is not possible.

Most of the stucco finish seems to be like drywall knockdown finish.

[Bill Robinson]

"California Central Coast"

humm....
I am in Arroyo Grande, is that close to you?

If I were you I would find an old, close-to-retirement stucco contractor who only does small jobs and have them do the work while you learn from them.

It is not easy to learn, I tried and went back to having it done.

Bill R

[endlyss]

Hi Bill

I'm in the North County right now. Up in Paso. Just moved back home to California after a long hiatus in Washington State. I was born and raised in Visalia.

I'm amazed they don't have some sort of patch kit for stucco if even of poor quality. Well that's a good idea about finding an old, close-to-retirement stucco contractor to learn from. I just might do that if I get the chance.

Richard

[Bill Robinson]

Richard,
Try El Camino Building Supply in Atascadero; 8800 Santa Rosa

You can make patches with small bags of material.

Some of the steps:
1. clean the "infected" area of loose debris'}
2. reinstate water barrier in shingle style
3. secure and integrate metal lath (probably looks like chicken wire but use stucco wire. Maybe consider using expanded metal lath in patch area for reinforcement.
4. dampen area
5. apply Acryl 60 to help make sticky, like glue
6. apply stucco as recommended by manufacturer.
7. blend top coat to match existing
*****In my experience, even with the best stucco guys the best way to blend a patch is like with painting, go to corners or transitions that way the texture will look similar.

I have tried most everything, I even have all of the tools: hawk, trowels, sponge trowels, mixers, drills to run mixers, buckets,---nearly everything I can find except for the skill I need to do the work.
Finally I simply established a relationship with a small and reliable stucco guy who would do my patches.
Then all I needed to do was include the cost in my price.

You will also need some tools as I mentioned earlier.

Bill R

[Fredremodeler]

I agree with Bill. Also, call a stucco contractor, most of them no guys who do the small stuff they aren't interested in. It is definately a skill that takes a long time to master. My veiw is, this business is frustrating enough, why add to it?


--Fred

[endlyss]

Definately sounds like a job for specialists for sure. Glad I asked.

Richard