Quck answer
To apply stucco to cement board, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the surface: Clean the cement board thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris. Repair any cracks or damaged areas.
2. Apply a bonding agent: Apply a bonding agent to the cement board to help the stucco adhere better.
3. Mix the stucco: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the stucco with water until it reaches a smooth consistency.
4. Apply the scratch coat: Using a trowel, apply a thin layer of stucco, known as the scratch coat, to the cement board. Scratch the surface with a scratcher to create a rough texture for better adhesion.
5. Apply the brown coat: Once the scratch coat is dry, apply a thicker layer of stucco, known as the brown coat, using a trowel. Smooth the surface as much as possible.
6. Finish the stucco: After the brown coat is dry, apply the final layer of stucco, known as the finish coat. Use a trowel or float to achieve the desired texture or pattern.
Remember to let each coat dry before applying the next one. With these steps, you can successfully apply stucco to cement board.
Cement boards provide a strong and level surface for wall coverings, especially in moist environments. However, they need to be finished for durability and aesthetics. One option for finishing cement boards is to apply stucco. Although it requires extensive preparation, the end result is a beautiful surface that can be further enhanced with paint or left as it is for a raw plaster look.
Step 1
Start by measuring the surface of the cement board that you want to cover with stucco. Use a tape measure to determine both the height and width of the boards.
Step 2
Next, cut sheets of fiberglass reinforcing mesh to match the surface area of the board. Add an additional 2 inches to the height for overlapping at horizontal seams, and 6 inches to the width for overlapping at vertical seams.
Step 3
Place strips of fiberglass mesh tape over the joints between the cement boards.
Step 4
Apply a concrete bonding agent to the cement boards. Use a paintbrush to brush on a moderate layer of the bonding agent. Press the mesh onto the boards, overlapping it by 2 inches horizontally and 6 inches vertically where separate sheets meet. When covering corners, position the overlaps 6 inches from the edges. Allow the bonding agent to dry, securing the mesh in place.
Step 5
Using a plastering trowel, apply stucco directly to the fiberglass mesh. Spread the first scratch coat of stucco to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Let the coating harden slightly, and then use a plasterer’s comb to create scratches on the surface and reduce the layer to about 1/8 inch in thickness. Allow the coating to harden for an additional 48 hours, keeping it slightly moist by spraying water on the surface.
Step 6
Add a second layer of stucco over the scratch layer, using the trowel to create a 1/8-to-1/4-inch layer. Finish the stucco with the desired texture, such as brushing it with a stiff-bristled brush for a brushed-coat texture. Let the stucco cure for 48 hours, misting the surface with water during this period.
