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How to Repair Chipped or Cracked Stucco

Repairing chipped or cracked stucco is an easy project, but you'll need to set aside a few days to complete it.

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Bucket Chisel, masonry Float Hammer Mortar Scraper Spray bottle Trowel Vacuum Wire brush

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How to Repair Chipped or Cracked Stucco

computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate

" Stucco is a kind of mortar that is applied to brick or block walls to provide a finished look. Overtime, stucco can separate from the wall. Here's how to make a quick repair. Using a masonry chisel and hammer, break away the loose stucco. After you've chipped away all the larger pieces, work around the edges with a stiff paint scraper to loosen any remaining stucco. Try to leave any firmly attached sharp rough edges as they form an important mechanical bond between the solid existing stucco and the patch you will be applying. Wire brush the area until there is a solid clean surface ready for recoating. Finally, vacuum the area to remove all the loose stucco dust. Following the instructions on the bag, mix enough mortar with water in a container to fill the area to be repaired. When you're done mixing, the mortar should be the consistency of peanut butter. Using a spray bottle or a hose, dampen the area to be patched. This will keep the new stucco from drying out too quickly and cracking while it dries. You're going to apply two layers of stucco in making the repair. The first layer called the scratch coat should be about 3/8-inch thick. Using a trial, work the mortar up into the edges of the area to be patched, let the stucco set until it begins to become firm and then using a trial, scratch a cross hatch pattern of lines into the surface to form a mechanical bond for the final layer. Allow this area to set for 24 to 48 hours or until the stucco is completely dry. Using a spray bottle or a hose, dampen the scratch layer to prevent the final layer of stucco from drying too quickly. Now, using the float dampened with water, load the float with stucco and wipe it on. Then, depending on the pattern, pull or swirl the surface of the stucco until you match the pattern on the wall. Allow this layer to dry for 24 to 48 hours. Once the area is dry, it can be painted to match the surrounding area. The paint will not only hide the patch, but it will further protect the stucco from weather."

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