To have durable stucco, it is a must to let it dry properly. To rely on the weather and just sitting around will bring havoc down your Stucco. If you are following the standard procedures, then it is not enough. After applying Stucco, the minimum moist-curing time is 48 hours. Experts do not recommend the moist-curing phase when the humidity is near 75 %.
The specified time is required to have adequate strength and have a firm condition. Raining during this period can make the bond between the substances weak and fragile. The chemical bond will go through stress, and the delamination of Stucco will be delayed.
Read: How long does it take for exterior stucco to dry?
Methods of Curing Stucco from Moist?
Curing Stucco of moisture can be quite tricky. Therefore, depending on the situation, you may need adopt some techniques as well. The methods that are currently available in the application are two.
- Fogging: This is a method where the layers’ surface is manually misted from 2-4 times a day. The technique can be continued from 2-3 days to have a better outcome. The fog should be mild enough so that it does not damage the outer surface. Scorching steam can cause malfunction, and cold water, on the other hand, can give the mixture an unexpected push. In curing the moisture, the wind speed and weather conditions play a big part. You have to take measures according to your situation. If a strong wind is blowing, then plastic sheets can be used to cure the layers. Shielding gives it better safety. To improve the bond between the first and second layers, and before applying the final layer, the surface can be previously wet.
- Doubling: When the second coat is applied on the first coat as soon as it can hold the application, it is called doubling. This method is also called the double-back process. Professionals also recommend this method. This method helps the second coat to absorb the water, which is not absorbed by the first coat. The layers together give the surface strength and fight well against moisture.
How to Apply Stucco in Rainy Season?
Our business gets a lot of calls for stucco repair in Indianapolis area during the rainy season. Stucco can be applied in the rainy season, but you have to take extraordinary measures to keep it safe and sound. There are many methods to repair or install Stucco while it is raining. Here goes the most effective and most used ways:
- Using Sheets: Sheets can prove to be very useful in applying Stucco in a rainy season. You can cover up the whole area with it. While choosing a plastic sheet, always try to select thick materials. Precautions are to be taken while applying plastic sheets. The weight balance and joint should be firm; otherwise, it may fall and ponder the whole purpose.
- Secured Mixing: The mixing of having to be done in a secured place. If you do it openly in a rainy season, additional water may end up in your mixture. You can move the mixing business indoor, or you can place it under a tend though it might not hold against strong winds.
- Using Solutions: Adding solution ingredients will always help. Ingredients like Calcium Chloride will help in adapting to wet situations. This solution can be used with cement. Applying hot water while mixing is another way to speed up the process a bit. It is safe to apply in the mixing during gloomy days.
How Often Stucco can Normally be wet?
One or two times once a day, Stucco can be wet. It will provide additional moisture to the coats. The sun’s scorching heat can cause problems to the skins, so overcast weather is perfect for drying. Immense heat can cause quick-drying and making crack in the coats. The first week is the most important. For having a solid foundation, the first or base coat should be moistened for seven days. Many recommend continuing for ten days. In cases where humidity is more than 70%, moistening may not be required.
One thing should be kept in mind that the finish coat is not moist cured. It can be hazardous if you wet the final skin. The base should be wet first to create a curing environment underneath. Temperature is also an important thing to keep in mind. The standard temperature to moisture-cure is from 40-90 Fahrenheit.
Can You Paint Exterior Stucco?
Stucco can be painted. However, Stucco itself provides a good looking exterior. To add more dimensions, At the view, you can paint Stucco. Every 5 to 10 years, it is standard to paint Stucco. But while painting it, some precautions are to be followed:
- The walls in which you are about to paint should be washed properly. If you can clean the stucco surface properly, it will remove all the dirt and stains from the walls. Here, using heavy brushes is not required. You can use light brushes and scrub with them along the surface gently. Spraying the dirt out is not recommended because it does not turn out to be very useful in most cases. And it also does not cover the whole area.
- Timing is another crucial thing while painting. To get a consistent finishing along the surface, you must paint the same time. Delaying in painting will make the portions look unfamiliar.
- The kind of paint used in Stucco is also specific. You can apply elastomeric paint upon Stucco. Since it comes with flexibility.
Things to remember
Substantial implications of the moist-cure methods are the ways upon which a durable stucco layer is built. Each coat should be prevented safely from any external moisture. Users have to be very careful while applying the methods of moisture-cure. Any mix-up in the process can be fatal for the coats. The thickness of the skins should be as specified.
There should not be any delay in applying the different coats. The finish coat is the most critical layer; it should at least be moisture-cured for two days. During constructions, if all the measures are correctly followed, then Stucco shall last for decades.
