Acrylic stucco is made of acrylic resins, crushed quartz, and sand which resembles a more coarse texture of the paint. The sand component in acrylic stucco gives it a more refined and polished finish than traditional stucco.
When you want to improve the finish of your old stucco, you can apply a new coat of acrylic stucco over the existing one. However, this will depend on several factors, especially the condition of your old stucco.
Let’s talk about these factors, the step-by-step process, and the differences between an acrylic stucco and the traditional one.
What Is An Acrylic Stucco?
Acrylic stucco, which you can also call synthetic or elastomeric stucco, has three major components: acrylic resin, sand, and crushed quartz. This coating material comes in different vibrant colors for each unique finish.
Additionally, acrylic and traditional stuccos have several differences you can compare when choosing the right stucco for your property.
Composition
As mentioned earlier, acrylic stucco is acrylic resin, quartz, and sand. On the other hand, traditional stucco is mainly composed of lime and Portland cement, white sand, and water.
Packaging
Acrylic stuccos come in buckets of 5 gallons weighing approximately 50 to 70 pounds. When you purchase them unmixed, they come in wet mixes. The traditional stuccos are packaged in bags weighing around 80 to 90 lbs. When they are unmixed, they come in dry and powder form.
Cost
Acrylic stuccos cost more than traditional ones. They are approximately $40 to $50 per bucket, while traditional stucco would normally cost $10 to $15 per bag.
Texture
Traditional stuccos offer more texture selections than acrylics. You can choose from a wide selection of smooth and rough finishes.
Can You Apply A New Acrylic Stucco Over An Old One?
If you are on a tight budget and wish to replace your old stucco, you can re-stucco with new acrylic stucco. However, there are several factors you need to consider to know whether your wall is qualified for a re-stucco without removing the existing one.
What To Examine Before Applying A New Stucco?
To help you decide on proceeding with applying a new stucco over the old one, there are considerations you need to examine to be certain that what you intend to do is safe and right.
Are The Flashings In Sound Condition
You need to inspect whether the metal flashing needs repair or replacement. Check for any separation or rust at the joints that you need to remove or clean up.
Check Surface Adhesion And Quality
The surface adhesion will depend on the paint of your existing stucco. If there is any chipped or loose paint, it can negatively affect the new coat of stucco bond. You can remove the chipped paint by sandblasting.
When you observe that the surface still has good quality paint, you can directly apply the new stucco over it.
Consider Removing Old Paint
Inspect the quality of the paint on the painted surface, and if it’s still intact and of high quality, you can leave it as is. Consider removing it when it’s loose because it will interfere with the bonding of the new stucco.
Is The Wall Surface Clean And Even
If the existing surface is rough and uneven, scrape the high areas and fill in the low areas before applying new stucco.
How To Apply A New Stucco Over An Existing Stucco?
This step-by-step guide shall help you understand how to apply a new stucco over an existing one.
What You’ll Need
Before proceeding with the main process, you must ensure that you have all the needed materials. These materials are the following:
- Garden hose with a spray nozzle
- Concrete bonding agent
- Long-bristled paintbrush
- Drill with a paddle bit
- Plasterer’s rake
- Acrylic stucco
- Angle grinder
- Trowel
Procedure
After preparing your materials, follow the step-by-step procedure below.
1. Initial Inspection
Perform an initial inspection of your working area. Check whether the wall is ready for the application of the new stucco. You should also examine whether your materials are complete.
2. Wall Surface Preparation And Cleaning
Get your angle grinder and remove all heavy points and sharp edges on the wall. The high points should be removed to make the wall even. Generally, all the points on the wall should not exceed ¼ inch from the shallowest voids.
After removing all sharp edges, it’s time to clean the wall using the garden hose and a spray nozzle. Start cleaning from the base of the wall up to remove all dirt. The spray nozzle applies pressure to the wall to remove dust and loose stucco.
3. Allow The Stucco To Dry After Cleaning
After cleaning, let the wall dry up overnight. Moisture can interfere with the bonding of the new stucco, so it’s best to wait overnight for the wall to dry.
4. Apply A Bonding Agent
After allowing the wall to dry, apply a bonding agent layer with a paintbrush. Ensure that you have also applied on all cracks and voids in the wall. The main importance of a bonding agent is keeping moisture away from the new stucco to minimize damage and cracks over time.
5. Prepare Your Stucco Mixture
Get your acrylic stucco and mix it with water following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use your drill and a paddle bit to stir and mix the stucco. The mixture should be thick and not too liquified.
6. Apply The First Coating
Using your trowel, apply the first coating, about ¼ inch, to the wall. One hour after the stucco starts to harden, scratch the wall to create lines using your plasterer’s rake.
The lines create a more textured surface where the final coat of stucco will adhere to. Let the first coating dry overnight.
7. Apply The Final Layers Of Coating
After allowing the first coating to dry overnight, apply the final ¼ inch of stucco using your trowel. The pressure and angle of the trowel create variations in the finishes and textures of your new stucco.
Tips In Maintaining Your New Acrylic Stucco
The stucco walls should be maintained and washed at least two to three times a year. Doing this maintains the stucco coat’s shine and function. You can clean the acrylic stucco using a pressure washer or a garden hose.
Verify Conditions Before Applying A New Acrylic Stucco
Applying a new layer of acrylic stucco over an existing one can lead to more issues when you don’t make the necessary inspections. You must consider all factors affecting the wall and surfaces to which you plan to apply a new layer of acrylic stucco.
