How do I repair stucco? 

Our Specialized Stucco Repair Process 

The Professional Stucco Repair Process

Stucco is a durable material, but shifting ground, moisture, and temperature changes can cause cracks or holes over time. Repairing it correctly requires addressing both the underlying structure and the texture matching.

Phase 1: Fixing Fine Hairline Cracks (Under 1/4-inch)

For small, surface-level cracks, a flexible elastomeric sealant is best because it moves with the house and prevents future cracking.

1. Clean the Crack: Use a stiff wire brush to clean out any loose debris, dirt, or old paint from inside the crack.

2. Apply Sealant: Use a high-quality exterior elastomeric stucco caulk. Force the sealant deep into the crack using a caulking gun.

3. Smooth and Texture: While the caulk is wet, pat it with a damp sponge or a soft-bristle brush to match the surrounding texture. Do not smooth it perfectly flat, or it will look like a shiny line when painted.

Phase 2: Repairing Larger Holes and Deep Damage

For larger holes where the stucco has completely broken away from the wire mesh, a traditional three-coat or two-coat stucco patch mix is required.

1. Prep the Area

• Chip away all loose, flaking, or damaged stucco using a hammer and chisel until you hit solid, firmly attached material.

• Clean out dust with a brush or a blower.

• Inspect the wire mesh (lath) and the black building paper underneath. If the paper is torn, patch it with a piece of flashing tape to prevent water damage behind the wall.

2. Apply a Bonding Agent

• Brush a liquid stucco bonding agent generously onto the edges of the old stucco and the exposed mesh. This ensures the new wet patch securely adheres to the dry, old stucco.

3. Mix and Apply the Scratch/Brown Coat

• Mix your stucco patch compound according to instructions.

• Using a trowel, force the first layer firmly into the wire mesh. Pack it tight, leaving about 1/4-inch of space from the finished surface.

• Let it stiffen slightly, then lightly scratch horizontal lines into it with a scarifier or a piece of cardboard to create a grip for the next coat. Let it cure for 24 hours.

4. Apply the Finish and Texture Coat

• Dampen the scratch coat lightly with water.

• Apply the final layer of stucco mix. While it is still wet, use a sponge float, trowel, or a whisk brush to match the exact existing pattern (such as Dash, Santa Barbara, Spanish Lace, or Sand/Float finish).

5. Cure and Paint

• Keep the patch lightly misted with water for a day or two to help it cure without cracking.

• Once completely dry , seal it with a high-quality primer and paint it to blend seamlessly with the rest of the wall.