How to Apply Stucco to Cement Board

Step 1 – Measure the Area of the Cement Board

Using a measuring device like a tape-measure, measure the area of the cement board you intend on covering with stucco. This measurement will also be required pre-application when you cover the board with mesh.  

Step 2 – Trim the Fiberglass Reinforcing Mesh

Get the mesh ready for covering the cement board before applying stucco. It is imperative you do this as without the mesh, the stucco will not hold even after you think it has cured. The bond will be brittle and will come off even with a slight push. Use tin snips to trim the mesh according to the measurement taken in Step 1.

Step 3 – Apply bonding Agent

Once your mesh is ready, the first step is to apply the concrete bonding agent onto the cement board. This will ensure that the bond is doubly strong (combined with the mesh). Using a paintbrush, apply the bonding agent onto the cement board.

Step 4 – Apply the Mesh

After applying the bonding agent, while it is still not completely dry, embed the fiberglass mesh into the cement board.

Step 5 – Apply the Mortar

The first step in applying the stucco is to apply a scratch coat of mortar of a ¼ to ½ inch layer using the plastering trowel and hawk. Let it slightly harden.

Step 6 – Scratch the Mortar

After the mortar has slightly hardened, scratch the mortar now to a thickness of 1/8 inch and allow the now thinned layer to dry and harden for 48 hours. Using the spray bottle, spray the mortar layer with water during the 48 hours.

Step 7 – Apply the Finishing Coat

After the first curing process is complete and the scratch layer is dry, apply another coat of stucco of about 1/8 to ¼ inch thick using the plastering trowel. This finishing coat can be finished to a texture that you like and should then be allowed to cure for another 48 hours. Keep spraying the cement board with water during this time. Use a putty knife to add detail to the final coat before it dries.

Step 8 – Finishing Touches

The most important step after the final layer of stucco is applied is the spraying of water. It is very important to keep the stucco periodically damp for it to cure completely and form a strong bond that would last for decades. After the finishing layer on the cement board has cured, you can add desired texture to the stucco using the plasterer’s rake by scraping in random patterns that you like or a systematic pattern, making the cement board look like a stone-bricked wall!

Selected from: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-apply-stucco-to-cement-board