Stucco can be textured to look like other surfaces.
Stucco is an exterior plaster that has historically been used as a cheaper alternative to wood and brick. It has been around for hundreds of years but is still commonly seen in residential and smaller commercial buildings. Techniques involving the creation, use and maintenance of stucco have evolved over time.
Composition
Early stucco was made up of lime mixed with sand and water, bound together with straw or animal hair. After concrete was discovered in the 1820s, it gradually replaced lime as the basis of stucco, creating a firmer, more durable stucco mixture. Today, gypsum is used almost exclusively to create stucco due to its durability and faster drying time. Lime-based stucco is still often used as a finishing coat, however, because it's more malleable and can be easily manipulated and stylized.
Application
Because it's a wet mixture until applied, stucco cannot be used as a base building material. Instead, it must be spread over a pre-existing wall or other surface. In most cases, such as brick, concrete or stone, stucco can be applied directly to the surface. Wood isn't an adequate surface for stucco to attach to. In this case, stucco must be spread over a lathe and then nailed or otherwise fastened to the wood surface.
Finishes
One of the reasons stucco has remained so popular is its ability to mimic other surfaces. Its malleable finish allows for the scratching of designs or textures. Early stucco finishes would generally be smoothed out and then scored with designs. Modern stucco users have introduced specialty finishes that can resemble pebbles, English cottages and the southwestern Adobe style.
Cleaning
The malleability of stucco that makes it so useful from a design standpoint can make it difficult to clean. High-pressure hoses and sandblasters deteriorate the surface and cause the stucco to crack or disintegrate. To clean stucco, try a soft-bristled brush and low-pressure hose such as a garden hose. Use phosphate-free TSP or Borax to get rid of mold or stains.
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