Stucco adds charm and warmth to buildings.
Traditional stucco, a material long associated with Southwestern architecture, actually describes several types of construction, including modern versions that contain none of the traditional ingredients of either stucco or plaster. To make the matter even more confusing, the term "plastering" can mean applying any of several types of finishes using a hand trowel.
Traditional Stucco: A Definition
The traditional formulation of stucco as used in classical Southwestern architecture has the consistency and texture of lime plaster and incorporates fine, sharp mason sand with Portland cement as a binding agent. This mixture, historically applied to walls, indoors and outs, throughout the Southwest and California, has undergone a resurgence of popularity in its original homes as well as a broadening interest in new applications in recent decades. Traditional stucco has two extremely strong appeals: It does not require painting, and it is extremely fire resistant.
Interior Plaster Paints
Technically, plastering is a technique and not a specific material. However, in common usage, when people says they plan to plaster a wall, they generally want to create a specific "plastered" effect. This class of wall treatments typically results in a wall surface that is slightly to moderately textured, often warm in color and typically somewhat variegated in hue. You can also create interior plaster paint finishes by using artisanal lime putty, a material in use for thousands of years; exterior-grade stucco finished smooth with a hard trowel; products compounded from colored clays, marble dust and binders; or entirely synthetic products that use acrylic resins as binders. Properly sealed, all are stain resistant.
Best Applications of Exterior Stucco
Stucco makes an ideal choice for exteriors where intense sun exposure would cause rapid fading and deterioration of painted coatings. Stucco also makes a good choice in areas where wildfires occur, requiring homeowners to create defensible space around structures. If roofs, soffits, windows and door openings are properly protected, a stucco-coated house has a much better chance of sustaining a near miss with wildfire than wood construction.
When to Avoid Stucco
Stucco can withstand considerable moisture as long as the building envelope isn't breached. However, if water infiltrates behind stucco, rapid deterioration can occur. For this reason, stucco does not make the best choice for exterior finishes in places where the ground is constantly damp or long periods of dense fog occur.
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