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A plastering(exterior stucco over wire lath) expert I am not. A favor to my neighbor, and maybe a little to my own house, is about to begin. It’s a small patch job around a new door and window that I installed. I can handle the wire lath and prep but this will be my first go at mixing(sand, cement, and lime), applying(scratch,brown, and finish), and making a complete mess. I’ve reviewed my copy of the Portland Cement Association’s book about technique and proportions but wish for something more before starting.
Has anyone got some suggestions regarding good reading material for background information about techniques and proportions. The paper and lath are in place and ready but I’m never afraid of getting more information before I plunge into the work.
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Steve C,
I replaced all of the steel sash windows in my old stucco house in Abluquerque abot 15 years ago. I pulled out the old windows, installed the new, and got the felt and wire lath ready for mud. Then I called "Old Joe," a retired stucco and plaster man. He would come by, mix up a batch in a bucket, put it on, and drive off. Next day he would be back. After a couple of his lessons, I think I could have done the scratch and brown coats but there was no way I was ever going to be good enough to match the "knocked down" texture. Might tackle a sand finish myself if it is in a side wall or another location not subject to visitor eyes. My mother had a handy man put a walk door in her stucco garage. The patch was easy to spot under paint. My window salesman told me about "Old Joe." Bet you could find someone like him if you asked around. Did not work for beer money, but he was not unreasonable.
*Steve, the man to speak with is Brian Ewing at http://www.craftmensquare.com formerly known as ornamental plaster.com
*Anyone know if I could get away with a quick patch over some damage using expanded metal lath and something like top'n'bond? This is in an inconspicuous area ... I just want it to be inconspicuous and waterproof ...