Stucco offers an inexpensive and durable finish for interior and exterior walls. If you are unable to think of the right way of finishing a cinder block wall, stucco application, followed by textured effect is the best option to consider. So here’s how to stucco a cinder block wall and give it an appealing yet low-maintenance finish.
Cinder block wall can be difficult to finish. Cinder blocks or concrete blocks offer an easier and less expensive way to construct walls as compared to the poured concrete. But when you build a wall using cinder blocks or concrete blocks, the end result is not much attractive.
Though the construction is strong and will last longer, its appearance can ruin the beauty of your space. Well, if finishing the wall is the latest task listed in your to-do list, then here are some tips to help you work on the project. You can simply paint such walls to give them a nice finish.
Let me tell you that applying stucco over the wall is the best way to give it a textured look and hide its unattractive surface. With stucco, you can convert the previously unattractive looking wall into a well-finished and beautifully textured surface. So here are some tips on how to stucco a cinder block wall.
Procedure to Follow
Clean the Wall
No matter whether the wall is constructed recently or is old, you need to give it a thorough wash which will ensure that the final result is good. Lots of dirt gets collected on this type of wall and in the gaps in-between. You can use a high pressure hose to clear off the dirt with plain water. If required, soapy water can also be used to clean oily surface. Make sure you use plain water from high pressure hose for the final wash. Let the wall dry off complete for a day or two. Make sure you fill up the holes and cracks and have the wall repaired before moving to the next step.
Apply First Coat
The first coat application is important to be done carefully as it forms the base of this finish. Stucco is basically a custom-mixed or a factory-prepared cement plaster. With the coats, you get a durable and lasting finish which is also an attractive and cost-effective solution. You can opt for a custom-mixed stucco for the first coat which consists of 1 part Portland cement and 4 parts fine sand.
You can also consider mixing one part lime to this as the same offers ease of application. Slightly dampen the wall before application to get better results. Get started with the application over the cinder wall using a trowel. Load stucco on a hawk and then take it on trowel for application. Make sure you apply the mix carefully, covering entire surface with a thick coat. Use required pressure so as to press the mix into the wall as you go on applying it.
Finishing Coat
Once the coat is applied over cinder block wall it will take about 2-3 days to dry completely. Make sure that you leave the surface for drying till it gets complete dry and then start with the application of next coat. Well, this is the finishing coat and hence, it is best to use the factory-prepared stucco. Again, load stucco on the hawk and start applying it over the wall using a trowel.
Once you apply a thick coat on the entire wall, use a straightedge wood for leveling the surface. It’s time to texture the surface while the coat is still wet. Get the trowel, broom, small plastic pad or other tools to texture the surface. You can texture it according to your likes but ensure that the same pattern is followed all over the wall. Texturing plays the most important role in the final appearance of this wall. Once you have finished texturing the surface, leave it for drying for 3-4 days.
Painting stucco is the final step of finishing the cinder block wall. Well, having an idea is essential even if you hire a professional for this project. This will ensure that you get the job done properly. You can also add your ideas in the texturing and coloring part. Fresh colors or using a mix of color shades to heighten the textured effect, is a great idea.
