Job Procedure

1. Surface Preparation:
   1. The finish of the plaster "brown coat" base partially determines the texture, color and final result of the finish.
   2. First, rod, darby or trowel the base to produce the desired level.
   3. Next, hard float the base to eliminate "slick spots" and open the surface to enable a good mechanical bond for the finish coat.
   4. Hand application over portland cement plaster: Prior to application of exterior stucco finish, the portland cement base coat shall be dampened with clear water to control and equalize suction. Allow surface moisture to dissipate prior to application of the Exterior Stucco Color Coat. For application over any surface other than a portland cement brown coat, contact LaHabra for proper preparation.


2. Mixing Instructions:
   1. Using a mechanical plaster mixer, mix one (1) 90 lb. bag of the appropriate stucco base with approximately three (3) gallons of potable water to a thin consistency until it is smooth and free of lumps.
   2. Add all of the color packs (1 per bag for a standard color, a maximum of 4 standard color packs can be added per 90 lb. bag for increased color depth) to be used for one "batch" and mix until color is evenly dispersed (approximately 1 to 2 minutes).
   3. Thin the mixture with water, then add remaining bags of stucco base (adjusting water as necessary) to correspond with the number of color packs mixed in step 3. Allow material to mix at a somewhat stiff consistency for approximately 15 minutes. Add the remaining amount of water to achieve the desired consistency, and then disengage the mixing blades for approximately 5 to 10 minutes in order to temper the material. Doing this allows the material to start its initial set. Re-engage the mixing blades for approximately 5 minutes, adjusting the water and mixing only long enough to achieve uniformity. The material is now ready to be removed from the mixer and applied to the wall. (Please see section C. Application.)
   4. For additional batches of the same material, thin the remaining mixture with water, then repeat steps 3 and 4. Wash out mixer completely to change colors.
   
   Note: All LaHabra cement/lime finish products should be mechanically mixed for a minimum of 20 minutes after the last bag of stucco base is added to fully disperse the color.


3. Application:
   1. Color coat shall be approximately 1/8" thick.
   2. Hand application over a portland cement brown coat: Spread on even coat, double back with an additional coat, and trowel to the desired finish.
   3. Machine application:
      1. Spray the first coat to completely cover the dry portland cement brown coat.
      2. Correct imperfections by filling and/or scraping. Allow to dry prioer to applying the second texture coat.
      3. During periods of cool temperatures or high humidity, it is recommended that one full day be allowed between coats.
   4. During periods of hot or dry weather condition, a light spray (mist) of clean water is recommended over the stucco finish. LaHabra Exterior Stucco Color Coat will normally dry and set the same day. Allow 28 days for curing.
   5. Color and performance may be affected by the addition of field additives. Field additives are not to be used except at the direction of the Technical Department.
   
   Note: Exterior Stucco Color Coat is not designed for use as a smooth trowel finish. Santa Barbara Mission Finish is the product designed for this use.