Job Procedure

1. Surface Preparation:
   1. LaHabra Exterior Stucco Color Coat should only be applied to plaster bases that are sound, clean, unpainted and free of any residue which may affect the ability of the LaHabra Exterior Stucco Color Coat to bond to the surface.
   2. Variations in the thickness, texture, cure level or moisture content of the plaster base may cause unevenness in the stucco finish color or texture.
   3. Plaster bases should be leveled with a darby or trowel and then floated or brushed to eliminate "slick spots." The plaster base should have an open surface to allow a good mechanical bond for the finish coat.
   4. Hand application over Portland cement plaster: Prior to application of exterior stucco finish, the base coat shall be sprayed with clean water to control and equalize suction.
   5. Machine application over Portland cement plaster: It is not necessary to dampen the base coat before machine application of exterior finish.
   6. Smooth troweled finishes such as LaHabra Santa Barbara Mission Finish will reflect variations in the plaster base. Particular care should be taken in the preparation of the bases that will receive smooth troweled finishes.
   7. If the plaster base has been polymer modified the cement stucco finish must also be polymer modified. Contact Technical Services for further information.
2. Mixing Instructions:
   1. Using a mechanical plaster mixer, mix one (1) 90 lb. bag of the appropriate stucco base with 3 gallons of potable water to a thin consistency until it is smooth and free of lumps.
   2. Add all color packs 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 stucco base to correspond with the number of color cartons mixed in step 2 and mix for 15 minutes. Then stop mixing 5 to 10 minutes to allow for an initial set of the cement, then restart mixing for 5 minutes to temper the mix. Add only the amount of additional water necessary to bring the stucco to a workable consistency. This will allow longer open time during the application of the stucco finish.
   4. For additional batches of the same color, thin the remaining mixture and repeat steps 2 and 3.
   Note: All cement/lime products should be mechanically mixed for a minimum of twenty (20) minutes after the last bag of stucco base is added. Santa Barbara Mission Finish may require additional blending of the color packs to avoid color streaking.
3. Application: Color coat shall be approximately 1/8" thick.
   1. Hand application over a portland cement brown coat: Spread on even coat and texture to desired finish.
   2. Machine application: Spray first coat over the dry surface and cover base coat completely. During periods of high humidity, it is recommended that one full day be allowed between coats.
   3. During periods of hot or dry weather conditions, a light spray (mist) of clean water is recommended over the stucco finish. LaHabra Stucco color coat will normally dry and set the same day. Allow 28 days for curing.
   4. Additive can affect color and performance and should only be used at the direction of LaHabra Technical Services. Contact LaHabra for further information.
   5. Do not over-trowel smooth finishes. Excessive over-troweling can cause bubbles or air pockets, cracking or discoloration.
   Note: Stucco with 20/30 aggregate is not designed for use as a smooth trowel finish, Santa Barbara Mission Finish is the product designed for use as a smooth trowel finish.