Kirk Giordano Plastering

Stucco Plastering

You are here: Home / Videos / Stucco cement plastering over brick walls, before and after with video to show how stucco is done

Stucco cement plastering over brick walls, before and after with video to show how stucco is done

By 214 Comments

-https://youtu.be/9SfDt0wYr2g, plastering failing bricks in a brick chimney
-https://youtu.be/TI8t0VO1Pss, plastering a whole Brick chimney
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stucco
https://www.pinterest.com/kirkgiordanoplastering/basic-plastering/
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/kirkgiordanoplastering/kirk-jason-giordanos-diy-plastering-and-stucco-net/

Hello, our faithful subscribers and plasterers around the world! 🌎
Before and after plastering bricks video to show how stucco is applied over brick walls.
If you’re unsure if your new stucco thickness on Brick walls or Cinder block, concrete block, or CMU walls, Simply add more stucco if not sure it’s thick enough.
As when it rains, to avoid seeing the grout lines, the thickness matters.
Apply or layer at least 1/2, and you can’t go wrong. Not sure how much 1/2 is added a bit more.
We have many videos on this subject on our channel, meaning stucco thickness over Concrete blocks or bricks to even terra Cotta blocks.
Type in plastering over bricks, concrete blocks, or cinder blocks in our channel to see more plastering over brick walls as all are different.

NOTE: You may also type in any question you may have on our Stucco/Plastering channel, and like magic, a video will appear to explain how it’s done.
This feature is miles ahead of any plastering online forum link. 🎭🏝
Then kick back, relax, and enjoy the show! 🍿
Oh yeah, don’t forget to save the world, like, and subscribe. It’s not only good karma, but It also makes you feel warm and fuzzy all over. 💃🕺🏻 😉
Below are just a sample of our videos for your learning experience:

Plastering a new finish coat sand finish: -https://youtu.be/chU9So3vy9s
I’ve plastered every wall, man: -https://youtu.be/g2-XwN80ZOo
Plastering over concrete walls: -https://youtu.be/_SAA11s0BPs
Teaching Internal plaster ceiling repairs: -https://youtu.be/GVj1uYAfMuQ
Plastering professionals weekend warriors: -https://youtu.be/t9FbRK1VuPQ
Even Santa Claus plasters on Christmas🎄: -https://youtu.be/mgq-bnxNimk

My son Jason and I are also participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

With our Amazon affiliates links below, Jason and I took the liberty of researching the best tools at the lowest cost used by us. This removes the guesswork for you out of buying plastering and other stucco tools.
Amazon quickly provides this luxury. Usually, two day delivery with Prime right to your front door… makes a person downright lazy but happy. 👍

 Plus, this helps support us a bit so we can keep making these teaching videos.  Below are just some of the tools, hawks, and trowels we recommend through Amazon.

🎁Remember, once on the Amazon page, you can buy not just the tools we recommend but anything your heart desires.
Plastering Hawk large: https://amzn.to/2Up8PFO
Plasterings perfect Trowel: https://amzn.to/39dFjZ0
Green sponge plastering float: https://amzn.to/2vKN2QM
Two-handled plastering Darby: https://amzn.to/3ddDGh8
DEWALT Air Compressor: https://amzn.to/2KiBt6X
Senco wire netting Stapler: https://amzn.to/3bnDtXv

 BTW, I'm Jason, the beard behind the camera, and also a licensed contractor. My dad and I have switched to powerful, modern, and long-lasting all battery-operated Milwaukee tools for good reasons. Take the Dual Chemistry M18 Job-site Radio. For me, this is one of my favorite tools for any job site: http://amzn.to/3aVmD1T.  I plug my cell phone in the top, then listen commercial-free to my music all day... or my dad's favorite artists.  😏🤔 We turn it off when filming. 🎥
We've also replaced our corded break out tool for the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Rotary Hammer: https://amzn.to/3ecdjsy. Here's a video about why we love it: -https://youtu.be/TdsGwupieXE
 We exclusively use this battery-operated mortar drill - it's a drag searching for outlets, unrolling a hundred-foot extension cord, and rewinding it up: https://amzn.to/2OzBxS0.

#kirkgiordaanoplastering, #howtoplaster, #plasteringtutorials, #beginningplastering, #plasteringforbeginners, #plasteringvideos, #learninngtoplaster, #plasteringbytheexperts, #stuccoadvice, #stuccotextures, #renderingplaster, #learningtoplaster, #plasteringtutorials, #DIYplastering, #learrntoplaster, #howtoplasterawall, #howtoplasteraceiling.

Subscribe for more stucco content 🧞‍♂️
https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=StuccoPlastering
https://www.facebook.com/kirkgiordanoplastering
https://www.instagram.com/giordanoplastering

https://www.StuccoPlastering.com
https://www.BayAreaPlastering.com
https://www.GiordanoPlastering.com

 Kirk and Jason Giordano with over 850 free Stucco/Plastering videos. Together we have created the most comprehensive encyclopedia of Stucco and Plastering videos ever produced globally, all by your favorite plastering messengers of YouTube.

Bringing peace, love, and brotherhood back into plastering.🎭🏝🎆

Pages

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Hey Kirk ! I was that guy you were talking about. lol I can remember unloading the sand off my 1/2 ton truck with a shovel and going back for more before I started my day. That was 15 years ago will I do that now …hell no and yes I was exhausted. Lol

    Reply

    • Good afternoon, Christophe dude, they are the best, usually worn by baseball catcher's box dudes, the absolute most comfortable, I used to wear them many years ago all the time as the straps don't cut the blood circulation off nor do they slide down the leg when walking.
      Live long and plaster
      Sharing the plastering knowledge

      Reply

    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. Thanks Kirk! I appreciate it.
      I am also a Bay Area based plasterer although I work more with decorative materials (Italian lime plasters, Japanese, clay, micro cements, etc…).
      I met Jay at a baby shower a couple of years ago. Any ways, thanks for the response and all the killer videos. I know that I have benefited from watching. Cheers!

      Reply

  10. That is just what I have on the front of my house, a low row of bricks in the front.  I'd be afraid in the Bay Area that they will crack because of earthquakes or settling.  But in any case I would not have the guts to try it myself for sure!

    I do like the sand finish terminology better than the float finish terminology because it finally describes what it is.

    Reply

    • Evening Mohammed dude, your a better man than me, as I dislike mixing and spreading mud too difficult for one man.
      Plus I would have no one to talk a bunch of useless crap to that doesn't amount to nothing.
      No glory in rambling to one's self.
      Live long, and plaster
      Plastering tips and techniques

      Reply

  15. Sinsei- I would ask why you are not using a go-devil but you have taught us the reason why is you must key in the material.
    So today's question is why didn't you coat the brick with weld Crete material I believe it is called weld crete,where you paint it and it forms a bonding agent between the stucco and the brick

    Reply

    • Evening Billy dude, excellent question, my son Jason pressure washed this wall very well, when you have either a brick, cinderblock, or concrete wall, new stucco will adhere by suction, the bricks were just pressure washed so they were still moist, our new stucco had a natural mechanical bond by both being porousas, so they will have adhered forever as a result.
      If not certain of a mechanical bond always use a bonding agent.
      Live long, and plaster
      Plastering tips and techniques

      Reply

    • Just to chime in here we did apply a full strength coat of weld Crete to these bricks prior to my dad's arrival, just didn't get that part on film. It isn't technically necessary when the bricks are clean and in good condition, but preventative measures are cheap and save dough in the long run. It is especially helpful with boding around the vent holes, and makes it much easier to get a clean line on those small spaces.

      Thanks for watching!

      Reply

    • Jay Giordano 2 questions,
      1-Do you believe one day the student will surpass the master ?
      2-Have you ever eaten a Giordanos deep dish from my hometown of Chicago?(quite tasty)

      Reply

    • Billy Field Surpass? I don't know about that one, but I do expect to develop different strengths over the years than he has, as I've had a pretty good teacher. He's still got over 20 years on me, so it won't be happening any time soon!

      And I've never been to Chicago so I have not, but it's on my list for someday!

      Reply

    • Evening FG dude, sorry, I don't get into the cost as someone might say, "well, you this for this much"……..
      Also one of the particulars I have is if someone says to me "one guy was going to charge", I always cut folks off and say, "I'm not interested what other folks charge, allow me to make my own decisions about cost according to access, materials, scaffolding etc.
      Live long, and plaster
      Plastering tips and techniques

      Reply

  20. Kirk do you ever rule your walls straight ? , never see a video where you do that , you always slap on and start floating and finishing ? . Is this a industry standard in the USA ?.

    Reply

    • Howdy Jon, that depends on small jobs like this to rod the wall is not necessary, If I'm applying stucco to a bank that is going to get the thin-set tile placed on my second coat then yes I have to rod the walls true and plump with no more than an eighth-inch variance every ten feet, in fact, I still have two rods or whay you guys call staight edge rods in my garage that are 10 and 15 feet long.
      Live long and plaster
      Teaching you how to stucco your home issues

      Reply

    • Juan Moncibaez been plastering for years bud and a Darby does not get a wall flush ,true and plumb a Darby is designed to spread the mud over a large area after spraying it , it gets it some what flat but not true . You have to use a straight edge that actually
      Takes off the high areas , then you fill in low spots and then rule again . You gotta use a u channel or something that’s straight , a Darby is basically a big trowl .

      Reply

    • Juan Moncibaez fully qualified plasterer from Australia mate , got the certificates to show it . Been doing it for
      Years , we do it a little differently
      Here , that’s why I was asking if it was the industry standard over there , no hate just curious , we have Darby’s here but you would never use it to make your wall true and plumb within 1mm it’s impossible , we use straight u channels , we get the wall so straight And the surface so flat you can’t even fit a piece of paper in between the rule and wall

      Reply

    • Good afternoon Stevie dude, excellent question, doubtful as bricks, cinderblocks and concrete don't swell like plywood.
      When the hot sun hits plywood for extened periods of time even under stucco this can make the plywood or even studs swell, thus hairline.
      Live long and plaster,
      Kirk’s, plastering tips and techniques

      Reply

  26. Hi Kirk and family…I have a question in the uk to mix rendering or Portland cement stucco they use a front loading rotary mixer versus the tupe u use…is the any difference it the equipment. What is he diff between the 2 mixes that makes one better than the others.

    Reply

    • Good afternoon John dude for the UK, the frontal round barrel type mixers are used here too but mainly for concrete, We prefer the tow behind ssuch as Multiquip, Essex or Whiteman plaster mixer for plastering, as they hold more and mix better
      Live long and plaster
      Sharing the plastering knowledge

      Reply

  27. hey kirk I have to paper and wire on to a new footer that was added and then try to paper under this disintegrating exterior corrugated drywall now the footer is about 3 feet tall should i use bitchathane membrane up to my bottom plate and then paper down from my tie-in if I can get that paper in under that corrugated drywall whats the code on that? and how should I install my wire on to the footer? and should I use diamond mesh or stucco wire? thanks just wondering what you would do.

    Reply

    • Good afternoon Lincoln dude, I have video's showing how to do this type in on this channel how to lath exterior sheetrocked walls or lathing stud walls. It's time consuming to figure out where to stop, often it's best to remove the whole thing and start fresh.
      Live long and plaster
      Sharing the plastering knowledge

      Reply

  29. Good to see you’re back, it’s been a while since your last video.
    I noticed that currently you’re only 155 subscribers away from 50,000 so wishing you and your crew well on achieving that milestone.
    As I’ve heard from somewhere, wink, wink, we will see you on the next one.

    Reply

  30. Kirk Giordano plastering Inc.
    Do you have a video that you're covering XPS foam?
    Covering my basement exterior with foam and need to parge/stucco to provide UV light protection.
    What product to use to transition between below grade -> at grade -> above grade. Thanks

    Reply

    • Good evening Todd, if it were me I'd skip the foam and stucco directly over the foundation although unless it's unsightly won't help much, If you really are set you want to attach foam, then also attach wire and stucco as usual.
      Are we on the same page UV light protection is no big deal unless you're staring at the sun without dark glasses to protect your eyes?
      Live long and plaster
      Sharing the plastering knowledge

      Reply

  31. Hi Captain Kirk.  I'm amazed at the beautiful areas out there in CA. especially the views!   Stucco finishes are Nice!   Are there replacement IFS/EFS systems to move from manually applied (by hand) finishes to modern techniques,  (i.e. cultured stones, rocks, stack ledges, stucco panels, etc.?)  Keep Doing Great.

    Reply

    • Good evening CM dude, with stucco or EIFS you're only limited by your own Imagination, stucco is either a base coat with a finish coat while IIFS is simply a colored acrylic finish.
      BTW, that was a hck of a view.
      Live long and plaster
      Sharing the plastering knowledge

      Reply

  33. I have a few questions but first I'd like to thank you & your family for the years of GREAT Instructional videos… It's very generous of you to share all your extensive experience & expertise with the world! I'm currently remodeling my grandmothers house in Torrance, Ca. to get maximum value for it after her recent passing. I plan on re-stuccoing the entire house & the surrounding block walls. The back part of the house had siding over a medium float finish but that was removed about 3 or 4yrs ago & a crapy patch & paint over the holes by someone who wouldn't know the dangerous end of a hammer if he was repeatedly hitting himself with it! & the front of the house has a kind of a cat faced/ freestyled finish that I don't believe has ever been painted (Or if it was it was over 10 or 15yrs ago?) I want to go over the whole house to make it all the same "Heavy float finish" & my questions are 1. After pressure washing everything can I achieve this by just laying a new color coat on a lil thick (1/4" or so where needed to smooth the old rough finish? Do you recommend I use a bonding agent &/or an additive in your mud & a place to get it at a reasonable price? & For the block walls, if I have it right you recommend applying about a 1/2" Brown coat first then going over that a few days later with the color coat?

    Reply

    • Howdy Troy, the bonding agent needs to be applied the surface of the house not in the stucco mix.
      You can purchase your materials at a plastering yard such as Westside or Cal-Ply or Home Depot.
      Lastly, after a skim coat over bricks, the color coat should be allowed to set for two weeks prior for a cementitious color finish or 1 month if you're going to paint it.
      Live long and Plaster
      Teaching the world how to plaster one Video at a time.

      Reply

    • OK… Got it on the bonding agent applied directly on the house after a good pressure washing… can I use an airless sprayer with that or just roll it on & is that a "Yes" I should be able to achieve the desired end result of a "Heavy float finish" on the house using just the new color coat?
      I was looking at using Lahabra's Exterior Color coat on all of this project after doing the block walls & some patch work with their Fastwall Stucco Base 80 lb. One Coat Concentrate Gray…. Sound about right to you & On the block walls is that apply the skim coat & let set for 2 weeks before color coating bcuz I'd like to get away without painting any of it? Thanks again for all your help.

      Reply

    • I'm ready to start the project & just wanted to know if I understand you right & if the material I'm looking at using is right for my application or if you could recommend something better suited? Thanks Kirk!

      Reply

  35. I want to first of all thank you for all your videos! They help me and my father in fixing up our house! Thank you! If I may ask question, I'd appreciate some input. My dad and I are trying to do something over some drywall someone installed years ago, and what they did looks like a disaster! Their drywall is all wavy with many holes and such. It's secure to the studs but we'd like to put a veneer over it to at least give it a "country" look as opposed to a "crappy" look! Itll never be smooth, but hopefully we can makw it better! Some of the low spots and joints have almost quarter inch depth. My question is what product would you recommend that's strong and will dry quick, and can be applied for my issue! Any help at all will be greatly appreciated!!!!!!

    Reply

  38. Hi Kirk, great channel. I was hoping you could tell me that if I use Mor-Flexx for a stucco hairline crack and then paint, Will the mor-flexx shine (flash) through the paint? Will you notice a shine and see the repair through the paint? Thanks for your help.

    Reply

    • Howdy Kyle dude,
      if it's a wood substrate with paper and wire, 48 hours after a scratch apply the brown coat, "second coat," then wait two to three weeks later after proper hydration, to apply a color finish.
      If your covering bricks or concrete blocks, apply just a skim coat, 1/2 inch or more, allow setting 2 to 3 weeks also, then apply a cementitious color coat.
      FYI, if your planning on painting or applying an acrylic stucco finish both seal the stucco, wait 1 month cure time.

      Live long and plaster
      Sharing plastering information, as the world can use more teachers.

      Reply

  40. This wall of brick was beautiful u ruined it… Here in Italy especially where I live in Tuscany this house would be completely made in bricks or stone with stucco between them to make more beautiful..I worked in construction and we usually make house with stone and bricks

    Reply

    • Howdy Obey, Dude, the real glory of owning anything is that the owner has free will do as he pleases, not what you or I want.
      Its been this way since the beginning of man and will remain so.
      Live long and plaster
      teaching plastering to apprentice's or DIY homeowners

      Reply

    • Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. I know about this but my was just an opinion that I just wanna share I think is also this a free will since the beginning of man and hope to will continue to be..

      Reply

    • Howdy Obey Dude seems like we're on the same page, I too felt this brick was pretty, but knew of the homeowners plans.
      I plastered a chimney 20 years ago that only a master craftsman of brick could have built, it was so intricate and breathtaking I asked the homeowner several times that, are you sure you want this masterpiece gone over?
      It blew my mind he said yes, to this day I still have the pictures as I have not yet seen such a two-story chimney built so imaginatively and with such artistry.
      Thangs that make you go hmmm.
      Live long and plaster
      Teaching do’s and don’t of plastering and stucco work

      Reply

    • Howdy Mike Dude, it's possible to go over every type of stone, rock or brick that's been applied, the trick is to find the application method that works well for you.
      Live long and plaster
      Mastering Plastering for the beginner’s

      Reply

  42. hello, looking through you videos and haven't found what I'm looking for yet. Have you done a house with a fluid applied WRB like R Guard, polywall or any like it. I am wondering how you flash in the paper and lath at the bottom of a window. Thanks for all the videos and insight.

    Reply

    • Howdy Adam Dude, not sure what you're referring too, I do know that any bottom window sill flashing should cover any new moister barrier.
      If there's no window sill flashing make one, either apply a peel and stick which needs no caulking if done right or but a paper flashing next to the window sill and caulk with a polyurethane caulking, to seal the paper to the frame forever.
      If I have misunderstood and you are hoping to just apply a waterproof membrane over some sort of "Densglass board," this I don't feel will work as even Densglass need a moister barrier and not just a roll-on finish coat, if stucco is to be applied over.
      Live long and plaster
      Kirk Giordano’s professional plastering advice

      Reply

  44. interesting video and good work. you may be able to improve your videos by shortening your outro. look at your statistics and see when people watch the video until. have a great day.

    Reply

    • Howdy Kelley Vinal, thank you for the tip, however jason my son is in charge of that stuff, I just plaster and ramble, about stuff that don't amount to nothing.
      Live long and Plaster
      Teaching the world how to plaster one Video at a time.

      Reply

  46. i'm planning on mixing an 80 lb smooth coat finish bag with integral color. what's the working time of this mix. i'm a slow plasterer based on my base/brown coat experience. thanks kirk

    Reply

  49. I have one side of the house that’s all brick I pressure washed it and its about 12 ft. high
    Should I
    just apply glue
    Or add some wire
    Or Add straps
    I plan on using spec mix applied at 1/2”

    Reply

    • Howdy Lincoln, if it were me I would apply a basecoat as in this video, stucco netting it not necessary and often does more hame than good.
      FYI, in over 30 years an I have installed stucco netting only once as the brick wall was really beaten up.
      Lastly, stucco must be applied to a surface that is very clean as nothing adheres to dust, if you not sure about the raw bricks and its ability to achieve a mechanical bond naturally, apply weld crete as a bonding agent.
      Live long and plaster,
      Sharing stucco secrets and or common sense tips
      Images of Kirk Giordano's stucco repairs

      Reply

    • Atta boy Lincoln, one last tip, wait at least two weeks before coloring.
      When stucco is first applied it has a pH level of about 14 I'd wait at least two weeks for the walls to drop down below a 10 on the pH level, boring tech stuff but necessary.

      Live long and plaster
      Images of Kirk Giordano’s plastering repairs

      Reply

    • And easy way to tell if you need a bonding agent is to test how porous the brick is. Splash some water on it, not much about a cup at a time in several places. If most of it soaks in you have a porous brick and no bonding agent is needed. If most runs off the brick is more dense and a bonding agent would be best. As well some brick have a thin slurry type color coat on the face, clean as much off and use the bonding agent.

      Reply

  50. I have an interior wall and fireplace surround in which I want to cover with stucco. This is the first video I've seen that clearly shows the layer and thickness…thank you so much!

    My question for you though is, since this is an interior wall, what would be the best way to clean it? Pressure washing it really isn't an option (I don't think?)…because there is an electrical outlet on the wall. The brick is 48 year old and doesn't seem to have ever been cleaned. I'm currently using a $7 deck brush (stiff nylon bristles) from HD and there's just seems to be a nasty film coming off the wall no matter how many times I go over it (currently 3)…and it still feels like there's a thin film of debris over sections of the wall.

    I'm so anxious to get started putting up the stucco, but I certainly want to make sure the wall is properly prepped before I do. What should I do?

    Reply

    • Howdy Justin, I would use a five-gallon pail of soapy water and scrub it until no more dust comes off since you can't pressure wash, then apply a bonding agent and plaster away.
      Live long and plaster
      Images of Kirk Giordano’s Plastering projects and tips

      Reply

  51. I am redoing a garage attached to my house it is wood framed on cinder block foundation that comes up about 3 feet off the ground, once the outer boards 4×8 1/2 inch plywood was put on it overlapped the cinder block by one foot. When I do the stucco what would/should I have on the bottom of the plywood to hold the stucco in place on the bottom of the wall?

    Reply

  52. Kirk, how are you mate? Still waiting for you to come to Liverpool 🙂 Beers waiting for ya mate in Leeds! I was doing some plastering and I was so happy I have seen your video's. The plasters came of the old 1920's building exposing the wooden lath's and being a DIY I said to Mrs, you know what? I'm doing it Kirk style and boy did your videos helped hahaha. Mrs thought I was crazy following an American but no UK plasterers willing to tackle this issue all insisting plasterboard but i didnt want straight lines and perfect finishes in a old house. You know what i mean Kirk? 🙂

    Reply

  53. Kirk, first of all thanks for being so generous with your as well as your families time. I'm sure the more time you spend making videos and responding to comments and questions they create, the less personal time you have. That said, let me take some of your time if you will allow me to! Warning! Long post!

    I have a small covered porch on a corner of my brick house. I plan on screening this porch in and because I of a design/decore choice I'm making I have chosen to stucco the two brick walls of the porch.

    They house has a brick that I can't find a match to. I may have a need for matching brick down the road and I'm thinking that putting stucco over this brick would be a waste of what might be valuable "donor" brick. So maybe I remove the brick?

    Here's the issue. Were I to take the brick down I'd be exposing sheathing as well as have a 4" deep void and trim issues around the doors and windows. My thought is to fir the wall out within 1/2" of the original depth and then skin with Durarock or some other cement board then stucco over that.

    What do you think?

    Thanks again for your time.

    Reply

    • Howdy Stuart, you can do this, but for saving possibly hundreds of hours, I'd call three brick contractors, the can probably match the bricks within minutes of seeing them at again a tenth of the cost that you might imagine it would cost.
      It will require some phone calls, this time researching might prove your best call.
      Live long and plaster
      Plastering and repair tips for your home

      Reply

  54. Kirk , first let me say am a big fan and thank you for you videos I have been able to complete jobs the correct way .. I have a question for anyone that can help .
    I have a job that requires eifs over painted stucco . It’s a existing wall that has really old course painted stucco and the cliente wants a smoother finish . So it seems to be to difficult to just skim it and new finish . So can I apply eifs over this painted walls . Or do I need to remove paint first .
    And if so can I sand plastic it off ??
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Howdy Hector, if it were me, I'd apply a bonding agent over the wall.
      I recommend Weld Crete by Larson.
      Of course, nothing adheres to a dusty surface so clean the wall first with a water hose to remove any dust.
      Live long and plaster
      Do’s and don’t of plastering’s leading experts

      Reply

    • Howdy Zarate Dude, if you use a grey basecoat as we did in this video, you can bring out the sand if you choose to.
      if you use a pre made finish coat with 16/20 sand, it's easier to get a perfect finish as the sand is screened to be the same size.

      Best wishes,
      Professional answers on plastering projects with issues

      Reply

  58. Hey Kirk, thanks so much for the videos! Entertaining and very informative.

    Question for you: are there any precautions that need be taken when working with old brick (early 1900s)? I've been told that modern mortar (containing portland cement without any lime) can destroy old soft brick because it doesn't leave room for thermal expansion. Is this a concern when using modern stucco on old brick, especially when the brick mortar joints are chiseled out?

    Reply

    • Good morning Deriek, I would not worry about this myself, yes, it's a fact that Portland cement is sort of new about 150 years old and discovered in Britain in the 1800's while lime plastering is well over ten thousand years old.

      best wishes,
      Sound advice for plastering issues from your favorite stucco geeks

      Reply

  60. Hey Kirk and Jay you fellows are a huge inspiration. I am building a 25 1/2 x 31 1/2 detached garage. Block construction. And I’m having the outside stucco. After watching you and Jay I decided to do it myself.I know it’s a learning curve but, with your advice the first coat on the front came out great. Thanks for all your help.

    Reply

  61. Hey Kirk can you do a video of you ruling a wall , I haven’t seen you do it yet . We use a aluminium u channel to rule the walls here down under to make it perfectly flat and straight .

    Reply

  63. Kirk thanks so much for this video I have a neighbor that seems to copy everything I do I will put this over my foundation and make faux stones thanks again

    Reply

  64. I like how you explain things and quality of work looks good. Love that you use a thick coat vs a thin 1/8" or 1/4" that's going to crack and flake off in 5yrs like a lot of hacks will do. Note to home owners looking to have this done. Ask the contractor how thick of coat he will use. If he says less than 1/2", don't even bother getting his bid.

    However as a bricklayer, and understanding you're just doing what a client wants, I'd like to slap people who want brick covered up vs tuck pointing/restoring it. I just think brick looks much better than stucco.

    Reply

    • Howdy Ben, then a bonding agent needs to be applied after you pressure wash the painted bricks.
      Stucco will not attach to any painted surface for more than 6 months to a year.

      Peace, love, and harmony to all
      Sound Plastering tips for the DIY beginner’s and Plastering experts

      Reply

  67. My guy tells me that you can’t stucco over the older clay bricks from the 70s because it’ll peel off and not adhere long term. Is this at all true? Do you use a bonding agent?

    Reply

    • Howdy Average Car Guy, stucco is only as good as the surface it's applied to.
                                 Peace, love, and harmony to all
               Sound Plastering tips for the DIY beginner’s and Plastering experts

      Reply

    • That's the norm in Europe. Clay bricks I mean. You either add a lot of bonding agent(the american way?) or make a rough dash coat with 1:3 cement:sand and lots of water, let it cure a few days and plaster it. See Kirk's video about terracotta blocks, he uses a bonding agent.

      Reply

    • Howdy Mike, then a bonding agent need to be applied after you pressure wash the painted bricks.
      Stucco will not attach to any painted surface for more than 6 months to a year.

                                 Peace, love, and harmony to all
               Sound Plastering tips for the DIY beginner’s and Plastering experts

      Reply

  73. Aloha Kirk and many thanks for all of your great advice and videos. I do have a question for you that I need some help with. I want to stucco over the Old cement block exterior wall of my garage that the 1929 stucco has been crumbling off of.
    I was thinking of first scraping off all the loose stucco the number to power washing the number 3 skim coating with at least a half inch to an inch a mud which I'm thinking 1 to 3 ratio and possibly putting some lime for x-ray vision what do you think about the addition of lime? Also, I was thinking about a finish coat of white Portland and sand what do you think about that? I'm looking forward to your Insight on this project thank you so much.

    Reply

    • Evening Demetrios, I'd recommend Hansons Lehigh cement plaster, it has lime in the bags already.
      I too mix three parts sand to one part cement plaster.
      Rather than the white portland cement plaster, I'd use a cementitious finish coat, comes in Christal white, too.

      Plastering tips and products by Kirk and Jason Giordano with over 800 video’s
      bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the plastering world

      Reply

  75. Hey Kirk, I've watched a lot of your videos. my question for you involves a 125 year old chimney with some sort of cement the was troweled over brick (i'm guessing to help seal it) its crumbling in places and my local mason suggested chicken wire with a Portland cement/sand mix, then a second layer. do you find this adequate ?

    I will be covering over the chimney, so its more for structure than aesthetics. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Evening Evan, I'd recommend Rapid set Stucco, from Home Depot or Lowes one coat will correct any size hole, without the use of stucco netting.
      Just make sure the wall is clean from dust, dirt or, grime or nothing will adhere, plus wet the wall or apply a bonding agent before applying the new Stucco.
      Plastering tips and products by Kirk and Jason Giordano with over 800 video's
      bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the plastering world

      Reply

  76. Kirk I'm sorry…I can see areas that are to thick and to then….and all you keep saying …on as long as there is a half each….I'm sorry been floating and running mud fir a long time….so stop saying I am going to show off…how about doing it right my brother run your scratch and then run your brown…stop saying dont worry its getting painted…you should know just like do if you have a shitty float job…you will see it when you paint it and you know this….that's all I am saying pal.

    Reply

    • Chad Anus is a top plasterer. He hasn't done it yet, but when he finally gets off the couch after playing video games to fix his mom's wall, he's sure he'll do it better than Kirk. We salute you, Chad Anus!

      Reply

    • Evening Chad, your still a cub. Indeed as you continue in the trade, you will learn that to apply a scratch, then a brown or second coat over a cement, brick, or cinder block wall is the assumption of an apprentice.
      A skim coat is all required for brick or cementitious walls. For stucco netting or lath over wood walls, then a scratch and brown coat is necessary, don't try and reinvent the wheel at my expense.
      You make an ass out of yourself.
      Plastering tips and products by Kirk and Jason Giordano with over 800 video's
      bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the plastering world

      Reply

    • Evening Aviation Dude, of course, there was a bonding agent applied. When dried, not all bonding agents show.
      Plastering tips and products by Kirk and Jason Giordano with over 800 video’s
      bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the plastering world

      Reply

    • Evening Bryan, I have applied stucco over lava rocks where there was a 6 inch difference in depths. Just takes practice.
      Bringing peace, love, and harmony back to the world of plastering.
      With over 800 educational and free Youtube videos, by your favorite plaster geek, “me,” and Jason, my son, the bearded plasterer.

      Reply

    • @Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. Kirk i already used concrete nails just made sure to insert nails only on the grout line and two wacks maximum seem to came out fine so far i addded popouts an did a true plum brown coat then. Came back a week later an thru sand finish home owner loved it

      Reply

  80. Clean work. Thanks for sharing your craft. I’m about to skim coat brick on the sides of my front stoop. Then put stone veneer over it. Can you recommend a product that will work best. It’s only being used to smooth the surface and level for the stone veneer after. Also how long before I can cap the skim coat with my veneer? Thanks so much Rob

    Reply

  82. Greetings from Greece Mr Giordano , some questions for you : any use of Bonding agent ?, Hydrate first ? whats the average time before floating ( over brick ) ? will a simple first hand stucco do the job ( we have e.g. marmocrete bond here among others sika and Isomat ) ? after how long we paint ? Thank you in Advance ! Pavlos .

    Reply

    • @Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. Thank you for answering to me , my name is Pavlos , Hellas is the correct name for Greece. Thank you again i'll use bonding agent. Looking forward to your next brand new video . Stay Strong and PLASTER !!!

      Reply

  86. Kirk I have a recurring problem no one can fix. Built house in 2000 using aerated autoclaved concrete walls on cinder block foundation and chimney. Stucco on mesh on block peeled away and had to replace. Removed with needle gun put fixing agent on block and stucco again. It's blistering and peeling off on the chimney only. Worst blowing rains from southwest pound it. Tired of redoing. What is a permanent fix.
    Thallium208@gmail.com

    Reply

  87. Do you have to repoint all the brick, or can you use the “skim coat” and push it into the joints if it’s bad and falling out? I had a “skim coat” that was done horribly, all cracked and falling out. I simply used a hammer and taped it and it just crumbled off in most places. The joints are all dust and falling out in 90% of the bricks. I’m guessing they didn’t clean off the wall before hand and that’s why it didn’t stick the first time they did it. But to repoint all the brick is going to take me 2 days. It’s just me and my moms boyfriend redoing it. I used a high pressure hose and got all the dust and dirt off. Can we just go a little heavy and push down hard to fill in the spaces or do we have to repoint it first?? I would imagine just pushing the stuckko down hard is going to fill most of the spaces. I did have to relay 3 different spots that were so bad I could literally just pick the bricks up. I actually took them all out and restacked and remortored them myself. A cpl bricks were so bad I had to replace them. But this was in the places the down spouts were and they all ended way too high so I imagine it was all the water damage that caused them to deteriorate. The rest of the wall is in good condition and still holding tight but in a lot of the wall (ok most of the wall) they are missing most of the mortar in the joints. You can see on the stuff that fell out the old skim coat was pushed into the joints but it fell out with the rest. Again I’m sure this is because they didn’t clean it before hand. And way what do you suggest? I really don’t wanna repoint them all and make it a 4 days job as opposed to a 1/2 day job especially since my moms boyfriend is a older gentleman so I would end up repointing myself. I did repoint or relay the really bad spots so with the rest, as long as all the loose dirt and dust it clear can I get away with a thick skim coat if I make sure we are pushing it into the cracks???

    Reply

    • @Kirk Giordano plastering Inc. Yes totally agree very informative and educational videos indeed.Very helpful to a DIY guy like myself you pros make it look so easy and effortless.cheers

      Reply

Leave a Reply