This video is just an Explanation of how to apply and why stucco cracks.
Montalvo or Cat Face stucco Finishes. Why does stucco crack?
Howdy guys and gals in this short video explains two things one is the Montalvo, California or Cat Face stucco Finishes as they are commonly names in different states, which basically mean the same finish. And the other is why cracks sometimes appear right after a color coat finish.
A cat face stucco texture is similar to the Santa Barbra Smooth mission finish. Unlike Santa Barbara you apply two coats back to back with a lot of troweling. With the Cat Face, Montalvo or California texture, you apply your first coat as you would normally, however when you apply your second coat you randomly miss a few areas or allot, the areas missed depends entirely on owner preference.
I have done this stucco finish with the cat face about 4 inches around and have also done it with much larger so called (Cat Faces) in the stucco finish.Please also see our web site at http://www.StuccoPlastering.com
Kirk Giordano Plastering Inc.
Thanks for watching and have a great day!
Kirk & Jason Giordano’s DIY plastering network
Plasterers forum, plastering information, plastering methods
Montalvo or Cat Face stucco Finishes. Why does stucco crack?
Hey! Yes, I remember asking you how the Catface finish was applied…Thanks a lot for uploading this video Kirk!!! Like I said, this finish is becoming more and more popular down here in San Diego, CA. I just wanted some guidance on the Catface finish, as I am going to stucco my patio using this finish. So, I would just apply my first coat using a sponge float, and then come back and apply my 2nd coat with a steel trowel missing some random spots to create the catfaces, correct?
hey guy, you would be better off using a steel trowel finish to apply the first coat then floating this first coat. ( using a float to apply a finish is sloppy and time consuming). You are correct in the application of your second coat. This particular finish varies in terms of what and how you want it to look. Sorry I didn't have this finish actually being applied but I thought you would get the idea.
good luck with your project.
Kirk Giordan plastering
Yes, I did get a better idea of how the Catface finish is applied. Perhaps you will get a job sometime when you are actually applying, but your description helped a lot, and thanks again; keep the videos coming!!! -Mark from San Diego
Just to clarify — I assume that you are saying that the plaster/stucco scratch and brown require water immediately after the initial application, to aid in the curing process. Wouldn't these cracks already show signs of forming in that case? Or can you water, say, a week in advance for several consecutive days and prevent this, even if the brown coat was completed weeks or even month in advance? Just curious as to the timing. Obviously, allowing the stucco/plaster to cure longer (i.e. keep hydrated), as with a concrete slab, will create a strong and more resilient coat, for any of the layers.
@Sara Thomasy Hello Sara, as a rule I will hydrate my scratch coat then the brown coat also, I usually allow at least 48 hours to cure while hydrating with the first coat then at least 2 weeks with proper hydration during the second coat.
If the wall sits for a month to 10 years prior to a finish coat does not matter.
A finish coat is applied for maintenance free colors and textures, but even doing everything proper a wall can still crack, as there are many, many causes to this such as natural settling and rain, which expands the earth, thus creating cracks, also the sun can heat the outside wall expanding the studs and plywood which causes hairline cracking, I can go on with about ten more paragraphs in regards to why stucco cracks but I'm sure you get my meaning.
Best wishes,
kirk giordano plastering
Hope all is well.Our Lord Bless you all