Stucco Installation
Three-coat stucco — applied the right way, over a system that actually protects your home.
New stucco installation from StuccoToday isn't just a surface application — it's a complete wall system. We install our proprietary 8–10 layer moisture management underlayment first, then apply a three-coat stucco system (scratch coat, brown coat, finish coat) using premium products from Parex, DryVit, or Sherlastic. The result is a stucco exterior that looks beautiful and performs for decades.
Our Three-Coat Stucco Process
Foundation: 8–10 Layer Underlayment System
Before any stucco is applied, we install our complete moisture management system: Fortiflash Butyl at the foundation, Ice and Water shield at all vulnerable areas, JumboTex two-ply vapor barrier, KEENE Rainscreen Drainage Mat (6Mill), weep screed, kickout diverters, EZBead soft joints with DOW 790, and 2.5 gauge self-furring wire lath per ASTM C1063.
Coat 1: Scratch Coat
The base coat bonds mechanically to the wire lath, creating the foundation for the stucco system. Applied at the proper thickness and scored to provide a key for the brown coat.
Coat 2: Brown Coat
The leveling coat creates a flat, true surface for the finish. Proper cure time between scratch and brown coat is critical — we don't rush this step.
Coat 3: Finish Coat
The decorative final surface in your choice of texture and color. Parex, DryVit, or Sherlastic products applied to manufacturer specifications for a lasting, beautiful finish.
Why the Underlayment Matters More Than the Stucco
Stucco itself is not waterproof — it's designed to shed most water, but moisture will always penetrate to some degree. The question is: what happens to that moisture once it's behind the stucco?
With our 8–10 layer underlayment system, moisture that penetrates the stucco hits a drainage plane (KEENE Rainscreen), flows down to the weep screed, and exits the wall system safely. Without this system, moisture soaks into the sheathing and stays there — rotting the structure from the inside.
This is why most stucco failures aren't stucco problems at all. They're underlayment problems. And it's why our stucco installations last when others fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
A proper three-coat stucco system consists of a scratch coat (the base layer that bonds to the wire lath), a brown coat (the leveling layer), and a finish coat (the decorative final surface). Each coat serves a specific structural and weatherproofing purpose. We apply all three coats over our 8-10 layer underlayment system to create a complete moisture management solution.
New stucco installation timelines depend on the scope and whether we're working on new construction or over an existing remediated surface. A typical residential project takes 2-4 weeks including our full underlayment system, with cure times built between coats for proper hardening.
We work with Parex, DryVit, and Sherlastic finish products in a wide range of textures and colors. From smooth sand finishes to heavier dash textures, we can match your aesthetic preference or replicate your existing stucco finish.
Stucco installation applies a new stucco system — typically on new construction or after complete remediation has prepared the substrate. Remediation is the process of removing failed stucco, repairing the underlying structure, and then installing the new system. Both use our full underlayment methodology.
Get Your Free Estimate
Tell us about your project and we'll provide a detailed assessment — no obligation.