Stucco Scratch coat tips

[@willsachs]

Kirk I been using it wrong all these years of watching you. I thought it was a plasterers back scratcher and the tape was to collect my back hair. On a serious note at first I was getting klinkers because wasn't letting the tape drag enough. Kirk's the best!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@willsachs Howdy Will, happy to help clarify its use, we call it a scratcher but the real name is scarifire. Cheers

[@albertriddle7114]

Great channel. I've been plastering for 40 years. Enjoy your videos. Coming at ya from New Hampshire .

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@albertriddle7114 Morning Albert, thank you my fellow plasterer from Hampshire. Cheers 😉

[@madilson5619]

this has saturday/sunday public access tv vibes

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@madilson5619 Good morning Madison, I like that, thank you.

[@brentwatier]

Bahahaha 😂

[@aaronsimpson8329]

More like HGTV

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@aaronsimpson8329 I like that,

[@lmilne4859]

Great tip buddy that with tape on scratcher will be doing that from now on. 🤙🤙🤙

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@lmilne4859 it works very well, we have to do that daily when I worked for companies that gunned the stucco on, so I could keep up. The tape made it easier to brown out the scratched walls,

[@hectorcardenas6616]

Mr. Kirk is like the Michael Jordan of stucco. Sometimes, I think he communicates with the stucco, which is why both work as one.

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@hectorcardenas6616 Evening Hector, I like your way of thinking, thank you.

[@markspradling6490]

Wish you were in Central Florida!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@markspradling6490 That makes two of us.🌞

[@winterfar2814]

This guy is hilarious man, and elite at the same time. 😂

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you my friend

[@jimgordon2399]

Thanks Kirk, you're the man!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@jimgordon2399 Morning Jim, thank you

[@dasqueege7903]

Love watching..keep it coming..””Kirk’s da best”😊

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@dasqueege7903 Thank you, love your style.

[@WorldCommander]

Another good one Kirk!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@WorldCommander thank you, world commander

[@tre9563]

I always used a corn broom for fake stone scratch coating because those would leave huge spots on wall

[@_Alfa.Bravo_]

You are a master !!!!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@_Alfa.Bravo_ Morning my friend, thank you.

[@Nick-qk3fv]

Man we tried scratching columns today with a knotch trowel for a clay finish and I feel if we had the one in your video it woulve been easier

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@Nick-qk3fv a notched trowel sucks, I had one once and tossed it as far as I could throw it. They are only for grouting tile. 😉

[@Zinstalls]

Great Video!

[@StuccoPlastering]

Thank you

[@chriswarnes2744]

Kirk, this is by far the best channel for all things stucco. I am currently doing a 25' x 2' area patch job on the exterior wall of my house. When I put on the scratch coat I think I made the mix a little to wet. So most of the scratch marks are now gone. Would be better to use an acrylic bonding agent for the brown coat or go back with an angle grinder and recut the grooves for the brown coat to bond.?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@chriswarnes2744 a grinder is a cardinal sin, don’t do that, I’d suggest you hydrate to scratch coat very well and make the stucco a little richer and use a bit more force when applying the second coat, it will adhere by mechanical bond. If your concerned go ahead and apply light application of any bonding agent for a chemical bond with mechanical bonding combined. 😉

[@chriswarnes2744]

@@StuccoPlastering Thanks for the reply! I was leaning towards cutting new grooves. Again thanks for the tip, I may have avoided a potential disaster. 👍

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@chriswarnes2744 Indeed that would have been kinda goofy. Cheers brother. I have in the past simply saturated walls with no lines or what we call keys, the stucco adhered well, hydration properly is huge. Best wishes.

[@ישראלשורץ-י2ק]

Waves are more pleasing to the eye because of the play of light and shadow. And there is also a game in it, and people who work so hard deserve to have a little fun every now and then.

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@ישראלשורץ-י2ק Exzackory, but waves in the lines may fail the inspection scratch coat, I’ll stick to horizontal lines.

[@Anthony-to7cp]

​@@StuccoPlasteringNo ribbed lathe?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@Anthony-to7cp Rib Lath is used for ceilings, usually where the spacing is two feet apart.

[@MysticRuler-n4j]

Is a heavy dash finish done after the brown coat or as part of the brown coat? Thanks...love the channel.

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@MysticRuler-n4j it’s done after the brown coat has set, it could be an hour or a year later as long as it was set or hard.🕵🏼‍♀️

[@MysticRuler-n4j]

@ Thank you kindly. Very much appreciated. Since thats the case, how is the brown coat finished to accept the dash? Is it just trowel finished?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@ 🤙

[@mr.mr400]

Kirk's the big dog 🐕 🙌

[@StuccoPlastering]

Lol

[@mr.mr400]

@@StuccoPlastering The grand master

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@mr.mr400 Lol, Thank you.

[@mr.mr400]

@@StuccoPlastering you're welcome 🤝

[@DoubleDoubleWithOnions]

Dang, no easy way of doing it. Thanks for the lesson.

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@DoubleDoubleWithOnions Lol, everything about stucco is easy, we just provide tips to make it so.😉

[@localparfait]

Kirk, you're made for TV.

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@localparfait Good Evening my friend, we’re ready for prime time, now if you can just convince you producer buddies to give us a chance with a script, we’re there. 😉

[@JamesSmith-or9tg]

Without accelerators, how long do you have to wait between the scratch and brown coats. Thanks for all the knowledge you share!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@JamesSmith-or9tg Evening James, traditionally, the rules have been at least 48 hours while the scratch coat is being hydrated that means being wet or drenched with any garden hose. FYI, A scratch coat can be on for years before a second coat as it protects the paper.

[@JamesSmith-or9tg]

@@StuccoPlastering Thank you, and your family, for all the knowledge and skill you share! I've learned so much. But I've learned even more practicing what your channel gave me enough confidence to even try!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@JamesSmith-or9tg Morning James, thank you for the kind comment. 😉

[@gabemillee3726]

Good video

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@gabemillee3726 thank you my friend.

[@georgerutherford4649]

Kirk what is best way to apply stucco too concrete barriers they use for highway dividers. There 3' tall 10' long stacked 2 tall put together for 100' long. He is just looking for a better look. Probably use a sponge float texture. Pressure wash first, apply bonding agent, apply scratch coat first?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@georgerutherford4649 You have the right idea, although where they are stacked a crack will not doubt appear because of settling.

[@georgerutherford4649]

@StuccoPlastering correct thank you Kirk enjoy your videos wish I knew about them before. I'm 67 now. Thanks, George Rutherford

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@georgerutherford4649 Howdy George, never too late, you got me by a year.

[@georgerutherford4649]

@StuccoPlastering I have Parkinson's disease also since 2006 had dbs brain surgery for it but still Luke my Stucco. Wish I had opportunity to work with you some? I stay active playing Pickleball and working on everything I can afford. See you in Ca.? Where?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@georgerutherford4649 Sorry to hear this brother, staying busy is super helpful, cheers

[@PoBox-ix7lc]

You guys ever do densglass w durabond over for a smooth plaster finish?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@PoBox-ix7lc Yes, we’ve done every stucco system known to man.

[@britt3604]

What would you use on a smooth stucco exterior for repairing hairline cracks. Thank you

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@britt3604 Santa Barbera smooth mission finish or caulking.

[@britt3604]

@@StuccoPlastering Thank you, I’m a painter usually when we use caulking a lot of times it flashing on us, I really enjoy your video, sir I will try the Santa Barbara . Thanks

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@britt3604 there is also an acrylic called “Image” for really fine skimming.

[@britt3604]

@@StuccoPlastering Thank you I really appreciate the feedback😊

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@britt3604 no problemo.

[@DanielContreras-r3o]

Whats up mr kirk i am a mexican gen z apprentice (21)who happens to work with my dad, he works for a hispanic private owned company for a certain amout in san diego cali to take care of the cement and color he brings the people and it goes on from there. Any advice as to how to move up a level to a journey man? They always want me to carry the mud and everything and when im about to try to plaster when i had already delivered all the mud to the people someone always screams “more mud”!!! So i never really get a chance to get experience on plastering when i always gotta bring mud

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@DanielContreras-r3o Evening Daniel, your story is mine too. I hid carried for two years, when I was so far in front of the journeymen plasterers I would apply plaster. I guess I was a natural as I plastered almost as good as the journeyman. Have you told your father you want to learn to plaster? I would suggest you remind him again, too. As long as you’re ahead of your work they should be grateful, plus a father will always be proud of you for the effort and perseverance. If I were in that area, I’d hire you as your desire is strong, I predict you will be an awesome plasterer. Best Wishes, Daniel, Kirk giordano plastering.😉

[@northface484]

Ok folks..This guys real money maker is White Pin Point Oxfords...Stucco is just a side gig to market the shirts..Genius Level Folks...!!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@northface484 Lol , I like that

[@DeWarmePlakker]

Hey Kirk, how much square meter should a plaster be able to do in one day consistently 5 days a weeks, month after month? Also keeping in mind that he is working within reasonable physical limits and not wrecking his body needlessly? Let's take a brown coat, laying it on about 15mm thick and ruling it off and floating it so the finish is about 12mm thick. How much sqm should he be able to do in 8 hours on his own? Mixing and hod carrying, laying it on, ruling and floating. What is your take? In my opinion, 15 - 20 sqm per day should be sufficient. But the old plasterers in the UK seem to think that you should be able to do to 60 - 70 sqm per day by yourself. I'm having a very hard time believing that.

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@DeWarmePlakker sorry, I’ve never thought in terms of “keeping up with the Jones” we apply what we’re comfortable with. To think in those terms would make our day working a drag instead of getting paid to work out.

[@DeWarmePlakker]

@@StuccoPlastering well I admire that about you Kirk and I completely agree with your philosophy. I'd rather still be plastering in my 60's and beyond if possible. It's just that it gets under my skin when certain people make claims that seem to good to be true. Would you allow me to rephrase my question a bit maybe? Do you think the average solo plasterer is able to consistently spread 70 sqm (83 square yards) every day, 5 days a week, without compromising their health?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@DeWarmePlakker if he has a great hod Carrior and is only plastering I’d say have that is a good deal of efforts. By the way I believe if one eats and drinks well, they get stronger as they age and continue to work, I find eating healthy more difficult than plastering any day.

[@DeWarmePlakker]

@@StuccoPlastering Thanks for the answer! In terms of eating, I find it being easier to eat well by not overworking myself and prepping my meal in the evening for the next day. Other than that, I swear by only drinking source water. No alcohol, no sugar drinks. If I overwork myself, in the evening I just don't have the energy to care about nutrition anymore. At that point, anything will do and anything isn't always healthy! It does help, I find, not stocking your kitchen with unhealthy food in the first place. That way, in case one gets tempted, there's nothing there anyway!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@DeWarmePlakker Exzackory, as these days I work with my family, I prefer to sacrifice my own energy in an effort to save theirs and often won’t prepare my meals with good sense either as I’m too tired, but then again my fridge never has more then a few things in it. Cheers

[@mikethepainter]

I bet you guys are not doing scratch and brown all in 1 coat just to beat the heat. takes a bit more time and this way you can be gone before the heat hits. Then come back after its dry and do the brown.

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@mikethepainter The weather does not determine if we work the whole day or half. I can care less if it’s 110. In fact I prefer to work in weather that’s hot than in cold weather.😉

[@mikethepainter]

@@StuccoPlastering yea I guess that is kinda true because if it is too cold it does not like to set. ha ha.

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@mikethepainter Not really, we can control the set time, I just don’t like cold weather, I’m good with warm or hot weather. Cheers

[@mikethepainter]

I like the USA.....should have some flags flying behind your truck too....ha ha. I was just up there a couple weeks ago when it was cool. Was so nice. Now 117 yesterday in Riverside. I am not working in this crap. Too old for it now. I get muscle cramps so bad I cant hold tools when its hot.

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@mikethepainter the hottest weather I worked in was probably 110 the coldest it was snowing on us. 117 would be way too hot for me too.🔥

[@AlessioSangalli]

Master Giordano please, I need your help - I sent message on your website, left a voice mail, called several times… I live in the area

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@AlessioSangalli Howdy, sometimes I don’t get messages for many reasons, email me at [e-mail] 😉

[@Guardducks]

105 and I see someone wearing a hoodie , was he cold? Haha

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@Guardducks GuardDuck Dude, it was hotter than hell on this day, okay just 105 at its peak. fortunately the homeowners had ice cold Gatorade for us the whole day. What a country.

[@Frankieee-bj6nu]

Where’s louuuuuu!!!!

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@Frankieee-bj6nu Luuuu is in the front mixing as he got run over while riding his bike, crushed his foot. He can barely walk but can mix all day.

[@benjohnston9654]

Kirk, new girlfriend...?

[@StuccoPlastering]

@@benjohnston9654 LOL, do we know each other? As I'm a gentleman, let's call my ex Rosanna, Eileen, Allison and dimples. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXLdlHubbbBrfZY/ 😏