Do-it-Yourself Stucco Patches

 The first thing you need to do is make sure all around the area to be patched have jagged edges (this means if it is cut out with a saw, the lines would be straight - this gives a straight crack afterwards - due to time and more settling of the house itself).  Take your hammer and make jagged edges all over the area to be patched. 

Next, you apply craft paper - this can be purchased at your local Home Depot.  Be sure to apply two layers, and go under the top part of the patch and over the bottom (just like you would with a roof).  This is very important!  The paper is what prevents the leaks. 

Next, apply stucco wire (can also be purchased at Home Depot).  It doesn't matter how you overlap the wire - it doesn't have to be over and under like the paper. 

Next, mix a small amount of stucco material per the instructions on the bag.  Its best not to mix too much at once, or it will dry out, if you are doing a large area.   Its always best to use two coats - the thicker you apply any coat, the greater the chance of cracking later.  Two thin coats are best. 

On the first coat, you scratch the patch with lines just like a rake would leave in your lawn.  Then you take a bruch (paint brush), and brush around the whole perimeter of the patch to make sure it is lower than the existing stucco.  Let this coat dry at least overnight before applying the second coat. 

Most "do-it-yourselfers" end up with a hump.   To avoid the hump, you take the edge of yoru trowel and scrape around the edges with half the trowel on the existing stucco and half on the newly applied stucco,   Then you match the texture with either a brush or sponge float.   Each house has a different texture, so the choice of a sponge or a brush is up to you.  Most houses have a stippling effect. This is the tough part of the job - and may take some time. 

If you want to hire a pro and are in the Bay Area, give me a shout at stuccoguyron@gmail.com.  Mention this hub, and I will give you a reasonable price!