A lot of homeowners these days prefer acrylic stucco due to its numerous benefits. Unlike traditional stucco, acrylic stucco delivers a brighter finish which is more resistant to cracking.
It’s very easy to install and you can also paint it. Just like traditional stucco, acrylic stucco can be applied over a wide range of materials such as stone, concrete, or brick.
But can you apply acrylic stucco over cement board? That’s what we are going to find out!
Can You Apply Acrylic Stucco Over the Cement Board?
Of course, you can apply acrylic stucco over cement board. A cement board is one of the approved substrates for acrylic stucco.
On cement board, acrylic stucco can create a durable and aesthetically appealing finish. However, that can only happen if the acrylic stucco is installed correctly and according to manufacturer instructions.
How to Apply Acrylic Stucco Over Cement Board?
Step 1: Gather essential materials
You’ll need some acrylic stucco. But please get it from a reputable brand. Low-quality acrylic stuccos are more susceptible to failure.
You’ll also need some thinset mortar, cement board tape, a primer, and a trowel to apply the acrylic stucco. I’d also advise you to get a texture roller.
Step 2: Clean and prepare the cement board
The presence of dirt and debris over the cement board can affect its adhesion to acrylic stucco. So, start by thoroughly cleaning it.
Please check if there are dents that need to be patched up. As for joints between cement boards, these should be taped and covered with thinset mortar.
Step 3: Paint a primer over the cement board
Primer is very crucial when applying acrylic stucco over cement board. It promotes adhesion between these two materials. Using a brush, spread primer all over the cement board.
Step 4: Apply the base coat of acrylic stucco
With the help of a trowel, lay the base coat of acrylic stucco over the cement board. It should be about an eighth inch thick. This can be more or less depending on the product you’re using.
Step 5: Run the texture roller over the base coat
If you’re interested in texturing the stucco, now is the best time to run the texture roller over the base coat when it’s still wet.
Texture the stucco and give it time to cure. Acrylic stuccos often dry within 24 hours. So, a day is enough for it to cure.
Step 6: Finish up with the final coat
The final coat is what gives the acrylic stucco its true color. So, proceed to apply it and give it enough time to dry. And that’s it! You’ll have successfully applied acrylic stucco over the cement board.
Can You Brush Acrylic Stucco Over Cement Board?
A trowel isn’t the only tool you can use to lay stucco over cement board. You can also use a brush to apply stucco over such a substrate.
What most people don’t know is that a brush can help you play around with various stucco textures. Roller brushes offer better coverage in this scenario. And you can use the typical brushes on the edges of the cement board.
Stucco can also be sprayed over cement board. This application method is the easiest. I’ve also seen some contractors use a sponge. However, this needs a lot of skill and experience.
Do You Need a Metal Lath When Installing Acrylic Stucco Over Cement Board?
If you’re used to installing traditional stucco, then you know that it’s mandatory to use a metal lath. But with acrylic stucco, you don’t need a metal lath.
Acrylic stucco is just like paint. It has been formulated to bond to substrates such as cement boards without additional reinforcement. Acrylic stucco will bond firmly to the cement board as long as you use primer and get rid of any contaminants on the surface.
But please note that some acrylic stuccos require extra reinforcement. In this case, the manufacturer will advise you to use a fiberglass mesh and not a metal lath. These two are quite different.
So, the bottom line is that you’ll never have to use a metal lath when applying acrylic stucco over cement board. But you may need a fiberglass mesh.
How Long Will Acrylic Stucco Last Over Cement Board?
On cement board, acrylic stucco can last for around ten to fifteen years. This can only be achieved if the acrylic stucco is of high quality and is installed correctly.
However, if you use low-quality stucco, you may only get a few years of service. One of the perks of acrylic stucco is that it can be repainted whenever it starts to wear out. This can eventually increase its lifespan.
But the ugly truth is that acrylic stucco over cement board isn’t as durable as traditional stucco. With the latter, it can last for more than five decades.
So, if longevity is your main priority, you’re better off with traditional stucco than its synthetic counterpart.
Can Acrylic Stucco Be Applied to Both Interior and Exterior Cement Board?
The good news is that acrylic stucco can be applied to both interior and exterior cement board surfaces. When it comes to interior cement board surfaces, you’re less likely to run into any issues because the environment is controlled.
However, on exterior cement board surfaces, you need to make arrangements on how you’ll deal with moisture and weather elements like snow, rain, and harsh UV rays.
Fortunately, acrylic stucco can take up a beating and withstand most of these elements. As long as it is properly maintained, acrylic stucco can last for a long in both interior and exterior cement board.
What are the Challenges Associated with Applying Acrylic Stucco Over Cement Board?
Like all other projects, applying acrylic stucco over cement board isn’t free of challenges. Here are some of the common issues you may run into;
• Moisture penetration – As we all know, acrylic stucco isn’t waterproof and that’s the same case with cement board. So, should moisture find its way between these two materials, it can weaken the structure and even lead to the development of mold.
• Cracks – Wherever stucco is used, cracks always seem to follow closely behind. Changes in temperature and exposure to moisture can also lead to the formation of cracks along the acrylic stucco.
• Delamination – If you don’t use a quality primer or forget to prepare the cement board surface, there is a huge chance of running into adhesion problems. And if this isn’t dealt with ASAP, the acrylic stucco can delaminate from the cement board.
• Cost – Applying acrylic stucco over cement board isn’t cheap. So, if you’re working on a tight budget, you may find yourself spending more on materials and labor. There are many cheaper ways you can finish cement boards such as using paint. It’s a good idea to always weigh your alternatives.
Do You Need Professional Help When It Comes to Applying Acrylic Stucco Over Cement Board?
Whether you should hire a contractor to apply acrylic stucco over cement board or do it yourself depends on several factors.
For instance, if you have the necessary skill set, you can opt for a DIY approach and save on labor fees. But if you’re new to construction, you should hire someone. Factors such as how complex the project is also contribute to the decision you’ll need to make.