Written by Stucco Champions — Southern California’s Authority on Exterior Plastering.

Stucco Finish Coat Guide: Texture, Color, and Application

In a Three-Coat Stucco System, the first two layers (Scratch and Brown) provide the strength, but the Finish Coat provides the personality. It is the decorative skin of your home, responsible for color retention, water shedding, and curb appeal.

Choosing the right finish involves more than just picking a color swatch. You must decide between traditional cement (breathable) and acrylic (flexible), and select a texture that suits your architecture. This guide breaks down the options.

1. Material Science: Cement vs. Acrylic

The most critical decision is the chemistry of the finish coat.

Traditional Cement Finish (The "Old World" Look)

Made of white Portland cement, lime, sand, and pigment.
Pros: Highly breathable (permeable), fire-resistant, and low maintenance. It fades naturally and can be refreshed with Fog Coat.
Cons: Rigid (prone to hairline cracks) and colors will "mottle" (vary in tone).

Acrylic/Synthetic Finish (The "Modern" Look)

Made of acrylic resins and crushed quartz aggregate.
Pros: Flexible (bridges small cracks), uniform color (no mottling), and holds dark colors without fading.
Cons: Less breathable. Requires specific waterproofing details to prevent trapped moisture.

2. Texture Selection Matrix

Texture affects maintenance and aesthetics. Choose wisely based on your home's style.

Texture Type	Visual Profile	Best For	Maintenance
Smooth (Santa Barbara)	Glassy, undulating trowel marks.	Spanish/Modern Custom Homes	High (Shows dirt/cracks)
Sand (Float)	Uniform grit like sandpaper.	Contemporary/Tract Homes	Low (Easy to clean)
Lace (Skip Trowel)	Flattened islands of texture.	Hiding imperfections in older homes	Medium (Traps some dirt)
Dash (Knockdown)	Heavy pebbled spray texture.	Commercial/Industrial	Medium (Hard to patch)

3. Application: The Art of the Trowel

Hand Troweled: Required for Smooth, Sand, and Lace finishes. The plasterer applies the material and then "floats" it with a sponge or hard rubber float to bring out the texture.
Machine Sprayed: Required for Dash finishes. A hopper gun blasts the material onto the wall for a uniform, pebbled look.

4. Curing and Protection

Cement Finish: Must be misted with water for 48 hours to slow down hydration and prevent shrinkage cracks.
Acrylic Finish: Cures by air drying (24-48 hours). Do not wet it. It must be protected from rain until fully dry.

Conclusion: The Final Seal

The finish coat is your home's first line of defense against the sun and rain. Whether you choose the rustic charm of cement or the sleek uniformity of acrylic, ensuring a consistent application thickness (1/8") is key to longevity.