Mike, thank you for sharing your photos! This heavy dash finish is stunning and certainly makes a bold statement. Reproducing this style is definitely possible, especially for smaller features like your outdoor fireplace and bar. Let’s talk about how you can achieve it.
Question from Mike:
Hi, Stucco Guy -- Thank you for your informative website! My wife and I were in the Normandy area of France last year and saw an old home with the stucco finish shown in my attached photos.
I included the photo with my hand to show the scale of the texture -- talk about heavy dash! We loved it and am wondering what the likelihood is of reproducing that style (only on our outdoor fireplace and bar), either ourselves or using a contractor in the San Diego area. Thank you! Mike
My Answer:
Hey Mike! Reproducing this heavy dash texture is definitely within reach, whether you plan to try and tackle it yourself or hire a contractor, it is achievable with some experimenting. Here’s how this finish was likely applied and what I would do to recreate it:
Spraying the Finish: This texture was likely sprayed on using a larger pump-style sprayer with a larger nozzle, but it could probably still be achieved using a smaller hopper sprayer.
The first thing to do would be to tone down the air pressure to keep the material more concentrated and allow it to stack on the surface, rather than splattering thinly, like it would with higher air settings. You might need to experiment with different nozzle sizes and air pressure settings to find the right balance.
Layering for Texture Depth: The texture was likely applied in multiple layers to build up the heavy, stacked look that we see in the images. Each layer would need to set enough to support the next without sliding down or flattening, but the good news is that no hand tooling would be necessary on the finish. A faster-setting cement-based material would work well for this, because it sets up fast, providing more support for layering, sooner.
Material Choice: Using a fast-setting cement would be the best bet to achieve this finish and could be done a lot faster. If you were to use a standard cement for this, it would have to be done over multiple days, allowing the material to set up enough to apply another layer on top.
Keep in mind that a faster-setting cement might dry to a slightly different color, so you may want to test it on a small area first or plan to paint the finish later.
Color and Texture Matching: The original texture likely used natural materials that have weathered over time, so expect slight variations in color and finish. If you’re aiming for an authentic look, consider adding a colorant to the mix or applying a stain after the stucco has cured.
Tools for DIY:
If you’re tackling this project yourself, you’ll need:
- A heavy-duty texture sprayer or hopper gun
- A compressor with adjustable air pressure
- Fast-setting cement or stucco mix
Practice First: This type of finish takes practice! Try it on a test surface to get a feel for the spray pattern, texture buildup, and drying time before applying it to your outdoor fireplace or bar.
Tips for Hiring a Contractor: If you decide to hire a contractor, look for someone experienced with custom stucco finishes. Show them your photos and discuss the layering technique, air pressure settings, and material choice to ensure they understand your vision.
This heavy dash texture will add a lot of character to your outdoor space. Good luck with your project, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions!
