If you have a traditional (cement based) finish on your stucco walls then chances are you have probably read about stucco fog coat somewhere and have a few other questions related to what stucco fog coat is, how it works and why you would need to use it.... Right?
This article covers a lot of those topics and helps answer that question.
Stucco fog coating is really a simple and straightforward process and once you have the basics, you will have a pretty good understanding of what fog coat is and how it works.
What Is Stucco Fog Coating?
Stucco fog coating is a spray-applied product designed for traditional cement-based stucco finishes. It helps to even out any color variations, particularly in lighter tones, providing a more consistent and uniform appearance.
It is a spray or brush applied product that uses powdered color pigments and cement (with no aggregate) and becomes an integral part of the stucco wall and will usually last several decades if applied correctly.
How Do I Apply A Fog Coat?
Fog coat is typically applied to a stucco wall using a pump type sprayer (garden sprayer), which is readily available at most home improvement stores or online. This type of sprayer allows for an even application of the fog coat material and is relatively simple to use.
You can also apply a fog coat with a brush, but this method is best suited for smaller areas. If you’re working on a larger surface, spraying is highly recommended, as it provides a more even application and is much faster for covering larger areas.
Since there is no aggregate in stucco fog coat, it can be sprayed, which really makes it more of that paint type of product without having to repaint every 3 to 7 years.
When a fog coat is sprayed onto a stucco wall, it penetrates the surface rather than simply sitting on top of it, like paint does. The stucco absorbs the color, integrating it into the material itself. This process makes it function more like a stain than a traditional paint product, creating a more natural looking and longer lasting finish.
Here's a condensed version of the process:
- Prepare the surface: Ensure the stucco is clean and free of dirt, dust, or debris. Fog coats work best on unpainted, porous stucco.
- Mix the fog coat: Combine the fog coat material with water until it reaches a sprayable consistency, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Set up the sprayer: Use a specialized sprayer designed for fog coat application. Ensure it is clean and functioning properly.
- Apply the fog coat: Spray the mixture evenly over the stucco surface, working in consistent, overlapping passes to ensure uniform coverage.
- Allow to dry: Let the fog coat dry completely, usually within a few hours, depending on weather conditions.
- Optional second coat: If needed, apply a second coat to achieve the desired color or finish consistency.
Why Would I Need To Fog Coat My Stucco?
Fog coating stucco is typically done at two key stages in the construction process.
- Refreshing Existing Stucco: Fog coats are commonly applied to older buildings where the stucco color has faded or become stained over time. Spraying on a fresh fog coat rejuvenates the exterior, restoring it to its original color and gives the building a renewed appearance.
- Correcting New Stucco Finishes: Fog coating is also used immediately after the finish coat is applied if there are any significant and noticeable color variations in any of the walls. This helps even out the color and ensures a consistent, uniform look across the all surfaces that need to be touched up.
Color variation in cement-based stucco finishes is completely normal. Factors like excess water on your float, humidity in the air, drying times (whether fast or slow), and other environmental or application conditions can all contribute to uneven color tones in the finish.
Some people like the slight variation of color found in the traditional stucco finishes and others can't stand it, so fog coating the walls will even out the variations and make them a more even and solid color, overall.
Fog coating is much quicker to apply to walls, especially when compared to applying any type of traditional stucco finish. Since it’s sprayed on, it allows for an even and consistent color across the entire surface with minimal effort.
Fog Coat Colors Are Something To Look Into:
Color Charts - There are specific colors that you can choose from and every stucco manufacturer has a little bit different color variation, so you will want to check out different manufacturers unless you know the specific brand of stucco that is used on your house.
If this is the case, then you can just get a matching fog coat color to match your existing color as close as possible.
I have created a post that brings together some of the most popular stucco manufacturers' fog coat color charts in one convenient location. This makes it much easier to compare the different color options side by side. If you’re interested, I highly recommend checking it out!
Custom Colors - It's worth noting that most stucco manufacturers offer custom color options. If you provide a sample, they can typically match it to create a custom fog coat color that suits your needs.
Color Limitations...
Fog coat colors are typically neutral and "earthy" tones, designed to complement natural surroundings.
When selecting or providing a color sample, make sure it closely matches these muted hues and avoid anything too vivid or overly bright, as it may not blend well with the intended aesthetic.
Always request a color sample before ordering custom fog coat material to ensure the color match is as close as possible. This step is crucial because creating custom fog coat colors is different from mixing paint and comes with certain limitations.
Test It Out First...
It's always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area of the wall before applying fog coat to larger, more noticeable areas. This allows you to see how the color turns out without affecting a highly visible area that could become an eyesore.
Are There Any Drawbacks To Fog Coating Stucco?
While fog coating offers an effective and affordable way to refresh cement based stucco finishes and correct color variations, it does come with some limitations.
Color Limitations - You can use a fog coat to change the color of your stucco, but it’s primarily designed to even out color variations in traditional stucco finishes rather than completely alter the color. If you plan to use a fog coat for a color change, it’s a good idea to test a small area first to see the results before applying it to the entire building.
Color Choices - Since fog coat material is cement-based, the available color options are typically limited to neutral and earthy tones, as reflected in most stucco fog coat color charts. Bright and vibrant colors, like those found in paint colors, are not achievable with fog coating.
Limited Applications - Fog coating is specifically designed for traditional cement-based stucco finishes. It’s a cement-based product, so it relies on the porous nature of the stucco surface to absorb the color sprayed onto it.
This means it won’t work on painted surfaces or acrylic finishes, as they lack the porosity required for absorption. As a result, fog coating is limited to walls with a traditional cement-based stucco finishes, only.
What Types Of Stucco Finishes Can Accept A Fog Coat?
As mentioned earlier, only stucco walls with a traditional cement-based finish can accept a fog coating. This is because the existing stucco needs to absorb the fog coat material, and cement-based products are naturally porous and moisture-absorbing, making them ideal for this application.
Painted surfaces, however, are not suitable for fog coating. If your stucco is painted, the paint would need to be removed, or you would need to apply a full recoat to the entire building instead.
Perform A Water Test...
