University of Virginia Library

STUCCO,

For facing Brick Fronts, equal in appearance and durability to stone-work, and which
effectually preserves the walls from damp, is made by mixing equal quantities of Cement
and sharp sand that has been washed clean, and thoroughly dried; use it with water in the
manner above directed, making it into a thick paste, keeping the wall as wet as possible all
the time--Be careful not to use lime with it. If the sand is not perfectly dry, it must not be
added to the Cement until mixed for immediate use. Lay the Stucco on in one coat, not less
than three quarters of an inch thick; to give it a good key, the joints of brick work must
previously be raked. The effect of stone-work may be given by drawing joints on the Stucco,
and by coloring it when dry with a wash composed of one gallon of water, four ounces of
copperas, and as much fresh lime and Cement, or umber, or ochre, as will produce the
colour required, and may at any future time be repeated; giving the building a new
appearance at a very trifling expense.

This Stucco forms an excellent flooring and facing for the inside of walls in the basements
of buildings, and secures them from damp. If a very wet situation, lay it on the outside.

A yard square of plain surface, in plastering, takes about half a bushel of Cement, mixed
with an equal proportion of Sand. Be careful that the building is settled before the Cement is
applied. It is often used in pointing tiles, chimney stacks, filleting, &c. for setting ridge tyles
and chimney pots. It must be kept quite dry, and as free as possible from the air, to preserve
its hardening quality.

For Stuccoing either old or new buildings, to produce the effect of Stone.--As this Cement
will set under water as well as above, and stand even the action of the sea, it is used with the
greatest success in every species of Water Works, for pointing fronts of Wharves, Docks or
Bridges, and in making Reservoirs, Baths, Vats, Cisterns, &c. or in any situation where wet
or damp is required to be kept out. Flat Roofs and Gutters may be made to answer all the
purposes of Lead, at one fourth the expense.