Stucco I’ve mixed using the following formula has never failed: 3 parts medium sand, 1 part Portland cement and ½ part hydrated lime. You blend these together in the dry state.

Applying stucco is almost always a two-step process. You typically apply a base or scratch coat that is about 3/8 inch thick.

Mix only as much stucco as you can apply and finish in about 30 minutes. Practice swirling the stucco with a wood float and experiment with textures. Tim Carter writes for the Tribune Content Agency.