Synthetic Stucco is a relatively modern stucco “finish coat” that is composed of alternatives to conventional cement-based finish coat systems that has been the standard of the industry for numerous decades. Synthetic finish coat is comprised of Acrylics (synthetic plastic -based materials) and are often referred to as “Acrylic Finishes”.
Synthetic finishes are typically applied over conventional one-coat or two coat base systems of Sand and Cement (referred to as “scratch coat” and “brown coat systems” that can be ½” to ¾ “ thick. Synthetic finish coat can also be applied over EIFS base systems that can consist of Foam or Insulating Board, with an acrylic (synthetic) base coat embedded in fiberglass mesh. EIFS systems have higher R-Factors (insulating properties) and are more commonly seen on commercial buildings.
Benefits of Synthetic Stucco (Acrylic Finishes)
Conventional cement-based stucco has a very low coefficient of elasticity and is prone to cracking with even small amounts of building movement caused by settling, vibration, external forces etc. In contrast, Acrylic synthetic finishes are pliable and can move and expand much more effectively than cement based, conventional stucco finish coat.
Synthetic stucco can have integral colors that are as varied as paint color and retain color stability for years. Aesthetically, synthetic stucco can be more appropriate for contemporary projects as opposed to conventional finish coat that may be mor appropriate for traditional architecture.
Synthetic stucco may be more resistant to damage from moisture and is often chosen in areas of ocean-front where buildings can be exposed to salt laden moisture especially when combined with horizontal winds that are often seen in those environments.
Who is Qualified to Install Synthetic Finish Stucco?
Installers of Synthetic and Acrylic Stucco should be trained and have experience in the specific techniques and skill required to apply these products, especially when quality is imperative. The talented personnel at Apptek Stucco have many years of experience and many happy customers with synthetic studio, and beautiful finished product can always be expected.
Colors Available for Synthetic Finish
Synthetic Stucco can be colored to match virtually any color existing on any paint chart. Exact matching of colors with conventional is not possible. Here is a picture of a few of the many colors available from one of Apptek’s Synthetic Finish suppliers.
Cleaning Synthetic stucco
Acrylic Finish by its nature is less porous than conventional and lends itself to cleaning with mild cleaning products, and low pressure power washing.
Repair of Acrylic Stucco
Repair of Acrylic stucco should be done by qualified trained personnel. Apptek will always be helpful with repairs to installations that we have performed.
Acrylic Finish for EIFS Installations
EIFS is a specialized installation of stucco that incorporates rigid foam into the stucco subsurface for the purpose of increasing the insulating R-Factor in building insulations. It consists typically of a moisture barrier, rigid foam Insulation board or similar product, fiberglass mesh imbedded in acrylic modified cement and finally Synthetic Acrylic finish coat is the final process in creating a high performance and beautiful wall system.