A perfectly smooth stucco finish is considered by many to be the premier stucco finish. This is because of the rich, expensive look and feel of the product. You will find smooth stucco finishes on the finest, most spectacular buildings in the region; often the case for high end Mediterranean, Spanish style, or “Old World” structures– but also common on cutting edge contemporary architecture. There is no finish that says “elegance” more than smooth finish.
The best architects and building professionals understand that Smooth & “Santa Barbara” finishes should not be entrusted to contractors without the appropriate experience and skill. Apptek specializes in gorgeous smooth stucco finishes and has skilled craftsmen to do it right. Considering that the stucco finish is quite possibly the most viscerally sensed feature of the exterior of an upscale building – getting it right is critical.
It is important to know however, that smooth finishes will always experience some level of cosmetic cracking – it simply comes with the territory. That is why in these instances we recommend “Crack Reduction System” (CRS) consisting of fiberglass mesh & acrylic-modified (synthetic) base coat over the brown coat can be done prior to the installation of the finish coat.
This process adds cost to the overall system but will unquestionably improve the resistance to the cracking commonly associated with smooth troweled finish. The CRS system does not guarantee that there will be no cosmetic cracking, but should substantially reduce the propensity for excessive cracking.