How Do You Apply The Base Coat Of Cement Stucco On A Straw Bale House?
The popularity of building straw bale homes has increased in recent years because of the move towards sustainable living. Cement stucco applied to the outside of a bale house keeps the straw dry and prevents decomposition. Cement stucco application begins with the base coat. Prep the hay or straw bales for the stucco. You want them as flat as possible so that the stucco applies evenly. Mix your cement. It may take a few tries to get the consistency that works best for you. Pull the wire that’s holding the bale together as tight as possible. Do this by leaning into the bale and using your body weight to push the bale tightly through the wire. Apply a thick layer of cement stucco to the trowel. Spread the cement stucco over the bale. Start from the bottom; if the cement is too wet, you won’t make as much of a mess. It’s okay to make the base coat thick. Keep applying the cement stucco to the bale until it seals solidly. Scrape little trenches into the surface of the stucco using the edge
