Exterior Stucco

Name		Santa Barbara Finish Color Coat Stucco
Type		Semi-smooth Portland Cement Finish For Exterior Surfaces
Application Method		Trowel or spray applied
Product Overview		Merlex Santa Barbara Finish Exterior Stucco is a premium quality portland cement based color coat finish material designed to achieve a smoother texture reminiscent of the many historical buildings in the Santa Barbara area. It is a proprietary formulation of portland cements, hydrated lime, graded aggregates, mineral oxide pigments, and specific additives.
Benefits		Adds aesthetic value and naturally mottled color to any building. Standard colors or custom matches available upon request. Eliminates the necessity for painting. Low maintenance, economical. Weather-resistant, does not deteriorate with age. Impervious to termites. Mixes easily with potable water. May be trowel or spray applied. Pre-mixed or base and color system.
Textures		Merlex Santa Barbara Finish Stucco is formulated to achieve a semi-smooth, irregular texture similar to the early California adobe style buildings.
Substrates		Merlex Santa Barbara Finish Stucco will create an excellent bond to any properly prepared portland cement based surface. The use of control joints is strongly recommended to minimize cracking. Roofs should be loaded and drywall installed prior to application of Santa Barbara Finish.
Colors		Merlex Santa Barbara Finish Stucco is readily available in 30 standard colors. Merlex custom color matching service is available on request if special colors are required.
Samples		3" by 3" Santa Barbara Finish samples are immediately available in all 30 standard colors. Other colors, textures, and sample sizes may be ordered by special request. Merlex takes pride in its quick response time in processing your sample order.
Coverage		One 90 lb. (40.8 kg) bag covers approximately 10 to 16 sq. yds. (8.2 to 14.5 m ) with hand application; 6 to 10 sq. yds. (5 to 8.4 m ) with machine application.
Surface Preparation		New portland cement substrates should be properly cured prior to application of Merlex Santa Barbara Finish Exterior Stucco. All receiving surfaces must be structurally sound, clean, free of dust, dirt, silicones, paint products, efflorescence or any other contaminant, which could impair the natural bond. For hand applications the substrate should be dampened with clean potable water to control suction. Major cracks, holes, or voids should be repaired prior to application. The plasterer's brown coat will determine the texture of the Santa Barbara Finish. The brown coat should be troweled to the desired level (even, wavy, bumpy, etc.) and then floated or brushed to eliminate any slick spots which could prevent a good mechanical bond.
Mixing		Merlex Santa Barbara Finsh Stucco Should be mechanically mixed for approximately 20 to 25 minutes to provide maximum workability. For hand application 8 to 10 qts. (7.5 to 8.5 ltr) of clean water per 90 lb. (40.8 kg) sack will be necessary. For spray application additional mix water may be required.   Add approximately half of the required water to the mixer. With the blades running, slowly add the sack of Merlex Santa Barbara Finish Stucco. Allow ample time for initial mixing.   Add remaining mix water and complete mixing to produce a smooth workable consistency.For best results, stop mixing after approximately 10 minutes, allow to sit several minutes, finish mixing (re-temper). Do not short mix.
Application		Merlex Santa Barbara Finish Stucco should be applied to an approximate thickness of 1/8" (3 mm).   For hand application: Apply stucco by trowel evenly to the substrate with enough pressure to insure tight contact. Immediately double back with a second coat prior to floating or troweling. Avoid unnecessary build-ups which can cause shrinkage and check cracking. A properly prepared brown coat will prevent leveling with the Santa Barbara Finish Stucco.   For spray application: Two coats are necessary. Apply the first cooat over a dry surface to produce complete color coverage. When first coat has thoroughly dried (usually 24 hours), apply a second coat for texture depth and color uniformity.
Special Effects		Trowel burns (dark markings) caused by friction are common with any troweled portland cement surface and are especially noticeable with smooth troweled finishes. If applied with the use of a cat-faced texture, the true unpainted Santa Barbara Finish may be achieved. If trowel burns and cat-faces are not desired, it may be necessary to apply paint of other products to achieve total color uniformity. In any smooth textured stucco, structural cracking caused by normal settling, expansion/contraction and stress will be much more evident.
Crack-resistant system		When the customer cannot tolerate the natural imperfections of smooth stucco finishes, a different system must be used. If noticeable cracks and texture variations are aesthetically undesirable, then an alternate system may be used. The crack-resistant system consists of: Brown as normal Merlex Poly Prep base coat with embedded fiberglass mesh over the entire surfaces to receive smooth stucco Smooth stucco, with Merlex Acrylex acrylic admixture per product instructions (1:3 ratio with stucco mixing water) This system should not be expected to produce perfection in a smooth plaster finish cracks will occur. However, this system will minimize cracking due to normal stresses on a building.
Clean Up		Water and detergent. Clean spills and spatters before stucco dries.
Limitations		Do not apply if ambient temperature will fall below 40° F. (4°C) within 24 hours. During periods of hot/dry weather moist curing may be necessary. Caution: Variations such as thickness and composition of substrate, surface textures, inclement weather, mixing and application technique, or addition of field additives may impair color uniformity. A 5-10% depth tolerance in color is normal.
Warranty		Merlex Santa Barbara Finish Exterior Stucco is warranted to perform in accordance with the product specification when used according to application instructions on the label. This warranty is limited to and shall not exceed the total amount paid by the buyer for the product. In no event will Merlex Stucco, Inc. be liable for loss of profits, special or consequential damages in respect to any claim. The foregoing warranties are in lieu of all other warranties express or implied including those concerning fitness for a particular use.
Environmental & Safety		Contains portland cement and is alkaline on contact with water. May be irritating to eyes and skin. Wear appropriate skin and eye protection. In case of eye contact, flush immediately with water. If irritation persists, consult a physician. Wash hands with soap and water after use or before eating. Keep out of the reach of children.
Material Standards		Portland cement: Type 1-ASTM C150-56 Hydrate lime: Federal specs SS-L-351B Type F,ASTM C206-88