- 1). Inspect the cement board and verify that it has been properly installed to the floor or wall. Check that there are no nails or screws sticking up from the surface and verify that the seams between the pieces have been taped and mortared over and that all pieces butt together.
- 2). Clean the surface of the cement board prior to installing the coating. Sweep the area free of dirt and debris with a broom and dustpan. Look over the surface and wipe off any marks on the cement board with a damp cloth and dish soap.
- 3). Apply a base-coating stucco adhesive to the surface of the cement board with a notched trowel. Spread out the coating beginning on one corner and working to the other. Cover the entire surface of the cement board with a thin 1/8-inch layer. Let the coating dry overnight.
- 4). Apply a stucco-coating primer over the adhesive. Cover the surface in the same manner with the notched trowel and let it dry overnight. Apply a stucco finishing coat over the primer with the trowel working from one side to the other. Let it dry overnight.