ofStucco is an excellent material for decorating walls and ceilings. It is also used in architecture to achieve artistic and sculptural beauty. One of the major plus points of stucco is that it is inexpensive. This means that if you know how to use it, you can make your house look much more magnificent without burning a hole in your pocket. In this article, you will find a detailed step by step guide on how to cut stucco.
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How To Cut Stucco –Step By Step Guide
null!– wp:rank-math/howto-block null –> nulldiv class=”wp-block-rank-math-howto-block”> nulldiv class=”rank-math-howto-step”> nullh3 class=”rank-math-howto-title”>nullstrong>Step 1: Laying The Groundworknull/strong>null/h3> nulldiv class=”rank-math-howto-content”>The first step to follow before you plunge into this seemingly herculean task of cutting stucco is to ‘prepare.’ You read that right. The first step is to prepare the area you want to cut. Sounds logical, right?nullbr />nullbr />First of all, you need to mark the perimeter or circumference of the hole you plan to cut using a painter’s tape. You should be aware that it is easy to crack stucco while working with it. Therefore, put the painter’s tape around the perimeter carefully. This will ensure that the surrounding stucco, which you do not wish to destroy, remains intact and protected from any chipping accident.nullbr />After making sure that you have tapped the area properly, move on to the next step.null/div> null/div> nulldiv class=”rank-math-howto-step”> nullh3 class=”rank-math-howto-title”>nullstrong>Step 2: Vacuumnull/strong>null/h3> nulldiv class=”rank-math-howto-content”>If you are new to masonry work, chances are you might be unaware of how much dust can a little job produce. So the next step is to get yourself a helper (if possible) with a vacuum so that the dust gets cleaned away as you work.nullbr />Stucco is well known for creating a lot of dust while being cut. The cloud of dust that rises while cutting stucco might block your view. This makes it difficult to see what is being done and can confuse you quite a bit.nullbr />nullbr />It is recommended to seek help from an actual person and a vacuum cleaner in these situations. It can lower the amount of dust and help you see more clearly. Therefore, you can work efficiently without stopping for the dust to settle.nullbr />nullbr />Also, remember to wear respirators if you do not want to inhale the dust. Although vacuum will reduce the dust generated during the cutting process, it cannot altogether remove the dust. So, make sure you and your helper are wearing respirators.nullbr />nullbr />It is essential to know where to vacuum. The nozzle of the vacuum should be in the direction of the area where the cut is being made—this way, most of the dust will get sucked in. The filter of the vacuum should be clean. If the filter is not clean, the dust will get sucked in only to be blown out in the opposite direction.null/div> null/div> nulldiv class=”rank-math-howto-step”> nullh3 class=”rank-math-howto-title”>nullstrong>Step 3: Cuttingnull/strong>null/h3> nulldiv class=”rank-math-howto-content”>The third step involves the real deal, that is, cutting stucco. After making all preparations, taping the cutting portion, getting a good vacuum with a clean filter, finding a helper, and obtaining two respirators (one each for you and your helper), you are now ready for the showdown.nullbr />The cutting process is quite simple and somewhat depends on the type of saw and blade you are using.nullbr />The cutting process for almost all saws is similar with slight or no variations.nullbr />Below is a detailed process of cutting stucco nulla href=”https://thehemloft.com/how-to-use-a-circular-saw/”>using a circular sawnull/a>, an angle grinder, an oscillating tool, and a hole saw.nullbr />Note: Jigsaw and reciprocating saws are not recommended.nullbr />nullbr />nullstrong>a. Circular Sawnull/strong>nullbr />When it comes to cutting stucco, a circular saw is recommended. However, it is to be noted that while a circular saw is ideal for cutting large portions, it might not be the perfect choice if you have to make small and minute cuts with details.nullbr />nullbr />While using a circular saw to cut stucco, make sure that the blade guard is pushed back before you turn on the saw. Before you start cutting, ensure that the saw has reached its full RPM. Once the RPM is full, you can start cutting.nullbr />nullbr />Do not rush the process. Try to work slowly. The cut should be made very carefully and steadily to prevent the excellent stucco from chipping. The slower you cut, the lesser the chances of cracking the superb part of your stucco.nullbr />nullbr />Keep on cutting till you reach the maximum edge of the area you want to cut. Then, cut the other side similarly. In the end, you will be left with a neat hole.nullbr />nullbr />b. Anullstrong>ngle Grindernull/strong>nullbr />An angle grinder is a perfect tool for cutting stucco. It can cut large portions with ease. But, it is also small and easy to handle due to which it is ideal for small cuts too.nullbr />nullbr />Using an angle grinder is very similar to using a circular saw. Simply turn on the angle grinder. Let it reach the highest level of RPM. After that, slowly start cutting. Again, it should be noted that the cut is to be made very slowly so that the right portion of the stucco does not crack. Continue to cut along the perimeter until you are done with all the sides. At last, you will get a clean hole.nullbr />nullbr />nullstrong>c. Oscillating Toolnull/strong>nullbr />An Oscillating tool is excellent for making small cuts and details. But if you have to make a large cut, using an oscillating tool might not be such a good option. The blades of oscillating tools clog due to which making large cuts becomes a tough job.nullbr />nullbr />To use an oscillating tool, you do not need to do much. Like a circular saw or an angle grinder, you have to turn on the oscillating tool first, and then let it reach full RPM. Now, start cutting slowly. Continue cutting till you are done on all sides along the entire perimeter. You will get a desired hole in the end. But, remember to cut deliberately. Do not rush the process.nullbr />nullbr />nullstrong>d. Power Drill with Hole Sawnull/strong>nullbr />Using a power drill with a hole saw attachment is most suitable for cutting circular holes in stucco.nullbr />nullbr />The process of using a power drill with a hole saw is somewhat different from the other three tools that we discussed.nullbr />The first step is to attach the bit with the drill. Make sure to tighten the bit properly in place. Turn on the drill by pulling the trigger. Allow the drill to reach full RPM. Once the RPM is full, start making your cut. You can also consider holding the body of the drill with your free hand to make it more steady while cutting. This enhances precision.nullbr />nullbr />Cut through the stucco slowly by working it through the material. Then slowly pull back. Your circular hole is ready.nullbr />Tip: Always remember to wear gloves and safety glasses before you start cutting. The process of cutting stucco generates a lot of dust that can get in your eyes.null/div> null/div> null/div> null!– /wp:rank-math/howto-block –>
Things You Would Need
The tools that you require for cutting stucco are quite a few. One of the most important things to consider is the type of blade. Whichever tool you use, try to use either a diamond blade or at least a carbide-tipped blade. This will ensure a clean cut.
You can choose any of the following saws depending on your needs:
- Circular Saw: An excellent tool for cutting stucco neatly and precisely is a circular saw attached with a diamond blade. A circular saw is larger as compared to an angle grinder. It also consists of a depth gauge, which helps in cutting stucco. It also saves the wire. The handles on a circular saw make the cutting process more comfortable by providing a firmer grip. Since it is larger, it is heavier in comparison to an angle grinder. Due to this, using a circular saw is much more exhausting. You will get tired quickly and cannot work for long periods. If you use a circular saw for a more extended period, you might get muscle cramps. You can use A circular saw to cut many more materials like, marble, slates, durock etc.
- The dust generated while using a circular saw comes out in a streamlined shape. This streamlined shape makes it easier for the vac to suck the dust in an optimum and controlled way.
- Blades: The blade of a circular saw is very similar to the blade of an angle grinder. But a circular saw is larger than an angle grinder. That is why the blade of a circular saw will be much larger than the blade of an angle grinder. You can use the common seven ¼ inch circular saw, which is much less expensive than the 6-inch blade saw.
- Angle Grinder: An angle grinder is an ideal tool for cutting stucco. When it comes to size, it is small compared to other tools, especially a circular saw. Because of its small size, it is lightweight. An angle grinder is a very versatile tool that can handle small as well as large cuts. This makes it the most suitable tool for cutting through the stucco. The ideal and most standard size if an angle grinder is 4.5 inches. You can easily find blades for grinders of this size.
- Due to its small size and lightweight body, it is easier to handle. However, it has a side handle that can be jerky while using it.
- Oscillating Tool: An oscillating tool with a carbide-tipped blade is great for cutting stucco. It is used for various purposes, such as cutting electrical boxes, cutting through walls, and making detailed cuts. However, an oscillating tool does not last very long.
- It is, in many ways, better than a jigsaw or reciprocating saw.
- It is advised to keep a few extra blades ready while working with an oscillating tool with a carbide blade. This is because the blade of an oscillating tool tends to wear out fast. So, if you do not want to run out of blades in the middle of your masonry project, you need to act more practically and keep extra blades on hand. You can use a diamond blade if you wish. But remember that a better quality blade costs more. So suit your needs. A carbide blade looks different from a diamond blade. A carbide blade does not have teeth on it, unlike a diamond blade.
- Power Drill with Hole Saw Attachment: A hole saw blade is shaped like circles to make circular cuts. Therefore, if you are using a hole saw blade, you will only be able to cut circular holes through the stucco.
- A hole saw is one of the easiest ways to cut holes through a wall or stucco. It is easy to operate and handle. Attach the hole saw to the drill, and you are good to go. Hole saws have diamond grits, which provides a more precise cut. They come in different sizes for your ease.
- Apart from cutting through stucco, you can use a hole saw for plenty of different purposes. Hole saws come handy while plumbing fixtures, vents, and so on through walls.
- If you wish to make a perfectly round and circular hole in your stucco, then using a hole saw is the best option. Why go through the trouble of cutting circles when you already have a hole saw?
Apart from the saw, the other things that you would need are:
- Painter’s Tape
- Respirators
- Work Gloves
- Safety Goggles
- Vac
Final Thoughts
Cutting stucco can seem to be difficult for amateurs and DIYers. But it is a straightforward process that you can learn quickly to improve your skills. Plus, you can also take up some exciting new projects and work towards the beautification of your house.
Just follow our simple step by step guide, and you can get excellent results without any difficulty.
Remember that it is not important which method you adopt to cut stucco because all processes are very similar.
Make sure that you do not plunge into cutting before reaching full RPM. Work slowly and steadily to prevent damage.
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