Plaster, also called stucco, lasts a long time, but occasionally, you need to do repairs. To ensure that the repairs are as quality as possible, you may want to consider the following tips.

1. Look for Moisture Damage

Before you start replastering your stucco, you should look for moisture damage. When plaster starts to wear down, it can allow water to seep behind it. This can lead to damage, and if you put more plaster on top, that can lock in the water.

To prevent that from happening, you should check for water damage before you get started. Some signs of water damage include the following:

• Lots of wide cracks

• Uneven windows

• Doors that don't close properly

• Crumbling plaster

• Soft spots in the stucco

Usually, small cracks aren't that much of a concern, but when you start to see the above elements, that's a sign that you probably have water damage.

2. Choose a Dry Day

If you determine that you don't have water damage, you should choose a dry day to do your work. If you put in the stucco when it's rainy, you may get stains or unwanted moisture. Check the weather and try to avoid days when rain is forecast. Additionally, to be on the safe side, cover the new plaster with plastic when you're done applying it.

3. Do Small Repairs Often

Ideally, you shouldn't let the plaster get to a point where it need big repairs. Instead, you should do little repairs as they come up. For instance, if you see a small crack near a window, you should repair that as quickly as possible. That reduces the total amount of work you need to do.

4. Experiment With a Small Area First

In some cases, large repairs are inevitable, and matching colours can be challenging. To be on the safe side, you may want to start with a small area. Let the new stucco dry completely before you check how the colour matches. Then, adjust as needed so that you get the perfect match.

5. Hire a Licensed Professional

Matching colours, creating a smooth look and spotting water damage can all be hard when you're not a professional. To really ensure quality work, you may want to hire a licensed plasterer. Make sure the plasterer is licensed and experienced in the right areas. For instance, some are licensed in dry or wet plaster, while others focus on drywall.