Hi there,

We will use (over ICF and double paper vaporex and metal lath) 3 coat traditional stucco. My question is what to use as the finish coat: acrylic or cement? My concern with the acrylic:
1. May corrode the metal lath, expansion/control joints.
2. Costs are higher
3. Harder to repair
4. Not as strong and durable as traditional cement.
5. May trap water around openings.

Acrylic has advantages:
1. Cracks less
2. More uniform color

What do you suggest I should use?

Many thanks,
Beno

I know where I live in southern California traditional 3 coat stucco with the finish (color) coat being stucco also lasts almost indefinitely so that is the way I would go.

We live near Ottawa, Canada. The concern here is with the cracks in the finish and the ice forming there.