Repairing large sections of damaged stucco is a time-consuming multistep process. With the right tools and some due diligence, the “hole” problem can be easily cured.

Step 1: Remove loose and deteriorated stucco to expose the lathe or masonry beneath. Make sure the patch area is clean and free of debris. Chisel the edges of the damaged area at a slight angle to make the bottom surface of the hole larger than the top opening.

Step 2: Repair or replace any damaged lathe. Improve stucco adhesion by coating the entire patch area with a liquid bonding agent before applying new stucco.

Step 3: If the home was stuccoed prior to 1880, consult a historic preservationist before proceeding. Historic stucco is typically lime based. Using a cement-based product to repair lime-based stucco can cause serious problems.

Step 4: Choose a good-quality stucco mix and follow the manufacture’s instructions. Mix the base coat stucco to a workable consistency using as little potable water as necessary. Properly mixed stucco should stick to the trowel without sliding off.

Step 5: Apply a 1/4-inch- to 1/2-inch-thick base coat of stucco to the patch area. Work up from the bottom of the patch, pressing stucco firmly into the lath. Avoid getting stucco product on surrounding surfaces. Use a straight edge to screed the stucco to a smooth uniform surface.

Step 6: Allow the base coat to dry slightly. Use a wire brush or plasterer’s rake to scratch 1/8-inch-deep grooves over the entire surface.

Step 7: Let the scratch coat cure for 24 to 48 hours. Mist the surface periodically to reduce shrinkage and enhance the curing process.

Step 8: Mix and apply a second layer of base coat stucco over the scratch coat.

Step 9: Once the second coat or “brown coat” of stucco has lost its sheen, use a wooden trowel to float the surface to a smooth, uniform finish. Allow the brown coat to cure 24 to 48 hours, misting periodically to reduce shrinkage and enhance the curing process.

Step 10: Apply a finish coat of stucco to the entire surface. Tool the finish coat to match the surrounding stucco. Mist the patched area for several days, as before, to slow the curing process. Finished stucco should be fully cured in 6 to 8 weeks.

— Have a home improvement question you want answered by the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at LawrenceLiving@ljworld.com.