Too often, improper installation of stucco results in the failure of the bond that holds the stucco to the block, causing complications.

Sometimes the stucco has been applied directly to a previously painted block wall, without removing existing paint prior to application. It has been our experience that - even with a bonding agent - this is not a good idea. Completely removing all paint prior to the application of stucco is the most reliable process (see paint and coatings removal).

However, when a stucco job has failed and must be removed and replaced with a new finish, water blasting is an ideal method for old stucco removal. Illustrated here is a piece of waterblasting equipment called a hand lance removing approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of old stucco at 20,000 p.s.i. The greatest advantage to using hydroblasting for stucco removal is the element of time. Nothing is faster than water blasting for the precise removal of any surface substance.