Hydration is the process by which cement cures. If water dries out too quickly during the curing process the stucco will dry soft.
Some of the causes of soft stucco include wind, high temperatures, and a dry substrate. Hot and windy weather may cause water to evaporate from new stucco too rapidly. The stucco does not hydrate properly and does not completely harden. Walls may be moist cured to facilitate hydration. In addition, a dry substrate will pull moisture out of the color coat and stop the hydration process.
