What is dash finish in exterior stucco?

• A. A rough textured finish created by applying the finish coat mixed with aggregate and throwing or dabbing to produce dash texture
• B. A smooth finish
• C. A glossy finish
• D. A spray-on finish

Answer: (A)

Dash finish is a rough exterior stucco texture created by applying the finish coat with aggregate and throwing or dabbing the mix onto the wall to form irregular, raised spots. The finish coat includes sand or small aggregate, and the throwing/dabbing action pushes the material onto the surface, producing a stippled, dash-like pattern. This texture contrasts with smooth or glossy finishes, which are not achieved by this method, and it isn’t simply a spray-on application. In practice, after the base coats are in place, the finish coat is textured in this way to create the characteristic dash surface that helps hide imperfections and adds durability.