Stucco is a durable, decorative cement-based finish for exterior walls, applied in one to three coats over a lath base. It protects buildings from wind, rain, and fire while providing an aesthetic that can mimic stone or be textured in various ways. Maintenance includes annual inspections, repairing cracks, and, over time, painting to maintain its appearance and prevent water from seeping into the substrate. Stucco is applied wet and hardens to a very dense solid.