Traditional stucco is composed of sand, lime, water, and cement. The addition of cement makes the stucco extremely durable, while the lime makes the stucco easier to mold. Glass fibers and acrylics may be added to modern stucco to reinforce its strength, and throughout the application process, traditional stucco will be applied in multiple layers. One such layer will be the mesh base, or lath, which is applied to ensure the stucco does not crack. Traditional stucco is extremely versatile, with an exterior layer that can be smooth or textured. Traditional stucco can last more than 50 years when applied professionally and maintained over time.