Question regarding Scratch Coat. How long should this be left to dry/cure before the second coat/final coat be applied. I have been told it should be about a week ( in this weather should it be less ). I had a plasterer come over to view a south facing wall to the front elevation of my house that needs pebble dashing. He said that he would come the next day after the applying the scratch coat to give it a second coat and apply the stones. Now in this weather I am worried that the scratch coat will dry too quickly and crack. Surely keeping it damp with a fine mist whilst it dry's completely would be the best plan of action and then apply second coat. Any advice would be great. Thanks
Scratch Coat - Sand and Cement - Drying Time
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Rigsby
TPF Special Forces
It would probably be a waste of time damping it down as the scratch coat will have a waterproofer in it so no water absorption.
Soak your bricks with plenty of water. This will then be drawn through your scratch coat on drying out. Apply the base coat before the sun hits it and cover up to keep the sun and breeze of it.
At this time of year i would if i could dash next day to protect the base coat from drying out. Against the rules but i have never had a failure in the 42 years :RpS_w00t: Of dashing. Do not use waterproofer in the dashing coat and keep watering the dashing coat down from the following evening for at least 3 nights.
Soak your bricks with plenty of water. This will then be drawn through your scratch coat on drying out. Apply the base coat before the sun hits it and cover up to keep the sun and breeze of it.
At this time of year i would if i could dash next day to protect the base coat from drying out. Against the rules but i have never had a failure in the 42 years :RpS_w00t: Of dashing. Do not use waterproofer in the dashing coat and keep watering the dashing coat down from the following evening for at least 3 nights.
Thanks Rigsby that's great advice. When you say cover the wall up, you mean try and hang a large blanket in front of the wall but not actually touching it so the sun does not directly shine on the wall...therefore the wall is in the shade. I am also having a lower wall done but no pebble dash. Suppose I should follow the same process for that wall to? Thanks again.
Rigsby
TPF Special Forces
I use scaffolding debris netting doubled up. It can touch the scratch coat but the dashing coat.
Some scaffolding companies may have some used for sale. Not expensive new. 50m x 3m about £80 all in. Lasts years.
Rigsby
TPF Special Forces
If they let light through then it will be like a green house.
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