Scratch Coat Drying Advice

[Jamie1977]

Hi, I'm rendering a brick built fire pit in the garden as a little project.

I've put the first coat of render on, a 4/1 mix with Sika, scratched it and now need advice........

I've read everywhere keep damp and protect from heat or rain, so given the current weather I covered it loosely with a tarporline. Out of interest why is it best kept damp and allowed to dry slowly?

Should I leave it covered or exposed?
Do I need to spray it periodically?
And is 7 days then okay to put the final coat on?

Thanks,

 

[stuart23]

If the moisture leaves it to quickly it will weaken the scratch that's why it should be soaked every day.

 

[Jamie1977]

Stuart23 thanks, by soaked, do you mean hose pipe dripping wet?

 

[johniosaif]

Lightly dampened, if it drys to quickly ,it fails to cure, you may end up with it been dust..keep it dampened ,34c today.