Fireplace Reno - Scratch Coat

01-05-2012, 10:03 AM	#1
Branden Member     Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 150	Fireplace Reno - Scratch Coat Should be ready to apply my scratch coat this weekend once I finish hanging the wire mesh. Is there any specific type of mortar that I should use? Type S or Type N etc.? Attached Images   __________________ Have a great day

Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. DIYChatroom.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any home improvement task!

01-05-2012, 10:05 AM	#2
joecaption Member   Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Hartfield VA Posts: 18,131	Fireplace Reno - Scratch Coat May want to let us know what it is you going to be applying to that wall.

01-05-2012, 10:08 AM	#3
Branden Member     Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 150	Fireplace Reno - Scratch Coat Sorry Joe, Natural stone - Idaho Quartz will be applied to the wall. __________________ Have a great day

01-05-2012, 02:15 PM	#4
md2lgyk Member   Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: WV Posts: 2,102	Fireplace Reno - Scratch Coat I have installation instructions for veneer stone (doing a similar project myself). They specify either type of mortar (N or S) that meets ASTM C270.

01-05-2012, 03:38 PM	#5
Branden Member     Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 150	Fireplace Reno - Scratch Coat Thanks for the response. I am seeing that the difference b/t Type N and S is in the pressure. Type N: Reaches 750 psi @ 28 days Type S: Reaches 1800 psi @ 28 days I'm guessing this is compressed strength. Not sure if there is a difference when using one for this application. Anyone know the answer? __________________ Have a great day

01-05-2012, 03:45 PM	#6
Bud Cline Tileguy     Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,104	Fireplace Reno - Scratch Coat Compression doesn't matter in this case. Use Type "S" tho. I'm surprised the faux stone supplier didn't want to also sell you the mortar. Whats' up with that?

01-05-2012, 09:06 PM	#7
Branden Member     Join Date: May 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 150	Fireplace Reno - Scratch Coat Thanks Bud, I didn't get the stone yet so they didn't have the chance to try selling mortar to me 1 last question, should i rake the mortar with a 1/4" notched trowel on the scratch coat, or just keep it tight against the wire mesh? __________________ Have a great day

01-05-2012, 09:09 PM	#8
Bud Cline Tileguy     Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 9,104	Fireplace Reno - Scratch Coat I've always raked/comb them but not with a notched trowel. They make a tool for that purpose that is somewhat flexible.