Stone veneer over painted block

Daystepper

I think I know the answer to this but I need some validation. I have a rental house that I want to stone veneer the foundation wall that consists of block construction and it is painted. So how is the best way to handle this painted block wall to accept the stone veneer? Do I put metal lath mesh up over the block and do a scratch coat or could I get away with putting a concrete bonding agent on the painted block to accept the stone veneer. I really do not want to do the metal lath mesh, but if I have to I will. Any suggestions? Thanks!