After this "
scratch coat" dries overnight, the stone is applied with the same type of mortar.
AApply a sand and cement
scratch coat 3 part sand 1 part cement, leave for a day to set then apply a 4 part sand 1 part cement top coat and dash the pebbles on to this coat.
This is your
scratch coat. A second coat can be added as soon as the first is somewhat dry.
First step in preparing for good adhesion is to apply an even
scratch coat of mortar and allow it to dry, exactly as if you were preparing for a stucco finish.
Plastering begins with the
scratch coat, a sort of undercoat meant to even out the rough spots in the gunite, and this involves use of the biggest trowels, straight 22s.
Next a "
scratch coat" (a rough plaster with the texture of sandpaper) is applied, followed by a final coat of smooth plaster.
The
scratch coat should be only one-half of the thickness of the old plaster.
Maybe your builder did not apply a first
scratch coat, or the walls of your house are particularly exposed to the rain.
If the cabinet finish is dingy overall and has lots of scratches, consider a wipe-on product like Old English
Scratch Coat. These products can darken the finish slightly, so you have to apply them to all your cabinets.