When I place my manufactured stone around my fireplace on my sheetrock (over wire mesh), do I need to use a scratch coat first? Many people I've talked to tell me a scratch coat is no longer needed with the materials available today.

Thanks,

Schmidt

I do apply a scratch coat just to insure there is enough mortar behind the mesh. Then I wet the rock and butter it with mortar. Push the rock flat againist the wall and give it a little twisting as you set it.