How To Install Thin Cut Veneer
Tools and Materials
Hammer Scraper Flat Trowel Grout Bag Sand and Cement
Brick Trowel Wire Brush Joint Tool Masonry Brush Selected Stone
How to Install
Natural Thin Cut Veneer may be applied over any masonry surface, concrete block, brick, and cement, ect. Painted surfaces must be sandblasted, or otherwise stripped of paint. If it is difficult to remove paint of if surface is of frame construction, nail metal lath to wall securely, 6" on center. (For exterior, vapor barrier first, then metal lath, see Figure 1.) Apply scratch coat (2 parts sand to 1 part cement) to lath. Make certain lath is covered completely with a thin coat ( ½ " – ¾" thick, see Figure 2) Use a metal scraper or small scraper or small scrap of lath to lightly rake horizontal grooves in the scratch coat. Allow scratch coat to set up or cure. Thin Veneer may be applied using the following steps:
a. Mix rich mortar (2 parts sand to 1 part cement) to a creamy consistency similar to whipped potatoes.
b. Determine if stones will be laid out on ground to the desired fit prior to installation, or if trimming is required to complete finished application (Figure 3).
c. Make certain surface is free of dirt, sand, or loose particles. If surface is dry, dampen first with a masonry brush but do not saturate. This prevents the wall from pulling the moisture from the mortar, allowing it to set up both naturally and with a better bond. For cleaner installation, begin applying stone at the top of the wall and work toward the bottom.
d. Trowel rich mortar onto wall approximately ½" thick (Figure 4)
e. Take clean stone and slightly dampen the back side. This frees any dust and again prevents moisture loss from mortar.
f. Apply thin coat of rich mortar onto back side of stone (Figure 5). This fills in pits and rises in stone and creates a stronger bond with the wall.
g. Press stone into mortar, rotating slightly, forcing some of the mortar to squeeze out freely (Figure 6). Any mortar forced out beyond the finished joint or on the stone surface itself must be removed with trowel, joint tool, or brush before the mortar is allowed to set up. Narrow joints will provide a nicer appearance.
h. Use a grout bag to fill all joints (or use trowels as shown in Figure 7). As the mortar stiffens, tool to the desired depth (Figure 8) and be sure to brush off all excess (Figure 9).
How to Seal
Stone may be sealed with a good quality sealer only after thoroughly curing which usually takes 3 to 4 weeks on inside work. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on the application of sealer. Sealed stone is easier to clean than unsealed stone and certain sealers also repel water. However, sealers must be periodically reapplied, especially on exterior applications, and could alter the natural coloring of the stone.
During your Thin Veneer installation, if you have any problems or questions, ask your dealer or call us directly. We will always do our best help you in any way we can. Thank you for making the "Natural" choice for your Thin Veneer.