Hey all, new to the forum, but have done research here before. Thank you in advance for any assistance.
I have an extremely un-even, stone fireplace. I needed to build a mantel for it and the only real option was to use wood and then put a plaster or stucco coat over it. I have built the wooden box to be used for the mantel and installed diamond lath over the top. I was wondering if someone could recommend what type of product to use to make a decent smooth surface that won't crack too much given it will be exposed to heat. The the bottom of the mantel is 6" above the opening of the fireplace and will need 1/2" of coverage to be up to code. I will be attempting to put a "rough sawn wood" texture on the front face which will be painted. I don't need to blend it much as I have room to push the plaster right up against the rock and then use a sealer and paint.
Initially, I am thinking I will be using 5:1:1 sand:lime:crete for the first two coats (making them as wet as possible and wetting them throughout the drying process). Then Victas for the top coat. That said, I worry that the victas will be too difficult to work with for a finished look. I have never done this (although I have a lot of experience with concrete and some experience with stucco). I'm good at finish troweling and have little worry about that when doing crete, mud/taping, floor leveling, etc.
Again, thanks for any assistance or suggestions.
I have an extremely un-even, stone fireplace. I needed to build a mantel for it and the only real option was to use wood and then put a plaster or stucco coat over it. I have built the wooden box to be used for the mantel and installed diamond lath over the top. I was wondering if someone could recommend what type of product to use to make a decent smooth surface that won't crack too much given it will be exposed to heat. The the bottom of the mantel is 6" above the opening of the fireplace and will need 1/2" of coverage to be up to code. I will be attempting to put a "rough sawn wood" texture on the front face which will be painted. I don't need to blend it much as I have room to push the plaster right up against the rock and then use a sealer and paint.
Initially, I am thinking I will be using 5:1:1 sand:lime:crete for the first two coats (making them as wet as possible and wetting them throughout the drying process). Then Victas for the top coat. That said, I worry that the victas will be too difficult to work with for a finished look. I have never done this (although I have a lot of experience with concrete and some experience with stucco). I'm good at finish troweling and have little worry about that when doing crete, mud/taping, floor leveling, etc.
Again, thanks for any assistance or suggestions.