surface prep: To lath or not to lath

[Greg Tomer]

Hi All,

Im going to begin work on a fireplace surround. the look/feel will be a troweled plaster look, think mediterranean. The substrate is cement board. There will be a maximum buildup of a couple of inches.

My question is: for such a minimal buildup do I need to go through the steps of securing lath and scratch coat? or could I get away with a scratch coat only?

Thanks!

GT

[Jim Wieschel]

Hi Greg, 

I would personally put up the lath. Looks like a small area, not much in material and not much in time.  Lath gives me peace of mind.  Mechanical and chemical bond helps me sleep at night.