How to Apply a Mortar to a Mesh

Mesh reinforcement helps prevent surface breakage due to cracking.

Applying mortar to a mesh is similar to applying stucco to walls. The mesh allows you to spread the mortar on a vertical surface without it eventually cracking and breaking off. This is particularly useful on wood surfaces where there is little, if anything else, for the mortar to cling to. While it is not typically done on concrete walls, the application of a mesh screen to concrete block for mortar application can help prevent surface material failure in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Staple gun or concrete nails
• Mason's trowel
• Mixing container
• Water

Instructions

1. Secure the mesh screen to the wall onto which the mortar is to be spread. If the wall is wood, use a staple gun. If the wall is concrete, you will have to use concrete nails.

2. Mix the mortar in a container with water until it is the consistency of peanut butter. This will allow you to spread it over the mesh screen without it dripping off the screen because it is too thin and runny. If you use too much water, simply add additional mortar to the mixture.

3. Apply the mortar to the bottom of the wall first, working your way up and over from one position, carefully smoothing the mortar over the mesh so that the mesh does not show through the mortar. Pay particular attention to any bulges in the mortar which would indicate that the mortar is not adhering properly to the mesh. The ideal thickness is approximately 1/4 inch above the mesh screen.

4. Allow the mortar to cure completely before performing any more work on the wall. This may take from one to two weeks depending on humidity levels in your area.

Tips & Warnings

• Applying plastic over the mortar will slow the curing process, ensuring a stronger adhesion between the wall and the mortar.

References

• "Black & Decker: The Complete Guide to Masonry & Stonework"; Editors of Creative Publishing; 2010
• "Working with Concrete"; Rick Arnold; 2003