How to Attach Expanded Metal Mesh to a Painted Surface
How to Attach Expanded Metal Mesh to a Painted Surface
Expanded Metal Mesh is bendable, making it easy to apply to surfaces that may not be completely level, but it is also extremely strong. Because of this, builders often use the material as structural support for stuccos and veneers. Attaching the Expanded Metal Mesh is a simple process of nailing it into place, but when the surface you're attaching the Expanded Metal Mesh to is painted, you'll need an intermediate layer of roofing felt between the mesh and the painted surface. The felt allows you to attach additional materials to the mesh without worrying about paint interference.
1. Clean the painted surface as thoroughly as possible using a pH-neutral cleanser and warm water. Apply the cleanser with sponge or squeegee, washing off any dirt or debris found on the surface, then rinse the surface off with clean water. Wait for the surface to dry before continuing.
2. Cover the painted surface with two layers of 15-lb. roofing felt. Roll the felt into place, working across the surface from left to right from the bottom of the surface to the top. Overlap each new row over the previous row by 2 inches. Overlap the felt pieces vertically when necessary with a 6-inch overlap. Cut the felt, when required, with a sharp utility knife. Attach the felt in place using staples placed every 6 inches.
3. Attach the Expanded Metal Mesh to the surface over the felt. Apply the Expanded Metal Mesh in rows, overlapping the edges of the mesh pieces by an inch and bending the mesh around corners at least 6 inches before beginning a new piece. Keep the diamonds in the mesh pattern pointed upwards when placing on the surface. Cut the lath using tin snips when needed and secure it in place using non-corrosive 1 ½-inch galvanized nails placed every six inches. Locate wall studs in the surface using a stud finder and place nails into the studs whenever possible.
4. Mix two parts sand and one part Portland cement in a bucket, adding water until the mixture reaches the consistency of whipped potatoes. Use an electric drill with a paddle bit attachment to achieve a smooth mortar mix. Spread the mortar mix over the Expanded Metal Mesh using a trowel. Push the mortar through the mesh onto the felt to bind the two materials together and cover the Expanded Metal Mesh completely with the mortar layer. Scratch up the surface of the mortar horizontally using a mason's scratcher to create a texture, and then allow the mortar to dry for 48 hours before applying anything to the Expanded Metal Mesh.
