Installation Guide
Stone Veneer is a decorative exterior finish that is often used in buildings and interior spaces. The look and feel of natural stone without the hassle of installing natural stone, Stone Veneer is a solution for any space with a budget or limited installation space. Unlike natural stone, which requires special equipment and training to install, Stone Veneer is easy to install. It is applied like vinyl, and can be cut, drilled, and saved like a digital file.
Here are a few tips & tricks to achieve the best results with your Stone Veneer project.
Prepping
Before you begin your project, make sure your base area where you’ll be installing your stone veneer is clean and dry. This will allow you to work efficiently, and prevent any accidents. Also, prep your project by laying out all your tools and equipment, including your Stone Veneer sheets, saw, sandpaper, primer, paint, and other materials you’ll need for your project. This will help you plan your space and keep your project space clean while you work.
Water Proofing
The first step in installing Stone Veneer is to waterproof the surface. This helps prevent dirt from adhering to the veneer, and makes the surface easier to work with. You can use a sprayer, roller, or even a sponge to apply a waterproofing solution to your surface.
Metal Lath Attachment
Most Stone Veneer sheets come with pre-attached metal lath, however if your project requires more customization or you’re building your own substrate, you’ll need to attach the metal lath. To attach the metal lath, use 3D lath adhesive along the edges of your barrier, and press the lath in place.
Preparing The Mortar
If your project requires mortar, you’ll need to prep your surface by applying a base coat of mortar to your surface. The type of mortar you use depends on the substrate you’re using, so follow the directions on your mortar package. After you've applied your mortar, make horizontal grooves in the scratch coat before it dries completely. You can apply these long, horizontal lines across your scratch coat with a standard rake. This is a critical step in ensuring proper mortar moisture, aeration, and installation composition.
Getting The Stone Veneers Ready
Now it’s time to get your Stone Veneers ready for installation. Cut and trim the veneers to the perfect size for your project. It’s important to clean your veneers before installation. This will remove any dust, debris, or other materials that may prevent your veneers from adhering to the substrate. Now it’s time to build your bond coat. This is your base coat that provides moisture to your veneers as they’re being installed. You can use any type of mortar, but the easiest is the standard scratch coat. To build your bond coat, use a trowel to spread the mortar along your horizontal grooves.
Placing The Stone
Starting from the corners and working your way across the wall, press the stone firmly into the bond coat and make sure the veneer is spaced evenly along the lath. You should end up with a uniform pattern of small stones across the surface. This will help create the look of natural stone, and make your finished project look professional.
The Finishing Touches
Now it’s time to finish your project. The first step is to grout the joints. This will help seal the gaps between the veneer and the lath, and provide a smooth surface for your final paint or stain to adhere to. You can use a traditional grout, or a modern grout sealer to finish your project. You can also use a brush to smooth and clean the entire surface of your veneer. This will help bring all the stones together and create a uniform, clean look across the surface. If you want to add an extra layer of protection, you can also seal your Stone Veneers. This will help protect against stains and spills, and prevent future discoloration. Decor Stone Veneer, your trusted stone veneer manufacturer in India, brings a wide range of natural stone veneers for your home and garden. Our veneers are designed to be used on both interior and exterior surfaces, and assure durability and longevity of the surfaces. Talk to our experts today to learn how to integrate stone veneers into your next project.