do i need to the scratch coat

[tomthepoodle]

i'm the type who just does whatever he wants but i just wanna know what the importance of a scratch coat is? i'm going to use wire lath on exterior veneer and i saw that people are really doing scratch coat. i do understand it's importance especially for plaster when the mortar layers vary, i do know that. but what's the difference gonna be if i don't do a scratch coat? is it necessary?

 

[Mr.Everest]

scratch coat is really important for bonding, especially when you're using wire lath for exterior veneer. The main reason is that it gives the mortar something to grip onto, making the overall finish more durable, if not, your outer layers could crack or peel over time. It's not just for plaster really, it's necessary for any kind of stucco or masonry to ensure the layers stick together well, but yeah you can still try it out