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Time is money and usually I have more of the first than the second.
Does exterior scratchcoat require the protection of the stucco top coat or is the top coat simply cosmetic? How long can scratchcoat be left to the elements unfinished?
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Since the scratch coat usually doesn't cover the wire 100%, and in some cases may even leave paper exposed in spots, I would suggest you brown coat ASAP. The color coat however must wait at least 2 weeks and could wait forever.
*Like Mike said. Although I don't understand what exposed wire has to do with anything if you are using galvanized mesh(2.5 or 3.4 as you should have with exterior work).In my opinion, your browncoat will only be as integrious as your scratch. Don't let the scratch freeze because it is going thru the curing stage and may not be capable of curing to maximum strength if allowed to freeze.Just keep it around 40F or above and it will be fine. The same can be said of the browncoat. Actually, I believe that it is better that you get the brown on as soon as possible, within 24-36 hours after the scratch and maintain the 40F for at least a week or more. As soon as it freezes, you will have limited its ultimate strength. Time is money, I know. You could also spec some anti-hydro in the plaster to gain an earlier cure.Of course, I am in a much colder climate than Mike so regional differences may apply.Happy Hawk,jeff
*Thanks to both. The scratch will go on this summer, so freezing is not an issue. Hard to say how long it will be before it sees finishing.