Internal rendering - Mix?

[PeterK]

I need to render the back and sides of the hearth (concrete block) containing a wood burning stove. I have been advised that plaster will crack. Help please on: PVA bonding coat Y/N Suggested mix and type of sand The final finish will be white emulsion or masonry paint or ? - What does anyone recommend as the paint - there will be 80mm gap at the rear of the stove and 200mm at the sides.

Thanks

PeterK

[ben]

If your going to paint it? why not just get a nice textured finish on the cement rather than plaster over it.

[andrewpreece]

Something with a bit of lime in it, I believe is good for high temperature areas. Not sure that PVA is necessary - others may know better. Try 1:1:6 lime:cement:sharp sand. Not sure about the paint. If in doubt you could try limewash as you will be using lime anyway....

Andy.