Plaster Undercoats on CMU: Scratch Keys, Moisture Control, and Cure Timing

An undercoat, often called a base or scratch coat, is the first structural layer of plaster that keys into the substrate and carries subsequent finish coats. On CMU this coat must bridge block texture and manage moisture movement, so its role goes beyond what interior lath systems demand.

CMU surfaces can be porous, dusty, salt-bearing, or damp, all of which affect adhesion and dimensional stability. Prepare the wall by cleaning, brushing, checking for efflorescence, repairing cracks, and confirming moisture status per product instructions before mixing or applying the scratch coat.

What an Undercoat Must Achieve

The first coat of plaster on CMU, known as the undercoat or base/scratch coat, plays a crucial role. Its job is threefold:

Adhesion: It sticks to the CMU surface, providing a solid foundation for subsequent coats.

Movement Tolerance: It allows for some movement of the CMU without cracking or delaminating.

Backing for Finish Coats: It provides a uniform, stable base onto which finish coats can be applied.

How CMU Differs from Other Substrates

CMU presents unique challenges when it comes to plastering. Here’s what sets it apart:

Porosity: CMU is porous, meaning it absorbs water and moisture. This can affect adhesion and drying times.

Block Faces vs Mortar Joints: The face of the block and the mortar joints behave differently. Faces are smoother but may have efflorescence (white deposits). Joints are rougher but may be more porous.

On-Site Variables: CMU performance can vary based on factors like block type, age, weather conditions, and site-specific variables like dust or debris.

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Cementitious undercoats are the common choice for CMU because of compatibility with masonry; lime-based mixes add flexibility and breathability, while gypsum-containing products are generally limited to dry, interior walls. Review product data sheets and manufacturer guidance to confirm suitability for your specific CMU condition and exposure.

Polymer-modified hybrids improve adhesion and toughness on porous CMU but can reduce vapor permeability compared with lime-rich mixes. Match material choice to the wall’s moisture exposure and service (interior vs exterior), verify cure and shrinkage behavior, and prefer mixes and bonding agents recommended by the manufacturer for porous masonry.

Cementitious and polymer-modified mixes

Cementitious undercoats are the workhorses on CMU. They’re a mix of cement, sand, and water. Add polymers for extra bond and flexibility.

Bonding: Cement bonds well with CMU’s concrete surface. Polymers enhance this bond, making it tougher and more flexible.

Use on CMU: Great for both interior and exterior walls. They seal the porous CMU, preventing moisture intrusion. Ideal when you need a durable, long-lasting undercoat.

Lime-based undercoats

Lime (calcium hydroxide) is the old-school choice for breathable walls. It’s mixed with sand and water to make a putty.

Advantages: Lime is flexible, allowing it to move with the wall. It’s also breathable, letting moisture escape – perfect for historic or naturally ventilated buildings.

Use on CMU: Suitable for interior walls where breathability is crucial. Not recommended for exterior use due to its softness and susceptibility to water damage.

Gypsum and gypsum-lime blends

Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is commonly used in drywall. On CMU, it’s mixed with water to make a quick-setting undercoat.

Limitations: Gypsum sets fast but lacks durability on exterior walls. It can also absorb moisture from damp CMU, leading to efflorescence (white salt deposits).

Acceptable use: With proper moisture control, gypsum-lime blends can work indoors. Lime adds flexibility and breathability. But avoid using gypsum alone on exterior or damp walls.

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Inspect CMU for cracks, flaking coatings, efflorescence, or contaminants that will stop a good bond. Remove laitance and weak surface skim with brushing or light mechanical profiling, and document repairs and control joints before proceeding.

Clean the surface of dust, oils, and excess salts and let it dry to a level acceptable to your product’s instructions; use a hygrometer or moisture meter for confirmation if available. Plan a simple absorption test (splash test or small sample) and record results to decide on pre-wetting, primer, or bonding agent requirements.

Moisture testing and acceptable substrate conditions

Before you start, check your CMU walls for moisture. Moisture weakens plaster adhesion and can cause failure.

First, inspect visually. Look for damp patches or efflorescence – white salt deposits. If it’s wet to touch, it’s too moist.

Use a relative humidity (RH) probe if you have one. Aim for 80% RH or less. Check product data sheets for specific tolerances.

For a simple test, place a clear plastic sheet on the wall. If it’s damp after 24 hours, wait until it dries out.

Preparing the CMU face for bond

Clean and roughen your CMU surface to create a good bond. Start by removing dirt, oils, and salts. Use a stiff brush or pressure washer.

Next, roughen the surface. This gives plaster something to grip onto. You can use a wire brush, mechanical grinder, or even a broom. Be careful not to remove too much material.

Consider using a bonding wash or primer. These improve adhesion and seal the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Finally, pre-wet the CMU. This helps plaster spread evenly and promotes suction. Wet the wall just before you apply your undercoat.

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The scratch coat’s job is to form a keyed, uniform base that locks into CMU and provides a stable backing for finishing coats. Choose aggregate gradation and mix consistency that produce a workable mortar with good key formation without excessive bleed or slump; check manufacturer mix guidance for your product.

Create mechanical or scratched keys deliberately—use consistent pattern, spacing, and depth so the next coat can bond into open channels rather than a closed skin. During application monitor thickness and straightedge checks, avoid overworking the surface, and keep an eye on substrate moisture and cure to prevent key-blocking and crazing.

Creating effective scratch keys and mechanical keys

The purpose of scratch keys is to create a mechanical bond between the CMU substrate and the plaster undercoat. Here’s how to form them:

For scratched grooves, use a straight edge or a keying tool to score the CMU face before applying the undercoat. Aim for 1/4″ to 3/8″ deep grooves, spaced about 6″ to 8″ apart.

Consider using metal or fibreglass lath, or keyed backer systems for enhanced mechanical bond. These products have built-in keys that provide additional grip for the undercoat. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Mixing, thickness, and aggregate selection

The ideal mixing consistency for a scratch coat is similar to that of thick peanut butter. This allows the mix to fill the keys and create a strong bond with the CMU. Here’s how:

Use clean water and add it gradually while mixing. Aim for a slump of about 2″ to 3″. Keep in mind that the slump will decrease over time, so remix as needed.

For aggregate selection, use well-graded sand with a maximum size of 1/8″ to 3/16″. This provides good workability and key formation. You can also add hair or fibre reinforcement for increased strength and crack resistance.

The safe thickness per lift is typically 1/4″ to 3/8″. Applying thicker coats increases the risk of shrinkage, sagging, and delamination. Use a straightedge or gauge to verify thickness in the field.

CMU moisture, ambient humidity, and the water in your mix interact to determine open time, set, and bond strength; use a moisture meter and hygrometer to inform decisions and consult product literature for acceptable conditions. Pre-condition the wall as directed—this may mean dampening, priming, or letting the block dry depending on the product and site conditions.

Control moisture during application by protecting work from rain, wind, or rapid drying and by adjusting surface pre-wetting versus dry-application techniques based on your substrate check. After placement allow gradual drying under controlled ventilation and consider manufacturer-recommended curing aids or temporary protection when weather or humidity could cause too-rapid or too-slow drying.

Substrate damp-proofing and vapor management

CMU walls can be porous, allowing moisture to pass through. Here’s how to manage it:

Damp-proof membranes are crucial on exterior walls. Apply them before backfilling to prevent ground moisture from wicking up.

Use flashings at wall-to-floor and wall-to-roof junctions to direct water away. For cavity walls, install cavity drainage systems to collect and remove moisture.

On interior walls, use breathable coatings or membranes to allow trapped moisture to escape. Avoid impermeable barriers unless you’re sure the substrate is dry.

On-site environmental controls

Maintaining stable conditions during application and drying prevents issues like cracking or delamination:

For exterior work, use temporary enclosures to protect from rain and wind. Set up heaters for cold weather to maintain a consistent temperature.

Use humidifiers/dehumidifiers as needed to control humidity levels. Windbreaks can also help stabilize conditions on exposed sites.

Monitor forecasts, and adjust your work schedule accordingly. Don’t let plaster set in extreme temperatures or high humidity.

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Curing is the chemical development of strength; drying is loss of surface moisture—both matter before adding the next coat. Factors such as mix type, thickness, CMU porosity, temperature, and humidity all influence cure time, so always verify the manufacturer’s recommended waiting windows.

Assess readiness with touch tests, non-destructive moisture checks, and visual inspection for a firm, non-tacky surface; follow the product data sheet for specific test methods. If cure is delayed, follow the manufacturer’s mitigation suggestions (controlled drying, temporary coverings) and re-check moisture and adhesion before proceeding with the next layer.

Field tests for cure and bond strength

Before applying the next coat, perform these simple field tests to ensure your undercoat is ready.

Surface hardness/scratch test: Lightly scratch the surface with a trowel or nail. If it’s fully cured, there should be no visible mark or imprint.

Adhesion pull tests: Stick a piece of duct tape on the surface, press firmly, then pull it off quickly at a 90° angle. If the plaster pulls away from the substrate, it’s not ready.

In-place moisture readings: Use a pin-type or non-destructive moisture meter to check for excessive moisture. Aim for less than 12% in the top inch of the undercoat.

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Frequent issues on CMU undercoats include delamination, cracking, salt bloom, and poor adhesion—each has visual cues and moisture-related indicators to look for. Start diagnostics with moisture readings, substrate cleanliness checks, and an inspection of the scratch key continuity to narrow the root cause.

Small localized damage can often be cleaned back, re-tacked, and feathered with compatible mortar, while extensive failure usually requires removal to sound substrate, CMU repair, and reapplication of a properly keyed scratch coat. Record the repair steps, verify compatibility of materials using product documentation, and perform adhesion and moisture checks after repair before finishing.

Repair methods for delamination, cracks, and salts

When faced with damaged plaster undercoats on CMU, follow these repair steps.

Efflorescence/salt bloom: Remove visible salts using a wire brush or acid wash (follow safety guidelines). Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.

Delamination: Remove loose plaster carefully. Clean the surface, apply a bonding agent, and reapply the undercoat with proper keying. Ensure staged curing and moisture management.

Cracking (alligatoring or hairline): For small cracks, use a retack process – clean, prime, and skim-coat. For extensive damage, remove cracked plaster, repair CMU surface, reapply scratch coat with proper key, and manage moisture.

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Gather essential tools: trowels, darby, straightedge, mixing equipment, brushes, and PPE, and ensure you have the specific undercoat materials, aggregates, bonding agents, primers, and curing aids recommended by manufacturers. Keep manufacturer tech sheets and safety data sheets on site and follow their storage and shelf-life guidance.

Before buying confirm key product specs: substrate compatibility, recommended mix and open time, curing requirements, vapor permeability, and any limits on application temperature or humidity as stated by the manufacturer. Verify lot numbers and application instructions on the data sheet and plan to test a small sample area for adhesion and absorption behavior prior to full-scale application.

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