Hi guys,

i have an external wall approx 2m by 1m covered in old pebbledash render which is knackered & will be taken off
if i was to apply a coat of sand & cement would this be good protection against the weather (rain especialy)?
also do i need to add anything to the mix? & do i need to seal the wall with pva or similar beforehand?

hack off spray down wall scratch coat 4:1 plastering sand and cement with waterproofer. lay it on rule it off and run a scratch combe through it makeing sure not to dig it in right down to the bricks as this will ruin the bond.
top coat of 5:1 plastering sand and cement some people use waterproofer in the top coat and some dnt, i do but i dnt think its 100% needed but as i said i do just to be safe, lay it on rule it off fill in hollows rule off till its all flat and true, let it pick up a bit then float it up with a polyurethane float and finish with a sponge, always rub float and sponge in smooth circular motions. some others might be along to offer different ways of doin things to give you some options

cheers for the info
is the waterproofer needed or can i get away without it as its such a small area?

its best to put the waterproofer in mate other wise it wnt last in the weather and could give you more problems

why is the skim applied in two layers & not one?

makes sure you get a good bond also the bricks can grin through if you do one coat makes it easier to get a nice true wall first coat only takes out so much discrepantcies and the top coat flattens off lovley.
also i dnt know how deep you have to fill but if you put it on too thick it can sag and crack