Wet & Dry Dashing

Dry Dashing

Dry Dashing is widely used as a decorative finish to external buildings and walls. Generally the decorative pebble is cast onto a base coat mixture of sand and cement or a coloured render. The decorative pebble protrudes from the white or rendered background. WE provide a range of mixes that you can find in our building stone range and we can provide custom mixes upon request if you are looking for a particular finish and overall effect.

The Advantages of Dry Dashing are as follows:

• Improved water shedding properties
• Gives good impact resistance
• Provides a low maintenance decorative finish
• Protects the substrate
• Gives architects and designers a wide choice of colour and texture

How much dry dashing do I need?

The dry dashing quantities noted below are rough guidelines. It is advisable to consult your plasterer or employed tradesperson for more accurate information.
1 50kg of Dry Dashing covers 4 sqm
1 25kg of Dry Dashing covers 2 sqm
1 25kg bag of limestone sand covers 1.25 sqm
1 25kg of White cement covers 25 sqm*
1 Tonne of Wet Dash covers 40 sqm

*Limestone sand & white cement (ratio 4:1) are usually mixed for form a base coat for the dry dash.

Wet Dashing

Wet dashing is a traditional pebble dash approach. The pebble is pre-mixed with cement and lime and cast onto a scratch coated wall. The pebble is sunk within the mixture and presented as a rough textured finish. It is usually white or grey in appearance (depending on the cement used).

How much wet dash do I need?

The quantity of wet dashing required for a project is best determined by the plasterer employed to complete the job, however, on average 1 Tonne of wet dashing covers approximately 40sqm. The wet dash contains lime, pebble (10mm) and cement, it is cured over a period of time.

Dashing is made from naturally occurring gravel and sand, therefore it’s important to order the right amount to finish the job. Prepare a work area that can be finished in one day. Never begin a work area unless you have enough dashing on hand to finish it, as the following production may vary in colour and texture.

Blend the dashing from three regions throughout the face of the bulk delivery to avoid colour fluctuation. Blend from a minimum of three bags if the product is provided bagged.

Site Conditions

Wet Dash should not be used on frozen or thawing walls or when the temperature is below 5°C. For at least 24 hours after application, the dashing should be kept dry. A uniform appearance necessitates proper storage, consistent workability, and background suction.

Health and Safety

Because dry or wet dash is a cement/lime-based substance, PPE such as gloves, eye protection, and a face mask should be worn. If the render comes into contact with the skin or the inside of clothing, it should be removed promptly and the area thoroughly cleansed with clean water.

What is the difference between dry and wet dash?

Wet dashing and dry dashing are two similar methods of external wall rendering. With wet dash, one adds stones to the sand and cement mix before applying it to the walls, creating a rough finish. With dry dash, one applies the cement and sand mixture to the walls and then sticks the pebbles on.

See our range of garden stone furniture as well, which includes this lovely granite garden bench, this round garden table, and this oval stone table and benches.