I tried my first wall and got the same flaking I had in class with Calcenova Arredo. I do not know what I'm doing incorrectly. It is very discouraging. Should I give up on Calcenova and stick to something more full proof like Stucco Veneziano?

Its seems you may be attempting to burnish to soon. Some panic at the thought that they will miss the burnish time and try it to soon. Try some sample boards so you can learn the burnish time. FYI watch for humidity and differences in climate.

That is what I was thinking also...too soon on the burnish. Get in some practice on some boards or a wall that doesn't matter....gets the pressure off being perfect...The more you do it, the better your feel for the timing. Don't give up!

Melody

One day you will be troweling and a big smile will come on your face. Most likely you will shout to no one there "I get it" and never peel again. at least this is what happened to me. If you are doing the 1/2 coat stop and just do 2 and burnish.

I agree with Doyle. Try doing it without the half coat. Also, it's easy to get nervous about missing the burnish, but don't sweat it so much. You have a window of opportunity and it is not quite as small as you think. Every wall and every day are different with the limes and the more you work with them, the more confident you will feel. Don't be afraid of missing that burnish. The more evenly you apply, the better. Sometimes the peeling occurs when you have an area that received more product and it isn't ready yet, but the surrounding area is. If that happens, just close it off or rub the areas that are ready with your hand very lightly to "hold" it until the thicker area is ready. Remember to slowly increase the pressure of the burnish to be sure it is ready. Try a large piece of drywall to get a better idea of timing on a real wall. Good luck! You'll get it. I'm sure of it!

To be honest i encountered the same thing. However my problem was applying the half coat not burnishing to soon. Doyle in a perfect condition how much time do i have between the second coat and the half coat? What, in a perfect condition is the cure time for that second coat? thanks John

Until it does not look wet, about 15 to 30 minutes

Thanks Doyle,learned fast you cant be in a rush when your are on the last wall and need to leave.

when you start your burnish, remember to NEVER pull at right angles with your trowel, make sure your trowel sort of slices across the finish and go lightly.

a general rule for burnishing is when it stops looking glistening wet, it is time to check it out it shoudl be damp, not glistening.