OK I admit that I don't know what the heck I'm doing. I have about 16 ft of concrete block wall with one corner that will form two sides of a lapidary shop in my back yard. I have capstones laid on the top. Now I am trying to apply some natural stone veneer that I have already purchased using the Spec Stone Veneer mortar. I have tried to apply the first piece on the corner under the capstone. The mortar mix seemed a little thin and the piece wanted to sag. I had to prop it up. I am using a 1/2" scratch trowel. And I mixed a batch of mortar in a 6 gallon plastic bucket stirring with a long 1" dowel adding more dry mortar till it seemed thick enough.

I know I need to do the corner first and then go across keeping the lines plumb.

It is about 60 degrees here in So Cal and the sun is out.

I need some general direction about getting the right mix, appplying the scratch coat, and getting the veneer pieces to stay in one place after application.

Any and all help would be much appreciated.

Thanks...Alan