Scratch renders are relatively easy to apply and finish, if you get the timing right. Mix and apply your render to the full thickness required. Do not be tempted to skimp on the thickness because you need to scratch the surface back to achieve the desired finish and if the render isn’t thick enough then you can scratch through to the base coat….Not a good start! Once you have applied the render to the required thickness, flatten in with a spatula to an even thickness. Now you leave it until the initial set has been achieved. You will know it is ready when you can scratch it with your thumb nail but when you press the render hard with your thumb it doesn’t leave an impression. Now you need to scratch the surface of the render with a special render scratch float. Rub this over in small circular motions without too much pressure. This will start to remove the top few mm of the render. Once you have rubbed the entire area of render, make sure there are no bits that have been missed. Now you need to brush the surface down with a soft clean floor brush to remove the dust from the face of the render. Make sure you don’t miss any bits, and look out for any areas that you haven’t scratched properly.